Platform Magazine - Justice for Students edition

OUR COMMITTEE

Rucsandra Moldoveanu Editor-in-Chief

Will Hugall Deputy Editor

Ellie Ruff Head of Design

Lauren Ryan Deputy Head of Design

Adam Eaton News Editor

Eleanor Lawrence Fashion & Beauty Editor

Louise Walt Music Editor

Rose Edwards Creative Corner Editor

Akhila Thomas Culture & Entertainment Editor

Maddie Osborn Sport Editor

Scarlett Acres Head of Marketing & Treasurer

Katie Mortimer Travel & Lifestyle Editor

CONTENTS

Editor’s note - A letter from our Editor-in-Chief and President, Rucsandra Moldoveanu

NTSU President’s note - A letter from our NTSU President, Benedict Wills

NEWS

Project Winter - Read all about our online project in collaboration with Impact Magazine at UoN about how students are coping with the cost of living crisis

An interview with Notts Spiking

Awareness - Over a year after the nationwide Girls Night In boycott, we spoke to the student-led activism forum

Being deaf at NTU - What is it like and learn some BSL

A year of war - We spoke to the Ukrainian mum who found sanctuary in a Nottingham family’s home

FASHION & BEAUTY

The fight for male makeup - One of our writers explores the importance of equality in beauty

Cost of living crisis - What can fashion and beauty tell us about the state of the economy?

Times fashion has made a political statement - See how tight the link between fashion and politics really is Fashion’s answer to the cost of living crisis - Learn how to build a capsule wardrobe

MUSIC

NTU has music opportunities for everyone - Hear from NTU’s very own Lucy Crisp about her experiences

Radar discusses the dark side of the music industry - One of the co-owners recalls the label’s history

Social justice and change - See Platform’s favourite albums about these matters

In conversation with singer Em SprayThe performer talks about their journey

A playlist for student life - These songs will take you through all kinds of uni emotions

CREATIVE CORNER

The life of a university student - It isn’t always easy

Lonely - Uncertainty can birth a lot of strange emotions

Photo gallery - See what social causes were the most important to our writers

TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE

CN 28 and sustainability - The road to a Green Nottingham LGBT nightlife - A complete guide to a queer night out in Nottingham

Travel for everyone - How inclusive is it?

Financial literacy for all - Read how important a basic understanding of finances is

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Doing your bit - Environmental organisations to support as a student Where students and their fight for social justice stole the show - Read about how students are portrayed in recent shows Towards the goal of a city for all -

Equality has never been more important Give back to the community - Initiatives for students to support whilst at NTU

SPORT

How a phobia can stop you from playing sport - What it’s like to play netball when suffering from emetophobia

How Nottingham’s football clubs started speaking up for refugees - Read about how they stand #withrefugees

Biofuels, recyclables and fewer flightsHow football can fight for the environment

Walking Football - The Beautiful Game at a slower pace

Thank you - To all our contributors, thank you for making this print edition possible

From the editor

Dear Platform reader,

Welcome to our Justice for Students print edition!

The theme of this magazine is based on our collaboration with Impact Magazine at the University of Nottingham, #ProjectWinter.

This project saw us uncover the struggles students, an underrepresented group in the media, have had to go through this winter due to the cost of living crisis. Officially launched in January on both publications’ social media, #ProjectWinter helped us tell all your worst stories related to housing, additional incomes, altered uni experiences, but also unfair student finance.

Thank you so much to everyone who shared their stories with us - this collaboration would not have been possible without you and we hope our findings will drive the necessary change.

In this edition, however, you can read a range of articles on a number of issues affecting students.

Our news section will take you through what being a deaf student at NTU is like, spiking, but also the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Our lifestyle sections will tell you how political the fashion industry can be, but also how crucial inclusivity is when travelling.

For Music and Culture & Entertainment, we looked at how accessible opportunities are at NTU, as well as organisations you can support as a student.

Our first print Creative Corner section in over a year explored loneliness at university through a wonderful poem, but also looked at some of the protests that have taken place recently.

Lastly, our Sports section will tell you what being an athlete with emetophobia is like, as well as how local football clubs are supporting refugees. I believe that through this edition, we really gave you a platform to tell your stories related to social injustices, so I hope you enjoy reading all about it.

Best,

Rucsandra Moldoveanu Platform Editor-in-Chief

From the SU President

Hello,

I hope you’ve all enjoyed Term 2.

As NTSU President, I want to ensure students are valued and listened to, pushing for further support and encouraging everyone to speak up.

We want to make sure that there is justice for students in difficult times, from the rising cost of living to housing issues, there is plenty of support NTU and NTSU can offer you, our students.

If you are having accommodation issues, then get in contact with the Information and Advice Service, which will be able to point you in the right direction for support. This could be about your contract, living conditions, or if you just need some advice about leaving your accommodation.

The current rising inflation levels and uncertain economy is an issue for all students. If you ever feel like you can’t make a bill, or need some advice on how to make ends meet, then check out the dedicated support on NTU’s website. The hardship scheme can help you short term, and the dedicated financial advisors are able to support you and help manage your money.

Lastly, a degree is always going to be difficult and a lot of students will be in a new environment, especially those who have just joined us from overseas. NTSU has dedicated societies and communities, so you can meet like-minded people and make the most of your university experience, it’s never too late to get involved.

Although this term will be hard, there are still plenty of events and activities on offer from the Students’ Union. Our entertainment team have put on some outstanding events for everyone to enjoy. If you want to see what is on, then head to TrentEvents.co.uk for more information.

If you need help or support and don’t know where to go, my inboxes are always open. Just search Benedict Wills on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Alternatively, you can email me at benedict.wills@su.ntu.ac.uk.

I hope everyone had a great term, and I hope to see you all around soon.

Benedict Wills NTSU President

Fewer nights out and horror housing stories: We revealed your cost of living crisis struggles with #ProjectWinter

The recent cost of living crisis has not done anyone any favours.

Students have been particularly affected by this as the cold months took over, with heating prices skyrocketing.

On January 17, we launched “PROJECT WINTER” in collaboration with Impact Magazine at the University of Nottingham to tell your stories. Whether your experiences related to having to keep the heating off because it was too expensive, to cutting down on weekly grocery shops, or even to turning to alternative incomes like full-time jobs or sex work to afford living, we heard it all.

Having unpleasant encounters with your landlords over issues such as mould and damp or even rat infestations is not something extraordinary for students and it has been a part of ‘uni culture’ for a long time.

The hardship of being a student this past winter was obviously shadowed by the rising cost of living that loomed over all of us. That had many implications, such as fewer trips home and nights out and even people trying to balance working 40 hours a week with completing a full-time degree. The themes that we covered in the project are:

• Housing: Our investigation into housing conditions across Nottingham revealed horror stories which ranged from students having to live in mouldy, rat-infested houses to broken boilers and useless landlords.

• Food: The food team looked into how student eating habits have changed because of the rising cost of living, including reduced food shops or student use of food banks.

• Work: This team investigated whether students have had to turn to part or full-time jobs, as well as more unusual income sources, like sex work.

• University life: This team looked at how students’ uni experience has been impacted by the rising cost of living, including fewer nights out.

• Finance: The finance team investigated how fair student finance is and whether students receive enough money to support themselves through university.

• University help: This group looked into what NTU and UoN have been doing to support students through this winter –and whether that support was enough.

#ProjectWinter has proved to be an incredible piece of journalism before our findings were even published, as it was recognised by the Students Publication Association as one of the 10 Best Projects in the country. We want to thank everyone who has let us tell their stories through this project, and hope that our findings will push for change. To read all our #ProjectWinter features, scan the QR code below, or visit platformmagazine.co.uk/ projectwinter/.

Words: Rucsandra Moldoveanu Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

An interview with Notts Spiking Awareness: “It is more than one voice, when we all come together”

Anew student-led activism forum, Notts Spiking Awareness (NSA), is the latest organisation to take a stand against the Nottingham spiking crisis within clubs.

NSA is uniting organisations across Nottingham to make a meaningful impact on the nightlife economy.

Rachel Enemua spoke to Lauren Jade Simpson, the communications officer for NSA. What is the most common type of spiking?

According to the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, the most common type of spiking is excessive amounts of alcohol being added into people’s glasses without their knowledge and said there is little evidence of drugs involved.

Do you think the long drug testing process is allowing cases to go unreported?

It’s only when you get to a certain point you’ve realized you’ve been spiked and how quickly you can get tested.

If you go to A&E, think about the wait times; if there is no urgency to find the drug, then they are just going to dismiss it.

Do you believe the police are doing enough?

No. But at the same time, I think it comes down to what the clubs could do more of.

The councils can only do so much with the funding they have, whereas individual clubs could offer more training to their staff and could do more through

security checks. There have been numerous problems with certain security companies in the past, so why don’t they get a new type of security?

My mentor told me that if you want to attack this issue head on, then you need to go to the managers of clubs - that is where the real change is going to come about. You’ve got to push them in that direction.

What is your message for clubs?

You can’t keep on sitting back waiting for change to happen.

For the students and the public who want to get involved, I’d say the main thing to do is to bombard these people with messages on their social media pages, e-mail them consistently, get in touch with people, and align yourself with groups like ours. There are so many different groups on both Nottingham university campuses that you can join to put pressure on clubs. When there was the Girls Night In boycott, this ended up closing all the clubs in the city for the night. They didn’t see the point in opening because they wanted to stand by us.

Things like this can make big changes because it is more than one voice, when we all come together.

In the future, what change do you want to see in nightlife venues?

More legislation on the issue. I know it’s been recently debated

in parliament because Nadia Whittome took part in that. We also need greater staff and more initiatives like Nottingham Best Bar None and to get more students involved in testing out these bars to see how well they are actually responding. How are you going to create a legacy so the forum can continue for years to come?

When we finish university, we want to pass this forum on to a student society to force these organisations to get back together over time.

We don’t want people to forget, it’s something that needs to have a legacy, that needs to keep on going and being discussed because if we stop talking about it then we’ll open it up for people to be spiked again.

NSA is holding a Nightlife Safety forum to raise awareness of drink spiking affecting students and the wider population.

Local spiking charities, government officials and nightclub managers are all attending, creating a great opportunity for students to network. The group’s mission is to make people aware of the services available and educate them on drug spiking to create safer nights out.

Words: Rachel Enemua

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Unsplash

Screens freezing and communication through notes app: What it’s like to be a deaf student

Final year Fine Art student

Zoe Milner is part of the deaf community and is currently striving to achieve her dreams of becoming a creative deaf artist. A look into her personal experiences at Nottingham Trent University will expose the strengths and weaknesses of NTU’s accommodation of the deaf community overall.

my interpreter and therefore couldn’t understand what was going on.”

When in-person activities returned in her second year, Zoe thrived, receiving more specialist support such as modifying her writing into current grammar structure which was a great help for her grammar skills and eventually helped her to achieve a 2:1 in three of her modules.

to integrate into the wider non-deaf community at NTU.”

BSL BSL BSL BSL

Zoe suggests that encouraging students to learn BSL (British Sign Language) or take part in other support services could help deaf students at university.

BSL BSL BSL BSL

Coming to NTU from a deaf school, Zoe found herself in a new environment, one that was primarily catered towards a community of fullyhearing students.

“I feel that after the pandemic, I was really able to improve my outlook on learning, and I was able to reach for my ambitions.

“As an ex-president of NTU’s BSL society during 2021/22, I can assure that this society did an amazing job at teaching students to use sign-language throughout the academic year.

BSL BSL BSL BSL

Upon her first day in lectures, Zoe noticed that she was the only deaf student on her course, which made her time at university challenging. She told Platform: “My experience joining NTU in September 2020 was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced in my entire life.

“Through the time I spend in the [art] studio, I was able to communicate more and make new friends that I wasn’t able to in first year.

“To be honest, I feel like communication with people within the studio, within the NTU community is easy, because they already accept my personality.

