GENESIS

RAZZ Genesis

Editor’sNotes I’d like you to forget for a moment the more commonly associated meanings of Genesis, because the word itself is not just rooted in birth and beginnings, it also means becoming. We so often forget that, in experiencing new phases and changes in our lives, we don’t have to be reborn, we don’t have to be something new. Our past experiences are brought forward to become what we make of them. We can foster our own geneses in our lives. Don’t feel you must be something new at university. Build with what is already present. Allow yourself to become something more.

Online Editor-in-Chief Poppy Read

The word ‘Genesis’ derives from the Ancient Greek génesis meaning ‘to be born’ or ‘to become’. It is a word which has stood the test of time. A word which introduces the first book of the Bible, refers to a 1970’s band, and is even the name of a Hyundai car model. Clearly, this is a word with huge versatility.

As such, Genesis is like the first year of university, working out what fits and knowing that where you start isn’t where you’ll end up. Uni is a road to ‘becoming’. Genesis to me represents embracing novelty and starting from scratch, allowing a new beginning to unfold in whatever direction feels natural.

Print Editor-in-Chief Chessie Fernandes

For me, ‘Genesis’ symbolises the opportunity to begin with a blank slate.

That blank slate seemed intimidating when I first arrived in Exeter, but looking back, it gave me the freedom to shape my own experience.

As a Deputy Print Editor, I see this edition as a collection of these new beginnings, experiences and perspectives.

Deputy Online Editor - Jess Channon Genesis – a new beginning. I’m back at Exeter after placement, which brings excitement, comfort, but also first-year nerves. I have learnt a lot about what I took for granted whilst being at Exeter: societies, living across the corridor from friends, the freedom to eat beans on toast with minimal judgement. Although it feels familiar, I will experience it differently, returning with a new perspective.

Deputy Online Editor Paige Fitzsimmons I find it difficult to separate the word Genesis from its Biblical associations. It’s the something from nothing, the water in the darkness, the promise of everything to come. For me, it’s a hopeful word to hold onto as new beginnings arrive. Although they’re often nerve-wracking, I try to look forward to these moments of creation; to let there be light in the darkness.

Deputy Online Editor - Helen Totty

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WhatisRAZZ.

Welcome to RAZZ, the University of Exeter’s arts, culture, and lifestyle magazine, and the beating heart of student creativity on campus since 2007.

RAZZ exists as a platform for student creativity in all its forms. Across our print and online editions, we publish fashion, photography, art, music, fiction, creative writing, and more! Our magazine is written, shot and designed entirely by students, allowing us to build a community where we can support and inspire each other.

Each of our editions follow a broad theme; this year our Fresher’s online edition is Genesis. This felt like a natural place to start, because many of you reading this are only at the beginning of your university journey. Genesis speaks not only to the beginning of the academic year but to the very spirit of RAZZ itself- a platform where creativity begins, takes shape, and finds its audience.

Beyond the theme, RAZZ covers a variety of topics all year round, whether it’s the latest campus culture, the best new spots in the city, or personal reflections on student life. Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s likely a corner of RAZZ dedicated to it- and we’re always looking for something new!

If any of this sparks an idea, we’d love to hear from you. Whatever your experience level or area of interest, there’s always something to say. And if writing isn’t for you, that’s completely fine toowe’d love for you to simply pick up an issue and be a part of the RAZZ community as a reader.

To get involved, follow us on Instagram @razzmagexeter or email razzmag@gmail.com to hear about upcoming content calls, meetings and socials.

LilyBlackburn,PrintCopyEditor.

PrintEditor-In-Chief ChessieFernandes

Hey, I’m Lily and I’m in third year studying English and History of Art. I’m super excited to be a copy editor for Razz this year!

It is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and be apart of a creative team!

PrintCopyEditor LilyBlackburn Hey, I’m Evie, one of the print copy editors for the Razz magazine! I’m in my third year studying Communications. I’m seriously looking forward to seeing all the incredible creations this year and meeting the rest committee !!

