Student Pocket Guide #61 | UK Student Magazine

POCKET GUIDE

NATIONAL #61

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS, STUDENT DISCOUNTS & MORE!

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Summer always feels like a reset. Longer days, lighter moods, and a bit more space to figure things out. This issue of the Student Pocket Guide is all about making the most of it.

We’re kicking things off with a strong lineup of interviews, led

by Miss Monique, one of the most exciting names in global electronic music right now. With her signature melodic sound and a packed summer ahead, she talks about staying true to her identity, navigating a fast moving industry, and the energy of playing to crowds around the world.

We also catch up with Xyla Foxlin, whose work blends engineering and creativity in a way that’s inspiring a whole new audience to get hands on and try something different.

Alongside that, we sit down with Holly Humberstone, whose raw songwriting continues to resonate with fans across the world, as she opens up about creativity, growth and navigating the industry on her own terms.

Beyond the interviews, this issue is packed with summer essentials, from festival fashion and garden party ideas to cocktails and UK beach inspiration. You’ll also fi nd tips on staying healthy, picking up summer work, and making the most of the season without overspending.

Whether you’re working, travelling or just taking a breather, this issue is here to give you a bit of inspiration and help you enjoy the moment.

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Whilst every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct, changes may and can occur.

EMERGING ARTISTS

HOLLY HUMBERSTONE

XYLA FOXLIN

MISS MONIQUE

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Global stages, defining summer and staying true in a tech-driven world

You are about to embark on your second residency at Hï Ibiza.

How are you approaching year two, based on your experiences from the first me?

For starters, I’m geeng as much rest as I can in advance. This year my residency will run for 18 weeks, alongside shows at fessvals all over the world, so I’m really focusing on building up my energy. I also put a lot of thought into curaang the lineup. I wanted to bring together both legendary arrsts and incredibly talented rising names who are just beginning their journey. The result is something truly special - a lineup that genuinely gives me goosebumps.

AI is becoming a bigger part of music produccon and discovery. Where do you personally draw the line between technology as a tool and preserving human creaavity?

You know, the beauty of human-made music is that it’s never perfect and that’s exactly what makes it powerful. It always evokes emooon, whether good or bad, but it makes you feel something.

When I receive demos for my label, it’s actually quite easy to recognise tracks that are heavily AI-generated. They sound almost too perfect like they’ve analyzed all the data of what works and what doesn’t, and built something technically flawless. But for me, they ooen lack real emooon. They’re good, but they feel… standard. I think AI can be a great tool and assistant in the process, but I would never give it full creaave control.

Visual idennty has become an important part of DJ culture.

How do you see the relaaonship between fashion and music in your world?

For me, fashion and music are deeply connected - they’re both forms of self-expression. Before people even hear the music, they already feel something through your visual idennty, your presence, your energy. I see it as one complete world where sound and visuals speak the same language. What I wear, how I present myself - it all reflects the mood and story behind my music.

You also run your own label, Siona, which has become a plaaorm for emerging progressive and melodic arrsts.

What do you look for in new talent?

I always pay aaennon to uniqueness first. For me, it’s not just about a well-produced track - it’s about having a point of view. I’m looking for arrsts with their own sound and idennty, even if it’s ssll evolving.

You have confirmed to cycle around the island of Ibiza for the Bridges for Music charity. What is it about cycling that inspires you so much?

I think it’s the sense of freedom and honesty in it. I’ve always loved being accve, but I get bored easily if I stay in one place for too long.

For example, training in the gym can feel repeeeve to me - especially if I’m on my own. But with cycling, it’s completely different. You’re constantly moving, the scenery keeps changing, and it feels much more alive. It’s not just about the physical side - it’s also about the experience and the journey. It really helps me reset mentally, switch off, and just enjoy everything around me. That’s what truly inspires me.

Red Rocks in Denver supporrng David Gueea. Tell us more about why you are so excited to play there?