“I think that this is very important for them as they can use the language to communicate better with people like me, who originally feel distanced from the wider NTU community.

“I really do hope to see BSL society continue in the future, even long after I graduate this year.

BSL BSL BSL BSL

“It was hard enough joining a brandnew institution as a deaf student, but to do so during a global pandemic was really difficult.

“Technical difficulties during my largely online-based first year meant that I really struggled to communicate effectively with my tutors, peers, and interpreters.

“They always use their phone’s notes app to communicate with me daily.” She continued: “With that said, however, I don’t think there would be anything wrong with more support from students and staff.

“If more people use BSL, it will really help to improve the lives of deaf students everywhere.”

According to NTU, the University had 78 stduents who were deaf or had a significant hearing loss in 2020. For support, visit: ntu.ac.uk/studenthub.

BSL BSL BSL BSL

“The screen would sometimes glitch or freeze, meaning that I couldn’t see

“More specialist services and awareness towards the deaf community would really help ease the burden off deaf students who feel like they have to work especially hard

Words: Adam Eaton and Beth Williams

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Zoe Milner

Learn BSL with Megan

Pictures: Megan Lewis

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

A year of war: We met the Ukrainians who found sanctuary in Nottingham

As events around the world mark one-year since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, Azucena Mugnier meets the refugees who made Nottingham their new home.

When the first explosion came, at around 10am, on February 24, 2022, Liliia Kozlovska found herself hiding in the hallway of her flat with her family. Her husband’s gun was loaded and next to them, ready to shoot if needed.

The 44-year-old mumof-one remembers waking up that day, seeing planes in the sky but struggling to find out what was happening. Neighbours had even already started to move while others queued for supplies at petrol stations, cashing machines and grocery stores. Nobody knew how long or how quickly things could develop. Now after a year of war, Liliia is sharing her story of leaving everything she knew behind to protect her

12-year-old daughter from the horrors of war.

“The first news about the occupation was about raping of small girls and, when I thought about my daughter, I could not stay there if the next day someone came to my house and did this to her,” says former teacher Liliia Kozlovska as she sits in Nottingham’s Ukraine Cultural Centre on Mansfield Road.

“The war is something we thought belonged to our grandparents’ generation, not the 21st Century.

“The war is something we thought belonged to our granparents’ generation, not the 21st century”

Liliia Kozlovska

“Some of our friends even moved before the invasion.

“They moved from the country, but we thought: ‘Oh, you are crazy, this will never happen’.

“Everybody started to write news from different parts, we heard explosions, our relatives started leaving Kyiv… “It was awful because it was in one moment from all parts.”

Bombs started destroying her neighbours’ houses, leaving only huge holes in the floor.

an online tutor, vital documents and a few clothes.

“When I was crossing the border, my laptop was, I think, the most expensive thing because I understood that I needed to work,” adds Liliia.

They both stayed in Gdynia, Poland, in a one-bedroom flat for two months before being told that they either had to leave or go back to Ukraine.

Platform chronicled the process in a round-the-clock liveblog that captured the experience of the sponsor and Liliia as they waited for a response from the scheme. While scared, Kozlovska and her daughter were received in the UK with open arms by their sponsor when they landed at Doncaster airport.

LiliiaKozlovska

Liliia knew she had to be strong for her daughter.

After more than a week fearing the next explosion might strike their flat in Zhytomyr, about two hours’ drive west of Kyiv, she found space on a bus headed toward the Polish border.

The pair waited for nearly ten hours –thankful they were waiting on the bus and not outside in the freezing weather like many others – before crossing the border.

Liliia carried with her the few items she knew she would need to keep her family afloat. Her laptop so she could try to work as

One evening Kozlovska decided to register with a volunteer organisation named Opora in the hopes of finding a sponsor in the United Kingdom under the Homes for Ukraine (HfU) scheme.

HfU allowed British people to open their homes to Ukrainians who needed accommodation.

The next morning, March 19, she had already received between 20 to 30 offers.

Very overwhelmed, Liliia still cannot understand why the people of Britain were this open-hearted to her and her daughter.

The pair then faced an anxious 30-day wait for their applications to the scheme to be processed and their visas issued.

“I wrote in my form that I am a teacher and that I wanted to find people who are working in this field because it’s easier to understand people with similar thoughts, with similar views,” adds Liliia.

Her husband – who had a medical exemption from military service –left a couple of months later, in April, and moved to Scotland. After living in Zhytomyr for the past 40 years, Liliia is trying to rebuild a life of her own in the United Kingdom and hopes her family will soon be able to reunite. Currently completing a teaching assistant course, Liliia and her husband are hoping to be able to rent a house of their own in the next few months.

Nonetheless, Ukraine remains her land, and her family will only be completed when they all return home.

Kozlovska said: “You asked what is common in all Ukrainians.

“I think they are broken inside. “They can smile, but inside, they are broken.”

Liliia describes feeling constant pain for her nation and wishes for a calm life back with no more deaths.

“I had a panic attack on the airplane.

“I realised that I was flying to a country where I didn’t know anybody.

“I thought what am I doing, I am on an island, I don’t know anybody here, and my daughter needs me.”

While Liliia journeyed to the United Kingdom, other Brits were working to support the Ukrainian cause in any way they could.

Steve Palmer, 51, is part of the Notts Ukraine Solidarity Campaign and a North Atlantic Fellas Organization (NAFO) member.

““I realised that I was flying to a country where I didn’t know anybody”

Liliia Kozlovska

Born and bred in Nottingham he has organised marches and protests around the city.

Since the start of the war, Steve has organised around seven or eight protests which hundreds of people have attended. And he played an important part in the commemoration.

He is confident that Ukraine can win this war if they can get support.

“The only way it can end is through total liberation of Ukraine, including Crimea,” he says.

“This thing needs to end, stop.

“You can’t have any deals, sort of conflict areas that are still occupied by Russians, it will never end.”

Steve considers this war a clear sign that people still have not learned from the past. History is repeating itself and social media is his most powerful weapon.

Along with fellow NAFO members, he posts memes and pushes back against Russian disinformation as much as possible.

The dad is very admirative of Ukrainians and will be visiting the country as

soon as it is possible.

“People have had to escape, and yet they just carry on,” he says. “When you look into your own life and the problems that you are having, it puts all that into perspective because those people are coming from a bloody hell.

“Maybe they have lost family members, they’ve got loved ones fighting on the front lines, yet they still got the courage to get on with their lives and then to get involved and do stuff.”

What might be seen and considered as courage by some is for Kozlovska the only way Ukrainians have to keep going and save their nation and relatives.

Katya Biliaieva, 35, mother of a five-yearold son, said similar words.

After moving from Kyiv to Odesa a couple of days before for work reasons, the explosions started. For Katya and her family, the bombs started around 4am and did not allow them to get any sleep.

Buildings on fire,

uncontrollable vibrations, and messages from her relatives wondering if they were okay was Biliaieva’s routine for three days straight. On the fourth day, all three of them left and travelled for many months around Europe before finally being able to arrive in Nottingham.

that they will go back home soon, no matter how much she wishes she could.

“I said before the war: ‘I promise you nothing will happen’.

“And she said: ‘You once promised me that nothing will happen…’ “It was very hard. I try not to promise her anything now.”

Words:

Azucena Mugnier Design:

Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Lead image: Mateusz Gasinski

Katya’s husband is currently working in the military while she volunteers in the City Hospital to support Ukraine in any form possible.

The Biliaieva family is hoping to find a flat for the three of them soon and does not see themselves going back any time soon. And while her son is adapting to life in England with very few difficulties, Kozlovska’s daughter seems to be, on the contrary, very homesick. Liliia is unable to promise her young girl

Credits: Unsplash

StevePalmer

KatyaBiliaieva

“I try not to promise my daughter anything now” Liliia Kozlovska

Credits: Rucsandra Moldoveanu and Adam Eaton

The fight for male makeup to become normalised: The importance in equality of beauty

While genderless, makeup has been for years considered a stereotypical ‘girly’ interest to have. Only in recent years has it been increasingly publicised on men.

Many male makeup influencers have been growing in audiences, exposing this to challenge social norms.

Ollie Stafford, a 20-year-old Sports Science student at Nottingham Trent University, is a member of the NTSU Makeup Society.

Whilst the society is made up predominantly of women, there are a few members of the social group who are men.

Some of these male members do choose to express themselves through wearing makeup, while others are in it for the enjoyment and the inclusivity of the society.

About joining the society, Ollie said: “I thought it would be a good way of meeting new friends, and I could get involved with something I’ve never really got involved with before.”

Ollie is a member who has never worn makeup but is supportive to those men who do wear makeup. Makeup is often used as a way for people to enhance their natural beauty, or alternatively, express their creativity.

When asked about men wearing makeup, active makeup society member Ollie said: “Men being able to express themselves is a good thing, just as much as it is for women. “I think in society there is still lots of stigma around men wearing makeup,

but it is definitely starting to become a lot more accepted.”

Male influencers, such as James Charles and Bretman Rock, are famously known for their talent in the makeup industry, redefining what is meant by modern beauty standards.

The NTSU Makeup Society is a great way to advocate for normalising men wearing makeup in many ways, as anyone can attend sessions through the society and interact with men who wear makeup or those who advocate for this.

The society is offering various events during the second term, including the Bring a Boy workshop, showing a conscious effort by the society to encourage some men to escape their comfort zone by wearing makeup.

“The Bring a Boy workshop is an opportunity for members of the Makeup Society to bring a boy - a friend or a boyfriend, whoever - along to get their makeup done,” Ollie added. Other events by the society include workshops for members to take part in alongside socials for members to meet each other.

Members like Ollie are keen advocates of men wearing makeup alongside women, by normalising and encouraging it.

He said: “I think the Makeup Society is a fantastic advocate for men wearing makeup because there’s quite a few male members in it.

"I think that’s a good thing.”

In terms of representation, this is

vital for normalising male makeup in everyday society, starting with Nottingham Trent University.

When asked what the university could do, Ollie suggested: “NTU could have men wearing makeup in some of their adverts on their websites, brochures or around campus.

“NTU as a whole is a really inclusive place and I think it would add to the inclusivity factor.”

There are a number of students at the university that include men wearing makeup so for them to be represented would only be fair. This could also encourage other men who may want to begin to wear makeup, to do so, by seeing it normalised around campus. Makeup is a universal interest, made to be shared and experienced by all, no matter the gender.

Normalising male makeup is crucial in moving forward in society, dissolving the stigma that may occur when men do choose to wear makeup.

There are many reasons to which individuals wear makeup, whether it be for confidence or enjoyment and should not be finite to anyone.

Words: Holly Mayze

Design: Lauren Ryan Images: Ollie Stafford & Pexels

Ollie is an active member of the NTSU Makeup Society

What can fashion and beauty tell us about the state of the economy?

The cost-of-living crisis has taken its toll on the current UK public, and it has forced us all to look and adjust our spending habits – and they can be more telling than you think.

Throughout history, economic hardships have increased the amount of income loss, unemployment, job instability and economic insecurity for individuals, making their weekly luxuries a thing of the past.

However, forecasts of the economy can be measured using quirky fashion-based indexes, from men’s underwear to lipstick sales. The theories are not proven but provide a strong idea on the fluctuation of cultural habits at specific points in history and we’ve outlined some for you to examine yourselves.

The lipstick effect

The theory, formulated by Estée Lauder’s Leonard Lauder during the 2001 recession, suggests that the sale of affordable luxuries increases during difficult economic periods. Small products that are easily accessible that can boost your mood become more popular, such as lipstick. This is typically found with beauty products because it encourages people to feel better about themselves and it is an aspect of their lives which they have control over.

Leonard found that lipstick sales rose during the 2001 autumn season, in the midst of economic hard times. Typically, this can be seen again today with the cost-of-living crisis and the rise of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’, requiring numerous products to achieve the look.