Hi, I’m Jess and I’m one of the Deputy Print Editors. I’m in my third year studying English and I’m really looking forward to meeting new people in the society and getting to read all the excellent student submissions!

DeputyPrintEditor JessChannon Hey, I’m Paige! I study English and drama and I’m starting fourth year this year! I’m one of the Deputy Print Editors for RAZZ and am SO excited to work closely with the rest of the committee to come up with exciting ideas, and read our wonderful members’ submissions :)

DeputyPrintEditor PaigeFitzsimmons

DeputyOnline FrankieBaxter

Hello, I’m Frankie, and I’m a deputy online editor for RAZZ. I’m so excited to be involved with all the online prompt submissions and getting to know the RAZZ community.

New year, new opportunities to support everyone’s creative journeys. YAY YAY YAY!

AdminTeam:

Ciao:) I’m Meina, Creative Director… again this year! I am so grateful to have continued this role since last year. So excited to expand our community and challenge a lot of things with you all!

PublicityOfficer EllaBurke

CreativeDirector MeinaSumida

Hi, I’m Olivia, one of the Assistant Creative Directors for Razz magazine this year! I study English Literature and am in my 2nd year at Exeter.

I am super excited to meet other people in the society and to help create some cool designs in the

Hey all, Im Meg and one of the assistant creative directors! I do psychology - no i cant read minds but i can tell vibes pretty easily! Looking forward to meeting the new people and fellow artists who have joined razz this year!!

AssistantCDs MeganRansome

DeputyOnline AmelieDowson-Snow

OnlineEditor-In-Chief PoppyRead

PrintCopyEditor EvieGrundy

Hiya! I’m Helen, and I’m so excited to be joining RAZZ this year as a Deputy Print Editor. I’m about to start my fourth year at Exeter, doing a masters in Creative Writing. I can’t wait to get stuck in reading all of your wonderful submissions!

DeputyPrintEditor HelenTotty

Print Team:

Hey, I’m Chessie and this is my second year of being part of the RAZZ Committee. I started as a copy editor and now I’m excited to step up to the role of Print Editor-in-Chief . I think the fact I’m back for another year is testament to Razz’s creative flair and everyone involved.

Hello, I’m Amélie and I’m a deputy online editor for Razz! I’m going into final year studying English and Creative Writing at Exeter.

I’m super stoked to meet all the lovely and creative people on the Razz team and to see what people create! :)

Hi, I’m Poppy and this is my second year as Co-President/Online Editor-in-Chief of RAZZ! I’m going into my English Lit Masters and am really excited to have a bigger online team this year!

AssistantCDs OliviaCarlton

Creative Team.

Hey, I’m Ella! This is my third year being part of Razz but my first on committee. As a Medical Sciences student, I’m here to represent the people in STEM who still like to do fun things. Can’t wait to return to Exeter and meet everyone on the team this year <3

Hiya, I’m Issy and I’m so excited to be a Deputy Online Editor for RAZZ! I wrote for RAZZ last year so it’s going to be really fun and interesting getting to be more involved in the process this year, and part of such a cool and creative team!!

OnlineTeam:

MeettheCommittee

DeputyOnline IssyAdams

Hi! I’m Zeph – I’m a Creative Writing MA student, and this year I am looking forward to all sorts of new beginnings. I’m excited to welcome new and old RAZZ members, whilst making sure everyone finds their place here at Exeter.

WelfareOfficer ZephTurley Hi, I’m Lily and I’m so excited to be joining the RAZZ committee as Treasurer this year. Having only just started writing for the magazine last year, I was so inspired to see so much creativity in all its different forms. I can’t wait to get more involved behind the scenes and meet the rest of the team!

Hi! I’m Manal, a third year law student, and I’ll be joining the Razz committee as social secretary. I love writing for the magazine, so what I’m most excited about is taking Razz Mag beyond the page to meet & bring together our wonderful community through socials and soirées!