Red Rocks is such an iconic venue - a place where so many incredible arrsts have performed, and you can really feel that history the moment you step there. The energy is completely unique, surrounded by nature, creaang something truly special between the arrst and the crowd. I’m also incredibly happy to be sharing this moment with David.

He’s been so supporrve of me over the years and has always been genuinely kind, which I deeply appreciate. As an arrst, he’s reached an extraordinary level and has been a huge inspiraaon to me. It’s going to be a very special and emooonal moment, and I honestly can’t wait.

You have upcoming releases with the likes of Agents of Time and Kapuchon (Afrojack). How do you decide who to work with or not? What is the process for seleccon? Arrst and song.

For me, uniqueness is always the key. When I hear a demo that really stands out and has its own idennty, it naturally draws me in and makes me want to collaborate with the arrst behind it.

DJ technology has evolved so quickly in recent years. From advanced CDJs to real--me tools and hybrid setups, do these innovaaons inspire you creaavely? Do you think these advancements are changing the way DJs perform and select music, for beeer or worse?

I think technology is an amazing tool and it definitely opens up new creaave possibiliies. It can inspire you in different ways and allow you to experiment more during your sets. But at the same me, I believe the essence of DJing stays the same - it’s all about music seleccon, taste, and the conneccon with the crowd. Technology should support the arrst, not replace the arrstry. So in the end, it really depends on how you use it.

With the summer fessval season almost here, what excites you most about the months ahead?

First of all, I’m really excited about my residency starrng on June 4th at Hï Ibiza - it’s something very special for me and I can’t wait to begin this journey. At the same me, this summer is full of incredible fessvals all around the world, which always bring such a unique energy and conneccon with the crowd. Also, this summer together with my team I’m planning to present something special and new for me at the Tomorrowland Fessval. It’s going to be a very intense but inspiring season, and I’m really looking forward to everything that’s coming.

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Image credit: Russell Klimas

You’ve worked on some incredible projects, from flying the Goodyear blimp to launching a 3D-printed rocket that broke the sound barrier. Which project has excited you the most so far, and why?

It’s hard to pick just one, because each project reflects what I was most excited about at that moment in my journey. A few definitely stand out though. My camper is one I still use today for adventures, so that project keeps giving. I also built a canoe with my uncle for my YouTube channel, which was special because it was the first time I’d built something with family. The wooden rocket is where I met many of my closest friends, and flying fighter jets was my first flight after getting my medical back, which made it a really meaningful moment.

Your rocket project reached incredible speeds.

What did building and launching something like that teach you about engineering and problem-solving?

There’s a joke among creators called “YouTube-done”, where sometimes the final 10% of a project gets rushed just to get a video out. I try not to do that, but in rocketry, that mindset simply doesn’t work. At supersonic speeds, there is no such thing as cutting corners. Everything has to be done to the highest standard, regardless of timelines. That’s actually one of the things I love most about it. All of your work comes down to a two-second engine burn, where things will either go exactly to plan or fail spectacularly. There’s no in-between.

You’ve spoken before about not always loving how engineering is taught in schools. What do you think students should experience more of when studying engineering?

My biggest frustration in engineering school was the lack of hands-on learning. I was lucky to work at my university’s makerspace, a huge facility filled with tools and workshops. While I was there, I found myself teaching senior students how to solder or even use basic tools like a hand drill. That shouldn’t happen. We can’t be sending graduates into the workforce without practical skills. Hands-on expe rience not only helps students retain what they learn, but it’s essential for understanding how things actually work in the real world.

Many students worry about choosing the “right” career path. Did you always know you wanted to build and invent things, or did your direction evolve over time?

Not at all. I actually applied to college for marketing and psychology because that’s what a career quiz told me I’d be good at. I found my way into building through working on tech for theatre productions. From there, it just grew naturally. I think I’ve always been good at listening to that small voice in your head that pushes you towards what you’re curious about.

That’s what really shaped my path.