The hemline index

This theory suggests that the length of a hemline on skirts and dresses can indicate stock prices. It says that when the economy is strong and performing well, hemlines will rise, and the length of clothing will become shorter to match the cheerful vibe. Similarly, when there is a recession, hemline lengths come further down, reflecting the gloomy feel in society.

This can be seen through monumental financial moments throughout history, beginning in the 1920s. Nicknamed the ‘roaring 20s, hemlines rose with the flapper style fashion trends, contrasted against the 1930s Great Depression when they were lowered, following the Wall Street Crash in 1929. Similar trends happened when the financial market re-established itself in the 60s following the 1949 recession, miniskirts became the iconic wardrobe piece that we associate with the decade.

The male underwear indicator

This theory regularly suggests that men’s underwear sales fall and rise depending on the economy. Coinciding with the hemline index, when there is economic uncertainty, the sales fall, compared to the sales rising

when there is economic improvement.

It outlines how a necessity purchase in normal economic times can be deferred until it becomes absolutely essential that new ones are needed. In 2009, a consumer research company, Mintel, predicted that there would be a 2.3 percent decline in men’s underwear sales and there would be no recovery until 2013, looking at the economy forecast. This theory is noted for being followed by former Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan. These may be unofficial theories, but they hold a lot of substance and have strong evidence to help back them up. From now on, you will be able to look at up and coming fashion and beauty trends and predict how the economy will move forwards in future years.

Words: Eleanor Lawrence

Design: Ellie Ruff

Images: Unsplash - Hitesh Dewasi, Elen Aivali, Esteban Bernal

12 times fashion has made a political statement

Fashion is a great form of self-expression, and one people use to express more than just their personality and emotions, often used in politics too to highlight an issue and show support. Here are some of the most iconic fashion statement pieces that showcase this.

1 Stormzy’s stab-proof vest

The former police issue garment, designed by Banksy, was worn during the artist’s set at Glastonbury. Rust red was the one colour that stood out on the stab-proof vest. The vest itself was worn to highlight the issue of knife crime within Britain and the racial inequality in the criminal justice system.

2 Pink Pussyhat

Following Donald Trump’s election in 2016, America took to the streets in the 2017 Women’s March, clad in pink hats to fight against the sexism the former president had showcased on several occasions.

The project had a goal of one million pink hats handed out at the Washington March to show unity among those marching.

They also used the pink Pussyhat name to reclaim it after Trump’s 2005 remark of “grab them by the pussy” went viral.

Despite the idea behind the project, it was criticised at the time due to the lack of inclusivity when associating the hats with genitals since not all women have vaginas and they’re not all pink.

The creators of the project rejected these claims when saying they were using pink to associate the hats with femininity, love, compassion, and care, not anatomy.

3 LeBron James’s 2014 tribute to Eric Garner

In 2014 LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and several other NBA players wore shirts with the phrase “I Can’t Breathe”.

This followed the death of Eric Garner, a 43-year-old man killed by police when they put him in a prohibited chokehold. He repeated the phrase “I can’t breathe” 11 times before he lost consciousness, he was pronounced dead around an hour later at an area hospital.

His death was ruled a homicide and the team wore shirts in tribute to Eric Garner, highlighting the racial injustice issues in America.

4 Beyoncé’s Superbowl tribute

Beyoncé took to the field during the Superbowl halftime show in 2016 with dancers in outfits that appeared to be a tribute to the Black Panther Party.

The dancers were sporting black leather and black berets, similar to those worn by the Black Panthers. This was all to her single Formation, a black power anthem that had her dancers sporting afros, something important to the Black Panther Party.

5 The Black Panther Party

Speaking of the Black Panther Party, the group was known for their afros and berets.

The afro symbolised the pride that the Black Panthers had in their natural hair as it defied European standards of beauty that were very often pushed onto black people. It was a symbol of pushing back against American society. This was often paired with a beret, a symbol of revolution throughout history. They represented resistance, militancy, and non-conformism.

6 The #MeToo Golden Globes Red Carpet

The Golden Globes red carpet in 2018 was taken over by black outfits when the celebrities attending the award show illustrated their support

for the #MeToo movement and raised awareness against sexual harassment. This was the first major awards show since the allegations against Harvey Weinstein had come out and rocked the entertainment industry. Most of those who attended the Golden Globes wore black for the Time’s Up and #MeToo movements.

7 Gloria Steinem

This one isn’t an event, but Gloria Steinem is recognised as a leader of second-wave feminism in the later 1960s and early 1970s.

One look comes to mind when I think of her - a tennis dress-esque outfit while she was at the Women’s Strike for Equality meeting in 1970. There’s also her red turtleneck, lowwaist jeans, and brown belt she wore when she was at a rally to get more support for state senate candidate Catherine O’Neill in 1972.

8 Angela Davis

Alongside Gloria Steinem is Angela Davis, another political activist, academic, and author. She has no one outfit that stands out, but she was a member of the Black Panther Party, meaning she sported an afro.

However, some of her most iconic outfits were from pre-trial hearings for her involvement in the shooting in Marin County California where guns she had purchased were used by Jonathan Jackson and one of the three Soledad.

She was found not guilty by an allwhite jury.

Another iconic outfit comes after her release from prison, where she addressed and audience at Northern Illinois University.

This outfit includes a patterned shirt, jacket, and jeans, a simple outfit that looked amazing.

While this may seem like minimising these women to only their fashion, they have been pivotal in the fight for equality.

9 Florence Pugh’s Free the Nipple Controversy

Florence Pugh ‘freed the nipple’ at Valentino’s F/W 2022 haute couture runway.

She wore a sheer, hot pink Valentino dress with no bra and was met with mixed reactions online, with some of it being a wave of outrage.

The actress took to social media to address the people who spoke out against it, speaking of how she knew people would be talking about it and that she wasn’t nervous at all. She said she doesn’t allow societal norms and decorum to limit how she dresses, therefore making a statement against the censorship of the female body.

This wasn’t the only time she ‘freed the nipple’, there was also her sheer set that included a gorgeous seethrough cropped collared top and a maxi skirt to match.

Pugh looked stunning in both outfits, which is no surprise since she always does, but these two outfits are the first to come to mind when thinking of recent widely known statements made.

10

Alexandria

Ocasio-Cortez at the Met Gala

Speaking of recent controversies, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Tax the Rich dress worn to the 2021 Met Gala is another.

The white dress with the red font was met with mixed reactions (similar to Florence Pugh’s), including people supporting the message and the action, and some asking why she was

attending an event with some of the wealthiest people in America if she disliked the rich.

Some called her politics performative; others praised the dress as it made the message go viral.

All in all, it doesn’t matter where you stand on the dress and whether it was performative or not, people saw it and it went viral.

11 The Suffragettes,1908

The Suffragettes, fighters for women’s rights, wore outfits reflecting the Edwardian feminine fashion of the time.

Supporters had clear branding, with three colours on their sash, with purple representing dignity, white for loyalty and green for hope.

12 Katharine Hamnett

Katharine Hamnett is known for her sustainable brand, which wasn’t always that way, but once she knew, she terminated licensing agreements and relaunched in 2005 with stricter ethical guidelines.

George Michael from Wham! wore a ‘Choose Life’ t-shirt in the music video for Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.

The t-shirt was against war, death, and destruction.

Roger Taylor from Queen wore a ‘Worldwide Nuclear Ban Now’ shirt for the Rock in Rio Queen performance.

It’s safe to say fashion has always been and will always be closely linked to politics to showcase a movement without words.

Words: Rose Edwards

Design: Lauren Ryan

Images: Pexels & Unsplash

Fashion’s answer to the cost-of-living crisis

Save yourself some cash and get creative with a capsule wardrobe

With the cost-of-living crisis hitting every aspect of your life, it’s maybe time to halt your retail therapy addiction. It’s all too easy to splurge on the latest trends the instant student loans drop, however, the new semester is a great chance to downsize your wardrobe, saving you money and storage space.

A capsule wardrobe is a simple and timeless selection of clothing that can be mixed and matched depending on the occasion: drinks, work, or a chill weekend at home. The premise is to have a select few items that can be paired easily and are able to be dressed up or down. Often this is best achieved with minimalist items or neutral colours that complement each other.

Rather than opening your wardrobe to an avalanche of unworn items, this gives you the chance to strip your closet back to basics. Sometimes more options can just cause confusion over what to put on.

We’ve all been there, surrounded by piles of fabric proclaiming we have nothing to wear.

While it may be daunting to reduce your wardrobe at first, once your options are limited, it becomes quicker and easier to choose the outfit for the day, giving you plenty of time to snooze your alarm without the panic of getting ready.

The streamlined closet can also

save you money. Instead of buying the latest trends you can play dressup at a fraction of the cost with what is already in your wardrobe. But if you want a complete change, or nothing in your closet is versatile enough, then shopping for fewer items means you won’t have to spend hours searching for dupes of your favourite brands, as you

to landfill each year, so having a limited number of items is not only good for your savings, but great for the environment too. As you will be re-wearing items you already have, you’re no longer buying new clothes for a specific event, therefore limiting your carbon footprint. Gone are the days of trawling the Internet to buy the perfect outfit to wear once. Just look into your compact wardrobe, grab an option, and you’ll be ready in record time.

have an excuse to buy quality items for durability. But if your budget is limited to your overdraft, you can still bag some great affordable pieces in any high street retailer, plus the more basic the item the more creative freedom you have. Having a wardrobe clear-out also means you can sell your items on second-hand marketplaces and make a bit of extra cash rather than throwing them away. According to Greenpeace, over 300,000 tonnes of clothes head

A good way to start building your capsule wardrobe is by going back to basics. A couple of jeans and t-shirts in different colours with some smarter trousers, a blazer, chunky knit jumpers for colder days, and a simple slip dress. Of course, you can choose any items you’d like, but these often act as the foundations of an outfit, that you can later adorn with your favourite jewellery and accessories. The secret is that you need clothes that are great for layering. This way your capsule wardrobe will be in fashion no matter the season. Your best dress can be worn during the two-day British heatwave and then layered to create a cosy winter look using chunky cable knits and tights. Completely unique to you, your capsule wardrobe should reflect your personal style and match your lifestyle. But if you were looking for a sign to overhaul your wardrobe or pause your shopping habits, then here it is.

Words and design: Lauren Ryan

Images: Pexels

Academics aside, NTU has music opportunities for all

At Nottingham Trent University, there is an array of societies you can get involved in and if you’re interested in music then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

It can be daunting starting something new and not knowing where to look, so we have done the work for you. Platform Magazine has spoken to an NTU music student about the societies on offer and how you can get involved too.

Singer and songwriter Lucy Crisp, 23, is a third-year music performance student at Confetti.

As well as being a talented musician, Lucy is heavily involved with the music societies here at NTU so is an expert in the field.

She said: “There are quite a lot of opportunities students don’t know about.

“At Confetti, we have trips to open mics around Nottingham but they also host a Battle of the Bands with bands from Confetti and NTU.”

Battle of the Bands is a free event hosted by Confetti every year at Metronome on Huntington Street, with industry guests invited to judge the winner.

Last year’s prizes up for grabs included a spot on the Confetti Stage at the 2022 Splendour Festival, a day-long recording session in Metronome’s Studio 1, and an artists and repertoire (A&R) meeting with a music industry professional. Lucy added: “For anyone who wants to join a band or take music lessons, NTU Music Centre provides both of those things.

“I’ve been taking singing lessons with Jane [Robinson, vocal teacher] since I started at NTU and I’ve absolutely loved it.

“The music centre also offers music scholarships for those from a variety of backgrounds.

“There’s also a lot of bands and solo artists that do music related

events on the grounds of Nottingham Trent Students’ Union and around Nottingham, so it’s always worth keeping yourself up to date where you can!”

Whether music is your lifelong passion or something you want to begin, joining a society or getting involved with the opportunities on hand puts you in a good position to take your endeavour further.