Treasurer LilyHabibiyan SocialSecretary ManalElFanichi

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Learning to Talk Exeter Vocabulary that you need to know

Welcome to Exeter. A uni full of niches.

This article will provide context to some of the words and phrases Exeter students use and use, consistently. Hopefully, this list will equip you with a fluency which will carry you through Fresher’s Week and beyond.

Firstly, an FAQ during Fresher’s is ‘What ACCOM are you in?’

This is, of course, your halls of residence.

In response to the above, you have a variety of options (depending on where you’re staying). However, a few of these halls have abbreviations: OLD LAF- Old Lawfrowda NEW LAF - New Lafrowda PENNY C - Pennsylvania Court (clearly too long for the average student) HOLLAND - Holland Hall Don’t worry, other ‘accoms’ like Duryard, East Park, and Moberly use their full names - just to keep it simple.

Next, you have FORUM. The main part of campus where you’ll spend a lot of your time, most of it probably in Pret or Starbucks, with the library graced by your presence from time to time.

This brings me to the LAW LIBRARY in the red section. Here the phrase ‘right guys, I’m actually locking in’ is repeated and rarely accomplished - this is the sociable section.

Now, a little further afield, the QUAY is another common word.

A destination not far from the centre and amazing for weekend brunches, afternoon walks, or to reconnect after a big night out.

OVERHEARD is Exeter’s one-stop-shop Facebook group for all goings on. Stop in here for ticket resales, whether it be TP, the races, or EGB (you’ll learn the meaning of this abbreviation come summer). Or if you want to know what challenges the Hockey and Rugby freshers have to embarrass themselves with.

To end, I want to enlighten you with some nighttime locations.

IMPY or CHEVS - 2/4 spoons in Exeter which provide students with the perfect cheap pint.

TP - short for ‘Timepiece’. A weekly destination for the majority of students and home to the notable ‘TOP TOP’, the upper section which is a blur for most.

FEVER - offers Logic Monday and Dirty Beat (DB) Thursday.

VAULTS - Often people will beg the question ‘Is it a Vaults night?’.

In translation, this means, ‘are we carrying on the night?’. To end up here is a sign of a successful evening.

Once you pick these words up, it’s hard for them to leave… the sooner you learn them, the sooner Exeter makes sense.

Print Editor-in-Chief: Chessie Fernandes

ExeterGenesises Deputy Print Editor - Jess Channon How much of today’s loved and celebrated pop and literary culture can be traced back to Exeter? From the Lemon Grove toilets to the narrow paths of Gandy Street, the city has influences in some significant cultural moments.

Both the city and its university campuses have been rumoured to be influences in the creation of the Wizarding World. Gandy Street is said to have inspired the narrow, cobbled streets of Diagon Alley, while the university’s Amory building may have influenced the moving staircases of Hogwarts.

Exeter also features in the work of Charles Dickens. His parents lived in Mile End Cottage in Alphington, where Dickens wrote the opening chapters of Nicholas Nickleby. The city and its residents inspired his writing. At The Turk’s Head, Dickens reportedly spotted an overweight boot boy who became the inspiration for The Fat Boy in The Pickwick Papers. He is also said to have based Pecksniff from Martin Chuxzzlewit on a resident he encountered in Topsham.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula has also been linked to Exeter, with the city’s Cathedral Close suggested to be an influence on parts of the novel.

More recently, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke studied at Exeter from 1988 to 1991 and is rumoured to have written the lyrics to ‘Creep’ in the Lemon Grove toilets. Although this is difficult to verify, his involvement in setting up The Cavern Club helped provide an audience for emerging artists.

Beyond literature and music, Exeter is home to the only medieval underground passages of their kind open to the public in Britain. Originally built to house and transport water, they now run beneath the city centre and can be explored on guided tours.

Whether fact or folklore, these stories demonstrate how much cultural history Exeter has and suggest there is still much more to discover.

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On your First Day, visit the freshers’ fair. This is your chance to enjoy all sorts of free things before life starts to feel very expensive. Allow yourself to be enticed into trying out taster sessions for different societies you’ve never heard of.