As a student musician, practice is key for Lucy.

She said: “The opportunities from NTU have helped with my musical development and even joining a radio society that involves music has also been really good too.

“Both have increased my confidence in myself. It’s always good to do something related to your degree, but something that you also enjoy.

“I really enjoy how it feels like a community and we all are there for a common cause, that being the love for music.

“I’ve also made some great friends from these societies that I hope will be long term.”

Aside from your typical music societies, there are opportunities such as the student radio station where you can get the chance to host your own show.

Fly Live has been NTU’s student radio station for 25 years, formally known as Kick FM, which is a great opportunity for budding musicians’ songs to be played on a live radio station. Lucy said: “I heard about Fly Live through word of mouth and then looked at the NTSU website to get further details.

“I applied before starting my second year at university (thanks to Covid), but I definitely didn’t look back. “For any music society, especially music events, rock, or sing, you can get involved at any part of the year.” To get involved with music societies here at NTU, go to the Students’ Union’s website to join a society today: trentstudents.org/ opportunities/socieities.

Words: Shannon Samecki

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Lucy Crisp

Radar record label discuss the dark side of the music industry

Scott Taylor had just finished university at Leeds when he chose to return to Nottingham, inviting two of his friends, Chris and Josh, to come and DJ for a weekly night that he had started called Groove.

After the event, he gave them the chance to get involved and from there, Groove commenced.

The trio found it restrictive working for the club, so chose to move on to their next chapter and launched Radar at the beginning of 2020.

Scott said: “The biggest successes of the label I’d say would be

lot harder for labels and events and clubs and music venues to survive.

“A lot of this is money related, especially with smaller and independent brands.

“In certain cities we found that larger brands do try to monopolise the industry and can make it so hard for authentic brands to get going, especially when you know you’re going to make a loss on pretty much everything you do.”

Scott added: “There’s a lot of things that can be improved.

“One of the main things I would say is to make it a level playing field for the smaller brands, people tend to forget that all the big DJs and promoters had to start somewhere.”

“But some promoters do take advantage of this and a lot of young new artists you see on a line-up won’t be getting paid at all.”

This issue of mistreatment is key on Taylor’s mind, but he was quick to praise those he has met through music too.

The Radar owner commented: “Some of the nicest people work in the industry and it’s true that if

"Being able to go to other cities and people knowing about you, [which] is always a good feeling!

"In 2022 we hosted Rossi & Casey Spillman alongside LuvRhythm [another Nottingham brand/label] at The Cell, this was close to a sell-out and was such a good night.”

Scott added: “Another highlight was in 2021, [when] we had one of our releases go to number one on Beatport which was something we’d been working towards.”

When discussing the disadvantages of the music industry, Scott said: “At the moment and probably for the last few years, it has definitely got a

The music industry is considered harmful to the environment from concerts to festivals, and this is something that all senior figures are having to consider.

On this, Scott stated: “I think that there are certain events and artists that have no regards for it, but I also think that the industry is working harder to make things sustainable and are being more conscious of this topic.”

Another concern within the industry is whether smaller artists struggle to be treated and paid fairly.

Scott said: “Yes definitely, I get that all smaller artists are hungry and want to get out there as much as possible. I am the same.

“At the end of the day, everybody just wants to put a good night on for the love of music, and you can definitely tell if they’re more interested in the money or clout - it shows.” Overall, Taylor believes improvements are required across the industry. He said: “I think a lot more regulation is needed when it comes to finance and protection for grassroot brands and spaces would benefit the industry as well as support from local councils and the government.

“I always look at Germany and Berlin as a good example of how if you respect the culture of music, great things can come from it.”

Words: Louise Walt

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Radar Records

connecting with like-minded people through music."

you are nice and look out for people, people do the same for you.”

Top 5 social justice albums

Music gives artists a voice and a platform to speak on matters such as social injustice and the need for change. Here are our top albums that send a powerful message.

Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be An Introvert

Little Simz covers social injustices, political problems and thoughts on faith and introversion through her moving and thought-provoking lyrics. Multiple songs within the album use powerful lyrics alongside drums, strings and horns to showcase powerful women fighting injustice in Woman, and segregation in Introvert.

A song that must be mentioned is Venom off her 2019 album Grey Area, which will always be a stand-out song from the phenomenal artist. Through the fast-paced lyrics and uneasy strings, Little Simz expresses injustice with misogyny: “They would never admit I’m the best here from the mere fact that I’ve got ovaries.”

Sam Fender – Hypersonic Missiles

2

Sam Fender’s Hypersonic Missiles focuses on themes such as male suicide, white privilege and the downfall of social classes. Through his strong and beautiful lyrics, he allows listeners to reflect on the injustices that take place.

The upbeat melody of The Borders takes a dive into the hardships of working-class families, including drugs, fighting, and struggling parents. The heart-breaking and utterly devastating Dead Boys, meanwhile, looks into men’s mental health and how toxic masculinity can cause male suicides, as the singer himself has lost friends due to this.

Dave - PSYCHODRAMA

3

Many people around the UK will remember those first few notes that lead to a mesmerising performance about injustice at the BRIT Awards in 2020. At the age of 20, Dave released PSYCHODRAMA.

The 2019 album incorporated intricately placed lyrics blended with piano and beats. Portraying lyrics and art onto the piano at The BRITs, Dave sang Black, an exploration into injustice: “It’s working twice as hard as the people you know you’re better than.” From racial stereotypes to being treated differently and having to work so much harder to be treated as a human, his lyrics make people think twice about unfair treatment and understand what someone else could be going through.

Stormzy – Heavy Is The Head

4

This politically-charged album criticises the country’s leadership, from the failure to support Grenfell Tower victims to demonstrating the institutionalised racism people experience. Stormzy’s album acts as a manifesto with lyrics demonstrating the hardships faced by the black community with powerful lyrics such as: “I done a scholarship for the kids, they said it’s racist”.

This profound album shows Stormzy as the voice of a community, portraying the everyday struggles and discrimination so many face. Across the album, his lyrics encourage and remind people to never give up, including: “And my young black queens don’t quit now…. And it’s worthy of a king’s crown.”

Kendrick Lamar - Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers

The Compton rapper’s fifth album highlights some of America’s biggest crises from the #MeToo movement to shootings and police conflict.

His song The Heart Part 5 states: “I come from a generation of pain, where murder is minor.” This lyric shows how normalised death is and how fragile life can be.

In N95, he raps “Murder is stackin’, the president actin’”, while his United in Grief tells a tale of the enduring killings and losses in America, describing the misery they leave behind.

His album delves into the serious apprehensions he combats as a father that concern him for his children as he speaks on grief and fear and the need for change. The album repeatedly asks God for help as society is disorderly and in a self-destructive state.

Words: Scarlett Acres and Louise Walt Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Platform Magazine interviewed singer, songwriter and guitarist Em Spray discussing their music career, the local music scene in Nottingham, and their views on the industry as a whole.

Em Spray has been performing for roughly 11 years.

The 24-year-old has already released two songs so far called Move Along and Peace And Clarity which can be found on her Spotify account, Emma Spray.

The singer has been introduced to the city’s music scene, having been added to last year’s line-up for the Nottingham centric Hockley Hustle, which is an art, music, and fundraising festival.

When discussing Nottingham’s music scene, Em said: “I absolutely love it!

“There is always something on, whether it is an open mic night or a gig.”

Em has taken to the stage across the city at venues including Rescue Room’s Acoustic Rooms open-mic night, Six Barrel Drafthouse, The Curious Tavern, and The Bodega to name a few.

The singer said: “I think Notts has definitely had the most diverse and inclusive scene from all the places I have lived at.

“The music industry is incredibly male dominated, so I would love to

In conversation with singer Em Spray

see nights dedicated to showcasing female and non-binary artists.

“It is so much harder to break into the industry with all of the pressure to look, dress, talk, and act a certain way compared to men who can just grab a guitar, throw on some jeans and hoodie, and instantly become a hit.

“The music industry should be about the music, not looks and style.”

Em added: “I think music is definitely one of the most powerful things.

“Just take a look at Hockley Hustle and Beat The Streets!

“It has brought so many people together to raise money for some incredibly deserving causes.”

Em has performed at the LGBTQ and Creative Platform run by Truth Mental Health and is hoping to work alongside teams supporting people’s mental health in the future.

When discussing the event, Em said: “It is an incredibly intimate and vulnerable thing to be a part of.

“You are opening up to a room full of people you might not have ever met before and talking about things that you have been through and are going through.

“There is something very empowering about being able to stand up and do that.”

Having sang at the LGBTQ and

Creative Platform, Em continued: “They definitely bring across a positive message that it is okay not to be okay and that there are other people that understand, and that you are never alone.”

Having just relocated to Oxfordshire from Nottingham, the singer said:

“I have a bunch of new songs that I have written, but I have no idea when or if they’ll ever get released.

“I do not know anyone in the industry down here, so will need to try and find some connections for this to be able to happen.”

Em added: “For me, music is very much an escape from day-to-day life so I do not see myself actively pursuing a career in it.

“I tried for a very long time when I was younger and found it so hard to get anywhere with it, that I decided to just do it for me instead.

“If it happens one day then that would, of course, be amazing, but I am not going to stress myself out trying to get there.”

When discussing the singer’s biggest aspiration for the future, Em said: “I would, however, love to perform at Glastonbury one day!”

Words: Louise Walt

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Em Spray

A playlist for student life

as motivation to get your work done so you are not as ‘Under Pressure’ as your fellow students.

Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For Fears

Released in 1985, this classic song is still listened to by many university students to this day. When reaching the end of your university experience, you will begin looking for jobs, along with many other students on your course. This means that you will be feeling a sense of rivalry as everyone is competing against each other for the same jobs.

When being in this situation, you must remember that just because ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’, does not mean they will.

Afters - Easy Life

Living as a student can be a stressful time. From deadlines to money saving to maintaining a social life, there are numerous pressures that students face.

Music plays a vital part in students’ life, acting as a form of release from any feelings of worry or anxiety. With this in mind, Isobel Newman has created the ultimate student playlist, featuring songs that relate to any moods and feelings you experience at university.

Under Pressure - David Bowie and Queen

A cult classic by two of the world’s greatest artists, Under Pressure is as straightforward as it sounds. Including lyrics such as “chipping around, kick my brains around the floor, these are the days it never rains but it pours”, this song depicts the feeling of having the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Student life can feel like this when deadlines are looming, and you are spending every waking moment revising.

However, the upbeat sound should act

A pretty self-explanatory addition to the playlist, Afters depicts a guy meeting a girl on a night out and begging her to come to an after-party with him.

The lyric “All these girls at uni like ‘yeah, my daddy’s rich but no one understands me’”, is as if the lead singer is detailing a real-life university experience. After-parties are a very beneficial way for students to make new friends and meet new people, and you will definitely come back from ‘Afters’ with an interesting story.

Where’d All the Time Go? - Dr. Dog

When in the midst of deadlines and exam season, your studies may seem endless. However, when you reach your final year of university, submitting your dissertation, you will look back at the past three years and wonder ‘Where’d All the Time Go?’

Whether you are a fresher or a master’s student, make the most of these days as these are often known as the best of your life.

I’m Still Standing - Elton John

A common theme amongst this playlist is presenting student life as stressful, which it can be.

However, the feeling that you get after submitting your work and finishing exams is a feeling that only Elton John can describe in his 1983 hit I’m Still Standing.

He sings about “lookin’ like a true survivor, feelin’ like a little kid”, detailing the excitement and pride you feel when it gets to summer, and you have met all your deadlines.

When The Sun Goes DownArctic

Monkeys

The final addition to the playlist is possibly the most unconventional of the songs.

However, for me, this song is a huge part of university life as every Nottingham student club night plays this tune.

A favourite amongst students, you can guarantee the entire dancefloor will go crazy dancing to this classic.

So, here is the ideal student life playlist, which you can listen to here:

Words: Isobel Newman

Design: Lauren Ryan

Images: Pexels & Canva

The Life of a University Student

Going to university. It’s exciting, right?

It’s scary and exciting and so new that for a while you’re distracted by meeting your new housemates and figuring out what you’re meant to eat all seven days of the week, three times a day, that everything seems… okay.

But then comes the fact that you’re away from home for the first time ever. Sure, it may be a better environment for some people, but for a lot, it’s not.

You’re away from home. You’re spending money from a loan that doesn’t cover enough. You’re trying to find a job with no luck. You’re getting into a routine of lectures, lectures while hungover, lectures with people you don’t know. You’re pushing past your comfort zone in so many areas. You’re going out, getting drunk, clubbing. If you’re not, you feel like you’re not doing it right.

University is said to be this magical experience and one of the best moments of your life. Then comes isolation and loneliness…

It feels like university is making your mental health worse. Then there’s the fact that you’re never sure where to go for help or how to ask for help. Because asking for help is never an easy thing

to do. Asking for help means admitting the problem. Asking for help is admitting weakness, that you don’t have it figured out, that you’re not perfect. When, in reality, asking for help is only admitting that you have a problem, one that is too heavy to hold on your own.

Being a student isn’t easy. It’s a lot of adjusting and admitting that even though, yes, I’m an adult, I don’t have a lot of answers. I also don’t have any idea what I’m doing. Everything is new and because of that, it’s okay to be a little lost. But do we ever think that it’s okay?

We’re thrust into adulthood, forced to adjust, which may be the best way to do it, I don’t know. No one really knows, I guess.

When you move into student accommodation you never have a clue whom you’re going to live with. And when you move into student accommodation you don’t expect to be scared to be who you are with the people there. You hope and you pray that you’ll like the people you live with and that they’ll like you too.

Being a student is stressful.

Being a student is a lot of questions. It’s a lack of answers.

It’s a lot of uncertainty. It’s a lot of things seeming bad before they get better. But being a student isn’t always the bad side and the mental health and the people not liking you. Being a student is finally meeting the people you click with within an instant, it’s learning something new and exciting, and having that independence you always wanted.

Yes, there are the bad parts, but those are the parts we have to push past. We have to demand help for students, whether it’s mental health, money, or housing. Students deserve better. Better than the fear and the stress, and the tears that ultimately fall when you realise how alone you feel.

I, as a student, deserve to have the happy moments shine through and make it feel better. I deserve to know that I feel the bad stuff but that there are people out there rooting for me, for us to graduate and for us to enjoy our time at university.

Words: Rose Edwards Design: Sophie Puffett

It’s a new experience that doesn’t always seem to be a good one but has its moments.

LONE Y

Iam surrounded by people who love me. We go out drinking, partying and taking in every minute of student life. I am working hard for my degree. I am supported by my lecturers and my peers. I have goals, I have dreams, and I have aspirations, but I am lonely.

I am lost. Who am I? I sit in my room day in, day out not moving, not leaving. I am surrounded by people who love me but I am alone. I don’t know what the future holds.

Fear. Stress. Anxiety.

Student life is hard, constantly pretending to be happy, pretending to not be anxious walking into a lecture hall, keeping up with everyone. Making your life seem perfect. I am not perfect, I feel alone.

All the sleepless nights, tears shed and essays written, uni will be worth it. I feel lonely but I am not alone. We bring each other up and hold each other right when things get tough.

Words: Megan Lewis

Design: Daniel Mckoy

Image: Unsplash

Photo Gallery: Social causes important to students

Reclaim the Night (Rose) - October 22, 2022

I too had an opportunity to speak at the Reclaim the Night protest, which was the scariest thing I had been asked to do. Still, I spoke, I cried, and I felt more empowered than ever before. The protest created a sense of unity amongst self-identifying women and helped make noise and draw attention to issues of sexual violence against women. We were reclaiming the streets and the night.

Reclaim the Night (Megan) - October 22, 2022

Reclaim the Night was the most empowering experience of my life.

I got to speak up for what I believe in, and march surrounded by my sisters. Feminism is so important to me, which includes intersectionality, women’s rights, and being able to be free to be me without fear or judgement. I got to use my voice and speak up for my sisters who have been silenced and

are suffering alone. It is scary getting up in front of all of those people, but it is so worth it for the reward of knowing the words that I had read could possibly help someone else who struggled with what I did. I felt so proud of every self-identifying woman that attended the protest and even prouder of every woman who stood up and shared her story.

Iran Protests (Rose) - October 29, 2022

Iran’s revolution was spread through TikTok and other social media platforms. However, since the beginning when Mahsa Amini was killed by the Morality Police in Iran for allegedly not wearing her hijab in accordance with government standards, there has been less and less dialogue around the situation. Nottingham was among the cities protesting against Iran’s government and for the people. They continue to fight for justice.

Environmental Agency

I attended the Environmental Agency strikes in mid-January as a reporter as CBJ Target was covering the strikes with a Facebook live and an article online and in print. It was the first time environmental agency workers had gone

Strikes (Megan) - January 18, 2023

on strike as they had not had a good pay rise in years. The picket line was noisy and exciting, the strikers were very

the strike will have a positive impact on their work. It was a very welcoming atmosphere, and I was so glad I got

open and happy to talk to us, as journalists, about the strike

and what it means to them. They were so passionate about what was happening and how

to report on the strike and lead the Facebook live.

Words: Megan Lewis and Rose Edwards

Design: Ellie Ruff

Images: Megan Lewis and Rose Edwards

CN28 and sustainability: The road to a green Nottingham

With Nottingham on target to become the first carbon-neutral city in the UK, students are privileged to live in such an eco-conscious city.

In 2020, Nottingham created a 251-point plan to achieve a resilient and sustainable city by 2028. Nottingham is home to around 75,000 university students meaning progress is not possible without their input.

The Carbon Neutral Nottingham plan (CN28) is broken down into four sections: carbon reduction measures, carbon removal, resilience and adaptation, and ecology and biodiversity. Carbon reduction measures cover transport and the built environment which makes up for more than 30 per cent of CO2 emissions within the city. Thankfully, students are well adapted to public transport across Nottingham with the majority of us using trams and buses where possible.

Likewise, Nottingham Trent Univeristy’s and the University of Nottingham’s sustainability teams are responsible for student control across campuses. Both universities recognise the impending climate emergency and acknowledge that it’s time to take action, with the teams recently participating in Sustainability Action Week.

In 2017, it was revealed that Nottingham was the second greenest city in Britain, with 15.3 per cent of the city covered in accessible green spaces. We all know Nottingham wouldn’t be the wonderful city it is without luscious parks like the Arboretum and Wollaton. We’re also hosts of a variety of voluntary and community projects that aim to raise awareness of urban wildlife, teach people the benefits of home growing, and promote social justice and animal rights.

For foodies, Nottingham boasts some brilliant sustainable restaurants that

cater to vegans and vegetarians as well as those fighting the fight for a reduction in plastic consumption, zero waste, and healthy eating. Additionally, we are home to a plethora of charity and vintage shops, making a renewable living that one bit easier. With the likes of Cow, Braderie, Relic x Hooked, Wild and Bubble gracing Nottingham city centre, you are spoilt for choice. Not only that, but the range of charity shops between UoN and NTU campuses makes a day’s shopping extremely fulfilling.

Both universities promote the use of the Green Rewards and the Moves apps to their students and staff. The Green Rewards app is an interactive programme for participants to download and log their daily living habits. This includes, but is not limited to, tracking your recycling practices, whether you consumed meat that day, what form of transport you took, how much energy you used, and what form of exercise you may have taken part in that day.

Meanwhile, the Moves app promotes a healthy lifestyle in the aims of getting Nottingham students moving. The app rewards points for how many steps you walked that day, how far you may have swum, or how many miles you cycled. Upon totalling up points for sustainability practices as opposed to less sustainable

modes of transport, students can rack up enough points to win items such as free coffee, free smoothies, university merchandise, gift vouchers, and even the chance to donate to charity partners. Whilst Nottingham may only be home to students for a few years, a large part of its appeal is its conservation efforts alongside student satisfaction. Not only does the city play a substantial role in the ecological state of Nottingham, but the universities do too, making it that much more appealing.

Find out more at nottinghamcity.gov. uk/cn28.

Words: Katie Mortimer

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Scarlett Acres

A complete guide to the LGBT bars, pubs, and nightlife in Nottingham

Nottingham is a vibrant city full of culture and life that is home to the first officially licensed gay club, the first professor that taught gay and lesbian studies, and the first LGBT trade union.

Nottingham’s Broad Street also has the famous rainbow road. With last year having witnessed the reboot of Nottingham pride, Carla Dowling took a look at LGBT nightlife and entertainment that you can go and visit whilst in the city.

1

The New Foresters Pub –18 St Anns Street, NG1 3LX

The New Foresters Pub is a gay bar that has been running for over 20 years. The bar features performances from drag queens as well as a ‘Funky Friday’ event with free entry before 11 pm. Every third Friday of the month, they host an event called ‘Nottingham Invasion’ which is a trans night out.

2

Dirty Filthy SexyNo permanent location

DirtyFilthySexy is a queer event playing a mix of alternative music such as rock, retro, indie, glam, new wave, and much more. These events have been in place since 2008. They have even hosted a drag pageant during their time. Although they were not hosting as many events as usual last year, they have promised that this year they “will be bringing a variety of new queer collaborative events”. Their events hold between

200-500 people - the perfect place to meet more queers in the Nottingham community.

3

you are looking for something less ‘alcohol centric’ when it comes to going on a night out.

GladragsPopworld, 6 The Poultry, NG1 2HW

4

The Lord Robert’s Pub –24 Broad Street, NG1 3AN

Gladrags is a club event that is held at Popworld around once a month. Featuring Drag artists, this event is the perfect place for the LGBT+ community to enjoy their Saturday nights in a place that is ultra-inclusive. The event is hosted by drag queens and kings and features a drag show performance. This venue becomes very lively most evenings with the art decostyle property. On the club side, you can find drag performances taking place and much more. This pub/club also sponsors a local LGBT football team.

5

Scream QueenzNo permanent location

The Scream Queenz are drag comedy performers who have come together to perform at venues across Nottingham - recently performing at Nottinghamshire Pride 2022. Keep up to date on their Facebook for updates on the events that are coming up.

6

Broadway Cinema and Café – Broad Street, NG1 3AL

This may not seem like traditional nightlife, but is a great option if

Broadway Cinema is an LGBT+ venue that also encourages a younger film community by having under 25’s cheaper tickets. It also provides a screening place for those on the autism spectrum as well as dementia-friendly screenings.

7 NG ONE – Lower Parliament Street, NG1 1EH

This is an LGBT-friendly club. Before 2015, the club was branded as a gay club called NG1, but after a rebrand, the ‘gay’ tag of the club was unfortunately dropped. However, this is still a brilliant place for queer people to go to a space that is inclusive.

8 Hole in the Wall Pub –North Sherwood Street, NG1 4EZ

The Hole in the Wall is an LGBT-friendly pub located just off Mansfield Road, half a mile outside the city centre. There is a large outdoor patio making it brilliant for warmer days. The venue is also dog friendly.

There is a wealth of resources available for those within Nottingham and a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Visit www.nottslgbt.com to find out more.

Words: Carla Dowling

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Picture: Unsplash

With the number of UK travellers having bounced back in 2022, post a Covid-19 world, the rise in holiday-goers is set to witness exponential growth this coming year.

As influencers continue to share their adventures whilst amassing an envious following, we are witnessing an influx of content regarding ‘best countries for the LGBTQ+ community’ or ‘worst countries for black solo travellers’ alongside the age-old ‘safest countries for female travellers’. Whilst travelling is a luxury to many, and one which cannot be taken for granted, it’s often not as simple as booking your flights and accommodation.