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On the Sixth Day, continue to make friends with everyone, and say yes to as much as possible. Try not to panic when someone mentions securing housing for next year (definitely too early… right?)

On the Second Day, play drinking games with your housemates in a pre’s that starts at 5pm. You’ll need to begin early so you can queue for Timepiece – though you probably won’t succeed in getting in. Go to Chevs instead. Wait for it to turn into a dance floor and pretend it’s just as good.

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On the Third Day, get a coffee at Sunset Society to soak up your hangover, and top it off with a bite to eat.

Think of the future study sessions you’ll complete here and make the most of the fact they haven’t started yet.

On the Fifth Day, wake up and vow never to do that again.

Rot in bed and visit Old Fire House in the evening. Try one of the local ciders and share a massive pizza with your mates.

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04 On the Fourth Day, take a walk down to the quay while it’s still a little sunny. Relax, so that you’ll be ready to go to Fever later. You can dance the night away and grab an Efes afterwards - if you want to be a total cliché.

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On the Sabbath Day, take a well-deserved rest before term starts and set all your best intentions… and a recurring alarm for the TP ticket drop.

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In the Beginning there was…nothing

As a writer, there isn’t much worse than when your mind is overflowing with exciting ideas, inspiration striking everywhere, and then, the second you put pen to paper… it’s gone. I know that frustrating feeling when, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to write what you envisioned – or at all. So, in the depths of writer’s block, what can you do to overcome this completely natural, yet equally infuriating problem?

The first step is to realise that this can happen to anyone. Theresolutions which can redirect your and discouragement, and to-

is not an issue of skill or talent and fore, it’s best to look at practical brain away from perfectionism wards creativity elsewhere.

One way of doing this is to set and simply free-write. Ignore your mind to wander freely and completely random and irreleregard spelling and grammar sure can let your thoughts and will spark your creativity withSimilarly, you can channel your way (you could even come and

a timer for five to ten minutes, your intended topic and allow imaginatively in a way that is vant. Even go as far as to disreleasing from all formal preswriting just naturally run. This out the stress of perfection. thoughts in a more structured write something for RAZZ!).

This can help to get those without the pressure of getAfter this, you may find your gear to write what you need!

literary juices flowing, yet ting that perfect final result. brain is now back in the right

Alongside this, there are also help. Sometimes a change of sceneven a change in medium! If you’ve a screen for hours, maybe switching

other simpler tactics which could ery helps to get in the zone, or been sitting hopelessly staring at to a piece of paper will do the trick.

However, the main piece of advice I can offer is: don’t get bogged down with frustration or beat yourself up about it. Writer’s block can happen to anyone. Although it is definitely inconvenient, as long as you stay flexible, it will be okay. Remember, you can always take a walk, play some music or write something new. That page isn’t going anywhere!

Issy Adams

Unless you’re insanely good at coping with stress or are simply in complete denial, you’re probably super anxious about starting uni – don’t worry, we’ve all been there! It’s normal to be worried about huge changes like moving away from home to university; there’s a lot you’re suddenly dealing with, more ‘adult’ things like managing finances on your own, doing the weekly shop, balancing studies and a social life, and God forbid… employment (ew). But never fear, your Welfare Officer is here! I am always happy to offer advice or comfort not just to RAZZ members, but to any student here. I can’t do everything of course, I’m not a miracle worker – however, I can point you in the right direction.

WELLBEING

“Never Fear, Wellbring is Here”

Zeph Turley

Exeter has an excellent well-being service ready and waiting to help you with whatever you need, including any special educational needs – AccessAbility (accessability@exeter.ac.uk, https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/devon/support/disability/ ) is where to go for Independent Learning Plans or any sort of advice surrounding neurodivergence, which can affect your stress levels starting university more than most others. I’m autistic myself, and the amount of support I’ve been given here has been amazing. The Wellbeing services here are easy to contact, and you can always drop them an email (wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk) or visit their website (https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/).