For minority groups, whether ethnic, race, orientation or disability, additional considerations are introduced. Take the Qatar World Cup, for example. Those who identify as LGBTQ+ can be imprisoned or executed for being gay in Qatar, yet FIFA and organising committees still pursued. Limitations such as this hinder people’s abilities to see the world, let alone view it comfortably.

In the height of the Black Lives Matter protests amid George Floyd’s inhumane death, the media frequented stories surrounding travelling as a POC.

New York Times writer Tariro

Mzezewa stated that road trips were a ‘source of unfettered freedom’ for African-American motorists. Alongside this, Stephanie Taylor wrote about the challenges she faced whilst travelling abroad as a POC for Insider.

Thanks to the accessibility of social media and the way it allows us to share our experiences and offer guidance to those outside of our in-groups, the rise of

travel influencers has never been so prominent.

Desirée Odulaja, a final-year International Relations and Spanish student at the University of Birmingham and avid-traveller, sat down with our Travel and Lifestyle Editor, Katie Mortimer, to discuss her experiences travelling as a POC. Having visited 17 countries and over 50 cities, Desirée has some exciting stories to tell.

Desirée Odulaja in Chefchaouen, Morocco

Hey Desiree! Tell us a bit about yourself!

I have just come back from studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I am passionate about travelling and learning languages. I have an Instagram account (@discoverwithdez) and YouTube channel (desireeo7635) where I document my travels.

When was your first holiday and where? Was it with family, friends, solo?

My first holiday was to Texas, USA when I was a few months old with my family.

Do you now mainly go away solo or with others?

Before my year abroad I would normally go away with my family or my school. However, my year abroad helped me to step out of my comfort zone and complete a lot of solo trips.

Where is your favourite place and why?

My favourite place has to be Madrid, Spain as that is where I studied abroad.

My study abroad experience was amazing, I was able to explore the city and the whole country, meet new people who are now friends for life, and step out of my comfort zone more than I could have possibly imagined. I will always have fond memories of the city and everything that it taught me about myself.

Least favourite place and why?

I don’t think there is a place that I would label as my least favourite. Every place that I have travelled to I have tried to engage in the culture, explore new places, and try new foods.

Where’s next for you and where’s your dream location?

Madrid is a place that I will always be going back to. My dream location would be Brazil.

How do you find time/money to travel as a university student? In terms of finding time to travel, I

normally go on weekends or during holidays so I don’t miss too much time off uni. In terms of financing, I used student finance/Erasmus grant when I was on my year abroad and then saved and used my savings when I travelled before and after my year abroad.

Do you think that travelling is different for you as a POC?

I would say that it is. Living in London, I am used to seeing people of all ethnicities and walks of life but the same cannot be said about the rest of the world. As a POC, you have to be aware of some of the stereotypes that some people may have of you and you may be treated in an unfair way. Do you ever notice differences when you’re travelling?

The main difference would be the staring. Outside of London, even in Western Europe, people will intensely stare at you, either on the street or on public transport. Have you ever been subject to racism whilst travelling?

I wouldn’t say that I have been subject to overt racism; it’s been more microaggressions. For example, when I was in Valencia, Spain, I was walking in the street, and someone made a comment that I should be careful in the sun not to burn. The way it was said came across as a microaggression. Have you found yourself ever Googling ‘how racist is … [country name]?’

Before moving to Spain, I searched ‘being black in Spain’ to hear the experiences of others who have gone through the same thing that I was about to go through.

What does travel mean to you?

Travelling is where I feel the happiest. As a polyglot, travelling has helped me greatly improve my language skills. I have been able to see the world beyond the borders of England and have been introduced

to new food and culture. Travelling has helped me gain a sense of independence and gain more selfconfidence. I have been able to make friends for life and stretch myself out of my comfort zone thanks to travel. Is there any advice you’d give to people who are wanting to travel but are maybe worried about cultural/racial differences?

It is normal to feel a bit apprehensive before travelling due to cultural and racial differences but this is not something that we should be ashamed of or feel that is something that is holding us back. It should be something that we are proud of! The world is a beautiful place that needs to be discovered. It is important to be vigilant and safe everywhere you go but racial differences should not stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone. Travelling the world is one of the best things I have done and will continue to do! Racial differences have not stopped me and shouldn’t stop you either!

What have you got lined up next? My next trip will be a post-graduation trip with my friends! Not sure exactly where to yet.

It’s important to remember that travel is for everyone. In some scenarios, it is worth taking the extra precautions for safety regardless of your gender, race, or sexuality. The internet is home to a plethora of travel dos and don’ts and it’s always a good idea to do your research.

Words: Katie Mortimer

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Pictures: Desirée Odulaja

Desirée Odulaja in Madrid, Spain

Morocco

Financial literacy for all

In an era where the cost of living crisis is so rampant, many are wondering just why financial literacy across the UK is so poor. For many university students, applying for a loan was likely the hardest financial challenge we’ve faced so far. With guidance from parents, the progress doesn’t seem so daunting. However, the next step for many, which may seem far away, is apply for a mortgage.

A Santander study revealed that 44 per cent of adults feel that they would have been better financially prepared if they had received more comprehensive financial literacy training. In addition, Greenlight found that 74 per cent of teenagers feel unconfident about their current financial situation. So where does that leave us? This data illustrates the benefits of embedding financial literacy into the curriculum. Charlotte Millington, founder of Simply Mony Savvy and money-saving extraordinaire, argued that money can be a

scary thing, stating that this is why she feels the current curriculum does not cover it.

“When I told them [her sixth-form] that I wasn’t going to university, they pushed for me to work on my CV.

“I asked then why we weren’t learning about taxes.

“If you’re in sixth-form, you’re old enough to have a job, so why is no one telling us about that,” she says.

Charlotte, who opted out of university, could not comprehend why basic life skills such as finances were not taught. She emphasised that regardless of students staying in education or not, financial literacy becomes important as we grow, even more so when events like the cost of living crisis happen.

“I feel like when you’re in school, education is very much geared towards university and not your life outside of that.

“They want you to pay for university but I don’t remember them telling you how to apply for [student] loans or informing us about the grants you can get,” she adds.

“It’s not so much that schools don’t want to prepare you for the outside world, because they do, but I think it’s from an academic perspective and not a real-world perspective.”

Charlotte found that the majority of her experience was targeted towards a certain goal. She feels that schools often push you on to the next step in academia when in reality, that’s not realistic: “They prepare you for the real world but not in the practical sense.”

Now a ‘side-hustle expert’ and host to a popular Facebook self-help group, Charlotte urges those to find help where they can. She asserts that the group has become very popular over recent years, even more so over the last few months. Users share their best money-saving tips in what Charlotte calls a ‘safe space’, where posts are responded to without criticism.

Despite believing there’s a need for a curriculum change, Charlotte worries that introducing financial literacy in the curriculum may be difficult. She said: “If they teach us about finance, they’ll have to teach us about getting a job and how tax works.

“Schools are a mixing post of the local area and everyone’s economic situations so it’s almost as though they can’t teach it because it’s not relevant to everyone.

Words: Katie Mortimer Design: Lauren Ryan

Images: Mathieu Stern, Josh Appel - Unsplash

Environmental organisations to support as a student

Everyone in our generation will agree that the planet needs help. We are living amidst an irreversible climate crisis which the planet may never recover from. We all need to do our bit for the planet, but as students we are all a bit strapped for cash. So, donating money might not be in your budget right now. Instead, here is a list of environmental organisations you can support without breaking the bank.

Extinction Rebellion

Probably the most controversial environmental group on this list, Extinction Rebellion are also probably the most well-known group for their wild and wacky ways of fighting for climate justice.

Extinction Rebellion are all about campaigning for a better environment and holding big organisations and the government accountable for their actions.

They meet regularly, whether that is for protests, talks or campaign planning. You can join them via their website or follow them on Instagram or Twitter to see what they are getting up to.

Flower Pod

is a lesser-known charity in Nottingham who help Reach Learning Disability to provide activities for adults with learning disabilities.

Flower Pod is a 1.5 acre garden full of flowers which is on the edge of NTU’s Brackenhurst campus and it is focused on sustainability, community and creativity.

The people who go to Flower Pod enjoy gardening crafts, the wildlife surrounding the area, and many different skills which can be transferred into everyday life.

To get involved as a volunteer, check out their website.

Girlguiding

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is a charity which believes everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the wildlife and outdoors, leading a healthy and rich life. They work towards making the environment in Nottinghamshire more sustainable and to take action in response to the climate emergency to help slow down the effects of climate change on the natural world. They help protect over a thousand hectares of nature reserves, land and habitats to ensure that the county is doing its bit to help slow down and reverse climate change as well as protect the animals and wildlife in Nottinghamshire.

To help support this charity, check out their website for the latest updates on how to get involved.

The National Trust has been one of the UK’s biggest charities for over 125 years and during this time it has accumulated many protected properties, gardens and nature reserves.

There are many properties and gardens to visit in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire including Clumber Park which includes a woodland area, a 39-hectare lake and 1548-hectare park area and Southwell Workhouse, which has been restored to what it was like when it was a functioning workhouse.

Friends of the Earth

Nottingham

are a group which aim to promote appreciation for our eco system and planet. They regularly campaign for conservation, restoration, and rational use of the environment. They have supported campaigns such as the Nottingham Climate Justice Coalition and air pollution campaign. It is £5 to join the group and they meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm.

is the UK’s biggest girls-only organisation and is very passionate about helping the environment.

It is aimed at girls between the ages of 4 and 18 but the charity needs volunteers to be able to run weekly sessions.

There are many different badges the girls can earn when they learn about the environment such as the zerowaste badge or the upcycling badge. Being a Girlguiding volunteer is a very rewarding volunteering role and can easily be fit into your busy schedule as a student.

To help support the National Trust in Nottinghamshire, you can visit one of its many properties. Please note to check their website for opening times.

Words: Megan Lewis

Design: Lauren Ryan

Images: Pexels

WHERE STUDENTS AND THEIR FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE STOLE THE SHOW

Students have always been a popular subject for all types of media. Justice for students has also been a central focus within this genre as well, sometimes in the background, but sometimes in a more obvious way.

So here are a few recent additions to this theme.

Do Revenge

Do Revenge was released in September 2022 on Netflix and followed Drea (Camila Mendes) whose sex tape is leaked and her partnering with Eleanor (Maya Hawke) to get revenge.

The movie deals with the repercussions of such a thing and the lack thereof for the male counterparts (who were the ones the tape was sent to).

There’s also the aspect of Drea’s character trying to compensate for the fact that she is a middle-class woman of colour on a scholarship at a private school with a dream of attending Yale.

This movie encapsulates camp in a way you can’t help but love, from the performances (shout out to Sophie Turner’s three scenes she absolutely embodied) to the revenge plot.

Everyone’s performances in this movie are phenomenal, especially Camila Mendes, who we’ve only ever really seen as Veronica on Riverdale, which we can safely say doesn’t show her acting skills and comedic value as well as this movie does.

The outfits scream Clueless but make them more Gen Z and the fits are what I want my wardrobe to look like.

With original pieces from Instagram and even flea markets, the costuming

creates a unique and somewhat original world. Plus, you spend the entire movie rooting for their elaborate and overthe-top (but in the best teen-movie way) revenge plan.

Heartbreak High

This show follows an ‘incest map’ being discovered, a map that shows who has hooked up with whom and how in their school.

The entire school knows that Amerie was the one who made it and she becomes an outcast, thrusting her into the arms of Quinni and Darren.

The show deals with sex, relationships, sexuality, autism and so much more.

The themes in this show are covered in a way that reminds me of Sex Education and their portrayal of an autistic character is one of the best I’ve seen.

On top of that, they were a female autistic character played by an autistic actress.

I was late to watch this show as it came out in September of 2022 and I regret not seeing sooner.

I was worried going in that it would be over the top and not getting engaged in the same way I loved Do Revenge. I was wrong, yes it might be over the

top, but what do you expect from a show like this?

I enjoyed it, a lot.

I was hooked from the moment I started the show, it’s funny and serious and had no shortage of stories to follow.

Heartstopper

Although this show started back in April 2022, season two is officially on the go, with an unknown release date. There’s a fifth book set to release this year to tide us over until then.

As someone who has read all the books and seen the entire first season, this is something I’m highly anticipating the release of.

It explores sexuality and coming to terms with discovering who you are and whom you like as well as the fear that comes with this sort of discovery.

Heartstopper also shows how coming out, especially in a school setting can be daunting, because you don’t know how people will react.

It’s a perfect comfort watch for anyone wanting a wholesome, short TV show to maybe cheer them up.

Here’s to Netflix (hopefully) dropping the season two release date soon.

Words: Rose Edwards

Design: Sophie Puffett

Towards the goal of a city for all

As a city that hosts a significant number of students, it is important to cater towards the needs and requirements of the student community. This can be in terms of making students comfortable, addressing their concerns as well as accommodating their financial, emotional and social requirements which could be drastically different from the facilities that other residents in the city would need.

All these efforts contribute towards student justice that creates a comfortable and fair living space. Holding up these ideals, there are various establishments and organisations in Nottingham that strive towards making its infrastructure and community more accessible and inclusive towards all kinds of requirements, especially catered towards students.

The Playwright

This is a pub and restaurant located on Shakespeare Street, opposite the Arkwright building of Nottingham Trent University. While this is a well-known spot among students for a pint of beer or some piping hot pizza, this place also led the way in making sanitary napkins and tampons available in the toilets. Efforts like this go a long way in making members of society who require access to hygiene products feel acknowledged and addressed. Several reviews of the place on the Tripadvisor website also commend the pub on this initiative.

Meal deals

With the cost of living crisis bearing down on all of us, the financial crunch is bound to take a greater toll on students who might already be struggling with the stress of loans, part-time roles and academics. This is where the meal deals offered

by supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s become pivotal in lending a helping hand to save a couple of pounds on every meal. While Tesco’s meal deal is priced at £3.90 and £3.40 with a Clubcard that gets you a main course, snack and a drink, Sainsbury’s deal takes it one step further as the offer applies on their hot food range as well for £3.50.

NTSU

The Nottingham Trent Students’ Union has come up with several initiatives to make the university space accommodative and inclusive for all students and their needs. The Equality and Diversity Networks which have various wings dedicated to disability and accessibility, sexuality and ethnic minorities ensure that every student feels represented and welcome at the university. The SU also provides an option to volunteer to create your own network if students find a gap that is not being addressed by any network. It is also pivotal to note that the SU is an LGBTQ+ friendly body that functions with elected student representatives, multiple events catered towards the community’s interests such as ICON nights, and support services specially dedicated to students from the community. They have also worked towards providing hygiene products like sanitary napkins and tampons in several toilets on campus.

National Ice Centre

As another space of entertainment and recreation, the National Ice Centre has put in special efforts to ensure that the facilities are accessible to everyone regardless of disabilities. The place provides a

calmer environment with lower lighting and quieter music for those who might require this. The ice can also be accessed in a wheelchair. The centre also has toilets which are accessible by wheelchairs and also welcomes assistance dogs for the customers who need them. Therefore it creates an inclusive and accommodative space that makes every patron feel welcome regardless of their requirements.

These are a few examples of the several establishments and bodies that exist in Nottingham to make it a more accessible, inclusive and accommodative space for students and residents alike by acknowledging their requirements.

By addressing these issues, initiatives like these pave the way towards normalising infrastructure and facilities that cater towards diverse groups of people and their needs. Nottingham as a student city is definitely taking the lead in this cause and initiating change one step at a time.

Words: Akhila Thomas

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Images: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Initiatives for students to support whilst in Nottingham

Being a student can be very chaotic, with deadlines constantly looming and a never ending stream of lectures, seminars and workshops, but sometimes it is nice to step out of the student bubble and give something back to the community.

There are many different initiatives for students to support which will not break the bank as you can support with your time or simply sharing the various ventures on social media.

This is a list of initiatives across Nottingham for students to support whilst working towards their degree.

FIVE LEAVES BOOKSHOP

Five Leaves is an independent bookshop in Nottingham city centre, just off Old Market Square which specialises in LGBTQ books as well as poetry, fiction, and novels written by people of colour.

They run regular events including poetry readings, workshops and Q&As with local authors which are held at the bookshop and the building is completely accessible so everyone can attend their events no matter what their needs are.

They also sell children’s books which encourage diversity and inclusion, as well as artwork and t-shirts.

The books are reasonably priced, and you get to support a small business when purchasing products from them.

NOTTINGHAM WOMEN’S CENTRE

The Women’s Centre is a safe space for all self-identifying women across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and they offer courses, guidance, and support through counselling.

The Centre is located just off NTU’s city campus on Chaucer Street and is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

The Women’s Centre also has a library on the top floor of the building which costs £5 a year for students to join and it is full to the brim with a variety of feminist literature and poetry.

Some of the events the centre runs include: a weekly craft club, Empower Yourself, a workshop all about self-advocacy and empowerment, along with weekly coffee and chat mornings.

The Women’s Centre also runs the yearly Reclaim the Night protest which is a protest for all selfidentifying women in Nottingham to attend and it is about women’s safety and the need to reclaim the streets for us.

You can support Nottingham’s Women’s Centre by following them on Instagram or attending their events.

TRUSSELL TRUST

The Trussell Trust is a food bank initiative which aims to be there to support people across the UK due to the cost-of-living crisis happening now.

They have supported many people through the crisis, with 2.1 million emergency food parcels distributed across the UK between April 2021 and March 2022.

It has been running since 1997 in Sailsbury, but the Nottingham branches of the food banks have popped up over the last 20 years.

There are 1,200 locations across the UK, with 13 locations across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire which constantly need support,

whether that is food donations, help in the centres or money donations.

They are an organisation that heavily relies on donations. So, if you have a spare tin of food or a bag of pasta, you can always consider donating it to them.

GIVE BLOOD

Blood donation is something which is highly needed throughout the UK right now as there is a blood shortage in the NHS.

If you donate blood, it is used in hospitals across the UK and one person’s blood can help up to three people.

The process of donating blood takes up to two hours as you need to fill in some simple forms and make sure your iron levels are high enough to donate.

The blood donation centre closest to NTU is just off City Campus on North Church Street near Trinity Square.

Blood donation is free and easy to do, and it means you can help save someone’s life and help the NHS during their blood crisis.

To sign up to donate blood, visit the NHS blood donation website.

SHOP ZERO

This is a small business which is all about sustainability and being eco-friendly.

The shop was opened by Sarah Maloy after she decided to make the decision to turn to a plastic-free life after she noticed the amount of litter there was around the city.

She decided to set up Shop Zero after mastering her own transition into a lifestyle with minimal waste and

wanted to find a way to help others reduce their plastic use.

The shop sells unpackaged food and cupboard essentials as this reduces the waste from customers using their own containers to hold the produce. Shop Zero also offers eco-friendly workshops and talks including paper making and foraging.

The shop is based in Nottingham city centre on Friar Lane and is open until 5pm every day other than Sundays, on which the shop is open until 4pm.

You can order and collect deliveries online as well as through Nationwide delivery.

GIRLGUIDING

Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women aged 4 to 18 years old in the UK, with over 400,000 members across the UK.

Nottingham has a high number of units which meet once a week during term time to help girls discover new skills and make friends.

There are many different roles you can have in the charity, from a

unit volunteer to leader and even helping in running the Girlguiding Nottinghamshire office.

They constantly offer trips for the units, including Nottinghamshire’s Gang Show and overnight stays at various locations across the country.

They also offer international volunteering trips for its members; these could be anywhere in the world, and you get to learn so many different skills.

To join Girlguiding whilst at university, head to the Girlguiding Nottinghamshire’s website to register your interest and help change lives.

OXFAM BOOK SHOPS

This book shop is full of cheap second-hand books which need new homes.

The shops sell everything from classics, to poetry, to a range of romance novels you didn’t know you needed.

It is a great way to support a charity as you can pick up some books for as little as 50p and all the money

spent in the book shop goes back to the charity.

The shop also sells a wide range of CDs and DVDs which is perfect for a night in at university to bond with your new housemates.

They are also looking for donations. So if you have any books, CDs or DVDs lying around, you could always consider donating them to the shop to give them a new life.

Being a student is absolutely wild and can be very overwhelming at times but with this handy list of initiatives to support, you can step out of the student bubble and give back to the community you are living in whilst studying.

It will help you learn new skills, meet new people and hopefully put a smile on your face. Whether it is buying a new second-hand book or attending a Women’s Centre class, there is so much to do to help others and, in turn, help yourself grow whilst living in Nottingham.

Words: Megan Lewis

Design: Charlotte Ivany

Image: Alexander Grey

How a phobia can stop you from playing sport

Sport is more than just a game or competition.

It is a way of life, an escape from reality, a constant in a person’s life that they receive from nowhere else. A phobia can prohibit you from ever enjoying or playing a sport that you once loved again.

Phobias come in all different shapes and sizes with the majority being invisible.

A phobia is so much more than just a simple fear.

It develops when a person begins to organise their life around avoiding the thing they are afraid of, whether it’s an animal, object, place, or situation.

A phobia is considered a type of anxiety disorder and is often unique and depends on the person.

The severity of a phobia is played down within society.

The condition is subject to increased stigma and widespread judgmental attitudes.

Isobel Thornton, 21, is a third-year law student at the University of Exeter. Originally from Amersham in Buckinghamshire, Thornton suffers from emetophobia, the fear of vomiting, seeing vomit, watching other people vomit, or even feeling sick.

She sheds light on the effect it has on not only her everyday life but also on the sport she loves.

Thornton explained: “Emetophobia is very isolating, it feels as if

nobody really truly understands.

“I used to have trouble communicating it when I was triggered as other people don’t really appreciate how you feel, so when you’re having to explain yourself to someone it makes it harder.

“I don’t think people understand how evasive it can be on an everyday basis.

“It’s just another mental pressure and worry on your mind.”

Thornton did not play netball in her final year but represented University of Exeter’s netball team in the first two years of her degree.

Besides her time playing at university, Thornton has played netball for a total of 12 years. The sport had been a constant in her life.

Isobel said: “When I played competitively, I would often restrict what I ate.

“Especially when I was training hard in fear of being sick myself at fitness training.

“I don’t think I pushed myself to my full potential.

“However, at university training it’s a much higher level so the entire team would also push themselves so it would be a constant worry for me that other people were going to be sick.”

In university, there are numerous social expectations that are presumed of a student, the most prevalent being drinking heavily and going out.

For someone who suffers from emetophobia, this comes with heaps of anxiety as there is a plausible chance that someone could be sick from alcohol consumption.

Isobel adds: “When I participated in university sport, I would say it impacted me more socially.

“A social aspect of university sport is the BUCS Wednesday socials, where there is excessive drinking at netball socials.

“This was a massive trigger for me as I feel they isolated me quite a bit.

“I didn’t want to socialise with the team, as I knew I just wouldn’t enjoy myself when alcohol was involved in fear that someone would be sick from drinking too much.”

Societies in university often play drinking challenges which usually include intense dares or excessive alcohol consumption.

Thornton shared: “Drinking challenges and tram biking was way more daunting to me than to someone who didn’t suffer with emetophobia.

“I didn’t want to participate in fear

“ I don’t think people understand how evasive it can be on an everyday basis

Isobel Thornton

I would be sick in front of people let alone trigger myself if someone else was sick.”

She added: “I am constantly on edge and have this trigger in the back of my mind.