It’s not just the university that can help with well-being. There’s plenty of fun things you can do yourself to reset your mind and body. Simple things like baking a new recipe you’ve never tried, listening to music, going on walks around the town or down by the River Exe, drawing (even if you’re bad at it, it’s still art!), or being brave and getting involved in one of the Guild’s many Fresher’s Week activities (make some new friends!).

Anything that gets your mind off the things you’re stressing about, so that you can re-address them in a calmer state.

Whatever your worries, RAZZ is here to help you escape, whether that’s through reading our articles or writing some yourself. Feel free to drop us an email at razzmag@groups.exeterguild.com if you have any Freshers questions! I was a fresher once too, many moons ago, (I’m a master’s student now) so I know what it was like. I also know that everything will be alright. You know who you are. You’re going to do great.

There is no doubt that freshers’ week is busy, sometimes to an overwhelming extent.

In a frantic search to understand what this week will bring, there are plenty of guides telling you the best club events and city spots to visit. What these guides seem to miss, however, is how to navigate the tumult of emotions this week can bring and how you can make time for rest.

The Day of the Rest.

Manal El Fanichi

The infamous ‘freshers’-flu’ can sometimes be unavoidable, and though it is often laughed off, it can hit you hard. If you have not already, sign-up for the Student Health Centre on campus, because nobody wants to be dealing with online admin forms when they are sick! The process is relatively quick and can be done on the NHS App. Another pre-emptive step you can take to lessen your load when ill is to make a small medicinal caddy with some essentials. I find paracetamol, Lemsip and Night Nurse as the trinity of the recovery caddy*. These can be found at Market Place in the Forum if you are ever in need on campus. There are also some other soothing remedies, such as taking a shot of ginger juice or lemon juice with lots of honey to help soothe a hoarse, scratchy throat.

However, preparation aside, being ill whilst living in university halls and navigating it alone, without your support system from home to help you recover, might be an unexpected challenge. It is not easy, but calling home or talking to friends can help cheer you up when you have the sickness blues.

Most importantly, don’t reserve rest and relaxation as something you can only do when you are sick! Freshers’ week may feel like it carries an expectation to go out to clubs and pubs, but it is important you do what feels right for you. It is often in the best interests of club promoters to make you feel like you are missing out if you don’t get tickets to their exclusive events. This expectation can feel so physically and emotionally draining. I remember feeling so fatigued after my first week as a fresher and I knew that I needed some rest, so I took the time to have an evening in.

Never feel afraid to take a moment to situate yourself. It is incredibly important to prioritise time for things that bring you comfort during this week. The week is very fast-paced, so leaning into your favourite TV shows, cooking a nice meal or calling a loved one, can be more helpful than you may think. Creating a familiar routine is the ultimate remedy to help you feel like yourself, especially as this may be your first time living alone in a new city or even country. Remember that it is normal to feel like you have not found ‘your people’ yet, even when everyone around you seems to already have. I have reflected on my freshers’ experience with my friends and found that everybody else experiences this too but is often hesitant to admit it. If you feel that you haven’t settled in within your first week, or even your first term, is not a failure.

You will find your people and soon Exeter will feel like a home away from home.

I’m going into my third-year and I am still meeting new friends. It may seem dark in the soil but, as a fresh seedling, I promise you will sprout. You just have to find your way in this darkness before you break through the soil. *This is not certified medical advice, please consult a doctor if you are sick or before taking any medicines.

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T h a t t h e s o u n d o f t h e s a w m u s t b e k n o w n b y t h e t r e e — H o z i e r, ‘ Wo u l d T h a t I ’ To s t a n d w o o d e n s o l d i e r s a t a t t e n t i o n a g a i n s t t h e v e l v e t c h a s m o f n i g h t , t o h a v e w a t c h e d t h e s k y w r i n k l e a n d w i l t , a l l t h e w h i l e w a t c h i n g u s , r i n g b y o a k e n r i n g , s p i r a l u p a f l u t e , a f i f e , a d r u m , s o t h a t w e m i g h t s i n g w h e r e o n c e w e w h i s p e r e d i n t o t h e w i n d . To f e e l f l a m e s l i c k a n d l a p , t o n g u e a t o u r h e e l s a m o n g s t t h e u n d e r b r u s h .