“I don’t truly immerse myself in things and I cannot fully enjoy myself a lot of the time.”

Mental health is thankfully taken very seriously now.

However, phobias are often discouraged and not recognised as real.

A common reaction to emetophobia from the public is ‘no one likes sick’.

The level of distress and fear of someone with the condition is irrational and intense.

It controls their life. From what they eat, who they see, where they go, the sport they play, the list is endless.

Team sport is particularly challenging for someone with emetophobia as you come into contact with a variety of people. This is understandably hard for people who suffer with the condition due to the possibility of contracting an illness from another person.

Sufferers often obsess and worry over a situation that there is no need to dwell on.

However, the phobia is so strong and severe, reality and perspective are often impossible to see.

Isobel expands on this: “There is a constant worry that someone was feeling or going to be sick and then I would obsess over that idea and work myself up when in reality no one even felt ill.”

“Even everyday activities I enjoy would be impacted - like if I saw something on TV relating vaguely to someone talking about being sick and just general referencing to vomiting, even watching TV wouldn’t be enjoyable anymore.”

The phobia impacted Isobel’s family life too.

The 21-year-old said: “My

parents would get angry when I was younger because I couldn’t communicate how triggering sick was to me.

“To them it was such a foreign concept that I was scared of sick.

“It’s frustrating trying to validate your feelings to someone especially when they think you’re overreacting, but I was honestly overwhelmed.

“As a result of emetophobia, half the time I couldn’t cope by myself.”

The phobia is so widely misunderstood, that it can be very difficult for people suffering from the condition to talk about.

Like any mental condition, it is incredibly hard and life limiting. Although, there is help and

treatment available such as exposure therapy.

Thornton said: “I’ve learnt to deal with the condition by controlling the anxiety and build up to when I feel I’m about to be triggered.” With the correct help and understanding from others, people can heal and recover from phobias.

They can begin to live their life again through sport and socialising.

Nevertheless, it is our job in society to shift the stigma surrounding an irrational fear for people to get better.

Words: Maddie Osborn

Design: Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Images: Maddie Osborn

How Nottingham’s Football Clubs Started Standing Up for Refugees

N

ottingham’s relationship with refugee communities is a rich and diverse one, demonstrating the very best of the city’s character.

Large parts of the city have had their modern history interwoven with the stories of migrant communities, enriching the culture of Nottingham as we know it today.

As new refugee groups emerge and require resettlement across the globe, the importance of showing kindness and hospitableness remains just the same, and Nottingham’s football clubs havenot shied away from this.

Indeed, Nottingham Forest and Notts County have been engaging with the challenges for these communities head-on.

The headline act came in December 2022, when Forest signed a deal to have UK for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) on their men’s and women’s shirts for the rest of the 2022-23 season.

Through this high-profile partnership, Forest have been able to promote the cause of the estimated 103 million forcibly displaced women, men, and children in the world currently, many of whom have been victims of conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

Every time they run out for a match, Forest are connecting their fans with refugee stories in a way that broadcast and print media simply cannot.

The next step, after these introductions, is action.

It is unclear within the sponsorship how involved Forest are with the work of UNHCR, while the club’s outward-facing media was quiet on the biggest event the UNHCR dealt with early in 2023, the Turkish and Syrian earthquake.

Evidently, if the club is willing to tie itself so closely to the idea of helping refugees, then it must be willing to extend its arm in other charitable terms too.

A shining example of how to do this comes in the form of the Notts County Foundation.

Before County’s 0-0 draw with Yeovil Town in November, the National League club began an initiative for fans to purchase tickets from the Foundation which could then be donated to various support networks across Nottingham.

One such group was the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Refugee Forum (NNRF), who do incredible work to support those who arrive in the area whilst fleeing from all kinds of situations in their home countries.

In a video covering the trip to Meadow Lane, Juliette Bone, client participation worker at the NNRF, said: “Being able to go to a football match, join in with the community and engage with the sport itself is something that will have helped the mental health [of those who use the service] a lot.

“They don’t speak much English, but it’s the sentiment that they got from the match which was incredible.”

Harry Dalzell, marketing and

communications coordinator at the Notts County Foundation, added: “To witness and be a part of such a fantastic initiative during my first month of working at Notts County Foundation was incredible.

“In the current economic climate, the club has proved that we are devoted to being a community club and will hopefully set a precedent for other clubs in making football more affordable and accessible.”

The Notts County Foundation are active year-round to help refugees, too.

Their ‘Sport Without Borders’ initiative, supported by City of Sanctuary UK, offers multisport activities to refugee groups who would otherwise lack the physical and mental engagement from getting together to play sport.

By tackling issues on the ground and engaging with individuals at every opportunity, these campaigns have been incredibly successful. It is heartening to see Nottingham opening its arms, and this must continue to happen.

Charities and organisations all over the city are always looking for support, so we highly recommend checking out Nottingham Refugee Forum, Host Nottingham, Student Action for Refugees, Refugee Roots, and Belong Nottingham for further information on the amazing work they do.

We Stand #WithRefugees.

Words: Will Hugall Design: Sophie Puffett

BIOFUELS, RECYCLABLES AND FEWER FLIGHTS: HOW FOOTBALL CAN FIGHT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

A couple of months ago, English football held its very first Green Football Weekend. Despite being positively received by fans across the country, it was notable that the initiative was not directly supported by the Premier League. It had backing from the Women’s Super League, English Football League and media giants such as Sky Sports and BT Sport, but it had failed to convince the game’s biggest players that it was worthy of top-level attention. Why is this, and why is it so problematic?

Well, to start with, sport – which we will focus on through the prism of football here –has a huge issue with environmentalism.

As clubs employ greater numbers of staff, fixture lists grow longer with more competitions and the average length of journeys grows in a globalised game, the priority shifts far away from protecting the planet.

In fact, as a Greener Living study in 2021 revealed, the most prominent clubs in English football can emit up to 90,000,000 grams of CO² each season through transport alone. The chief offenders were those involved in European football, where flights are largely unavoidable, but the issues also apply closer to home.

Nottingham Forest came under fire this January when they took a 20 minute flight for an FA Cup tie in Blackpool, of all places.

This decision was even more ridiculous given they had a club coach motor up and down the M6 all weekend to ferry the players between the airports and their final destinations.

Potentially more worrying, though, was the nature of manager Steve Cooper’s post-match comments.

“Whether it is right or wrong, I think it is pretty normal for a team, in the Premier League particularly, to fly distances like that,” Cooper said.

“We are no outliers here. In fact, because of where we are situated in the country, we probably fly less than most,” he added. Travelling is just the tip of the iceberg, though. It was notable, then, that one of Green Football Weekend’s leading initiatives was to get football fans to change their diets.

Swapping meat products, such as the traditional matchday pie or burger, for plant-based alternatives is something Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince has been banging on about for years.

Speaking to The Mirror in 2021, Vince said it was “so easy” for bigger clubs than the League One side to make such changes, and accused Premier League clubs of being “inexplicably slow to act”.

The point of football’s latest campaign is to promote small changes amongst a huge audience. Green Football Weekend suggested switching one meal a week to a vegetarian dish and turning thermostats down one degree to help make a difference.

These small changes are being gradually mirrored in the game itself.

Tottenham Hotspur, for example, are travelling to home games in a coach which is powered by biofuels, setting a perfect example for Forest. Spurs also hosted English football’s first-ever net zero fixture, ‘Game Zero’, in October 2021 against Chelsea, featuring 100 per cent of energy used from renewable sources – although the full credentials of the title should be explored more intensely. Either way, football has taken its first steps into a greener world. It needs to accelerate that change as soon as possible, ideally reaching carbon neutral long before the Premier League’s current target of 2040. Will external pressures force change? We will see.

Thanks to some incredible trailblazers, though, there is hope that England’s footballing behemoth could change before it’s too late.

Words: Will Hugall

Design: Daniel Mckoy

Image: Martin Adams, David Preston and Marcus Spiske

Walking Football: The Beautiful Game at a slower pace

Walking football has a fascinating history and is an offshoot of the sport that is growing all the time.

Originally developed to encourage men aged over 50 and women over 40 to keep active, the sport took off thanks to those not too far away from here.

Chesterfield Football Club had the world’s first side, the brainchild of Chief Executive Officer, John Croot, who laid down rules including not being allowed to run or jog, keeping the ball below head height and only allowing low-impact tackles.

Today, walking football has some of the highest participation figures for those in the over-50 age bracket, with huge benefits for beginners trying to get into football due to its slower pace and simple rules.

In Nottingham, there is a thriving scene for the sport – and it can be for students too.

Nottingham Forest offer a walking football programme that runs four days a week, while Walking Football Nottingham hold open sessions for all ages every Wednesday morning at 11am at the Forest Recreation Ground.

In addition, the Notts County Foundation has a side, leisure centres in Chilwell, Kimberley and Hucknall offer sessions and those further afield in the county, including Eastwood, Newark and Mansfield, also use their facilities for the sport.

Women’s walking football has also taken off in recent years, with the Walking Football Association (WFA) forming an England women’s team.

The game’s focus on skill has even seen mixed gender matches take off on an international and local scale.

This all started on April 19, 2020, with the England women’s over-50s and over-40s sides playing the men’s over-

70s in the world’s first-ever mixed gender internationals.

More and more clubs offer mixed sessions now, with barriers to the sport being reduced as much as possible.

Of course, there are stigmas to participation and fears about whether those who choose to take part will be ‘good enough’.

Not too far from here, Age UK visited their Sheffield hub in March 2022 to interview those who took part in their walking football programme.

“Once people try it, they enjoy it, but getting people to engage at that first initial stage required some careful thought,” said Jo Woodward, one of the programme’s organisers.

“The immediate response [from older women] has been ‘well that’s not for me.’ Positioning it as a social opportunity and a chance to be active has increased participation,” Woodward added.

England women’s Euro 2022 victory has been a notable catalyst for women to increase their participation in the sport, with the Football Association reporting that over 400,000 new opportunities were created for women and girls to become involved in grassroots football after the tournament.

On a local level, the Nottingham Forest programme and the Bramcote Walking Football Team are particularly vocal in their encouragement of more female members to join.

These sides are amongst over 1,000 clubs across the UK, with the website Walking Football World describing the game as the fastest growing offshoot of football

right now – more so than alternatives such as futsal and five-a-side.

It is easier than ever to get involved today thanks to the sport’s growth.

In 2019, the FA proved the community feel of walking football in a piece following Lorraine Robinson, who met her old PE teacher whilst playing the game at the Birmingham Walking Football Club.

Lorraine said: “I hadn't seen her since I left school and then I rock up to football and she was only there!”

Lorraine added: “There's no such thing as there's no game for women out there now. It doesn't matter whether you're 86 or 16, there's football for everybody.”

There are amazing benefits to playing walking football such as helping to lose weight, keeping active or to aid social and mental wellbeing.

The game is for everyone no matter their ability, strengths or weaknesses and particularly no matter their gender.

It is called the beautiful game for a reason, and football’s ability to unite communities is unparalleled – even when played at a slightly slower pace.

Words: Gianluca Spataro Design: Ellie Ruff

This edition of Platform would not be possible without our contributors

WRITERS

Adam Eaton

DESIGNERS

Charlotte Ivany

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Lewis

Carla Dowling

Eleanor Lawrence

Gianluca Spataro

Holly Mayze

Isobel Newman

Daniel Mckoy

Rose Edwards

Ellie Ruff

Lauren Ryan

Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Sophie Puffett

Rucsandra Moldoveanu

PLATFORM PLATFORM

Katie Mortimer

PLATFORM PLATFORM

Lauren Ryan

Louise Walt

Maddie Osborn

PLATFORM PLATFORM

Megan Lewis

Rachel Enemua

Rose Edwards

Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Scarlett Acres

Shannon Samecki

PLATFORM PLATFORM

Will Hugall

PLATFORM PLATFORM PLATFORM PLATFORM