To h a v e h e l d C h r i s t f l u s h t o o u r b o n e , s k i n t o s k i n ; f o r s i n a n d f o r s a v i o u r, I h a v e w a t c h e d m y m e n f a l l , h a v e s e e n t h e s a w , a n d I k n o w t h e c h a t t e r o f i t s t e e t h a r o u n d t h e t i m b e r h e a r t . To h a v e s u f f e r e d t h e c o p p i c e a n d t h e c u t , a n d b e e x p e c t e d s t i l l t o b e s t i l l a s w e f a l l .

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Do You Feel It by Slow Pulp The opening track. This song sets the atmosphere. You can feel the building energy of the guitar, the steady drums. Listen and imagine the new people you’ll meet, places you’ll find, and the electric moments you’re yet to live out.

Whether you’re a fresher or a seasoned Streatham campus climber, what better way to start your first term on campus than with the perfect playlist. Below is your curated Starting Over Soundtrack, songs that encompass that feeling of something new being on the horizon.

Listen to this when you’re ready to get excited for what is yet to come this term!

Heart It Races

by Dr Dog “Lately you’ve been tan

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Suspicious for the winter”.

This cover never fails to make me tap my feet. It oozes nostalgia and cheerfulness with a wistful edge. Easy, breezy, and very replayable. Exactly what you need to set the September Mood.

This Is the Day by The The Arguably the best song to have as a morning alarm. Released 43 years ago, This Is the Day is one of those songs you sign an emotional contract with once you’ve heard it. It will follow you to new cities, to every house, to each new stage of your life. The song’s title itself is triumphant in its excitement of, or at least the hope for, a euphoric life.

0 5 TheSoundtrack Lovely Day by Bill Withers

“Then I look at you And the world’s alright with me Just one look at you And I know it’s gonna be”

03 Frankie Baxter

You know it, you’ve heard it. For all of those who are returning to Exeter, for those who’ve spent a while away from their flatmates or housemates and missed the energy, advice, or laughter, this song is for you.

toStartingOver Yes I’m Changing by Tame Impala A breakup song, this track may seem like a curious choice. For the freshers currently tuned in, this song is for those of you who have escaped the stress of A-Levels, UCAS applications, college and sixth-form restrictions… a very well-earned breakup. And now, something new, maybe a bit mysterious, but a year that will inevitably change you.

Anything Could Happen

by Ellie Goulding

04 Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles Another classic. Despite Exeter’s poor track record (what was it, eighty days straight of rain last year?), this song celebrates the start of a new, sunnier phase of life. If the heatwaves have dried up your enthusiasm, and if the three month break left you a little restless, here’s the perfect song to celebrate a new beginning.

And finally, gotta end with a bang. Great for pres for the first night back, this song encapsulates the nervous feelings that comes with starting over. Goulding’s shimmering pop anthem is described as the most optimistic song on her album, and it’s made up of airy synths, fluttering stomach butterflies, and a chant that embodies excitement for the unknown.

Anything can happen!

I hope you all have a great year, get on aux, untangle those wired headphones and give these listen!

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ChessieFernandes /PoppyRead Jess Channon /Paige Fitzsimmons /Helen Totty /Frankie Baxter /Amelie Dowson-Snow /Issy Adams /Lily Blackburn / Evie Grundy /Meina Sumida / Megan Ransome /Olivia Carlton /Ella Burke /Lily Habibiyan /Zeph Turley /Manal El Fanichi /Ella Bowles /Rhea Vergeer Hopley /Mia O’Hanlon-Smith / Luna Crowther / Elena Corobciuc /Channia Farr /Ely Atelier /India Mealing M

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