Looking back, what was the moment when you realised engineering could take you into some truly unusual experiences?

During my sophomore year, I built a hackathon project - a pair of internet-connected teddy bears that let you hug someone from anywhere in the world. After the event, a VC gave me funding to turn it into a startup. That led to a two-year journey where I travelled across the country raising investment and learning how to bring a product to market. It opened my eyes to how far engineering could take me, not just technically, but in terms of experiences and opportunities.

You’ve spoken openly about losing your FAA medical and the wider conversation around mental health in aviation. What has that experience taught you about resilience and supporting mental health in high-pressure careers?

I’ve always felt a responsibility to speak up for people who can’t.

In aviation, many pilots avoid seeking mental health support because it can risk their certification. It’s something I saw affecting people around me, and I felt I had to say something.

Mental health care is just health care, but in many industries, asking for help can still feel like a risk to your career. It’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve done, but it’s also made me stronger, and I hope it’s helped push the conversation forward.

Image credit: Russell_Klimas

When you were younger, was there a moment, object or experience that first sparked your curiosity about how things work?

It wasn’t one specific moment, it was more of a pattern. I was always drawn to hands-on projects. I loved building things, creating models, and spending extra time on anything that involved making something physical. Looking back, I’m really grateful for the teachers who gave us the option to create projects instead of just doing tests or written work. That made a huge difference.

The UK’s surf capital brings waves, energy and proper student road trip vibes. Even if you do not surf, it is fun just watching the action and grabbing food nearby. On a bright day, the Atlantic views feel endless and the sunsets are amazing.

Huge skies, vast sands and pine woods behind the dunes make Holkham feel cinematic. On quieter days it feels almost untouched and peaceful, perfect for clearing your head after deadlines.

Easy to reach by train, making it ideal for groups. Wide sandy stretches, a classic pier and lively promenade, just perfect.

Big, bold and unapologetically classic. Blackpool is less about quiet reeection and more about fun, nostalgia and group energy. Cheap, easy and packed with personality.

Sand dunes and pine forests give Formby a wilder feel, yet it is easily accessible from Liverpool. It is brilliant for sunset walks and feels like a proper escape without travelling miles.

With Bamburgh Castle towering above the sand, this is easily one of England’s most dramatic beaches. Wide open space and huge skies make it impressive in any season.

Regularly ranked among the UK’s best beaches, Rhossili offers sweeping sands and breathtaking cliff views. It feels expansive and wild, perfect for long walks and group photos.

Luskentyres feel almost tropical when the sun shines. It is more of a longer adventure, but unforgettable.

Finding her place in a Cruel World At 25, Holly Humberstone is stepping into a new chapter. From growing up in the Midlands to selling out shows and supporting some of the biggest names in music, her journey has been anything but ordinary.

With her new album Cruel World, Holly explores love, identity and what it really means to grow up. We caught up with her to talk about the emotions behind the music, navigating change, and finding your place in the world.

Your new album Cruel World feels like a turning point. What inspired this chapter?

Writing this album felt like shedding old skin. I had to say goodbye to the house I grew up in, which was such a big part of who I was. Moving to South East London and building a new home made me realise how much I was holding onto the past. I was trying to figure out who I am without it.

Love feels like a central theme throughout the album. What does it represent to you right now?

Love is both beautiful and painful. To love somebody is to risk losing them, and that’s something I wanted to explore. The record sits in that tension between happiness and heartbreak, because both exist at the same time.

Image Credit: Silken Weinberg

Tracks like "White Noise" and "Cruel World" capture very specific emotions. Are those drawn from real experiences?

Definitely. “White Noise” is that feeling of being surrounded by people but still feeling completely alone. And “Cruel World” comes from long-distance love, when everything feels slightly off because that person isn’t there.

You've always written about place and home. How has that changed for you?

Home used to be the house I grew up in, but now it’s something I’ve had to redefine. Living with my sisters and best friend while writing this album made me realise that home is more about people than a place.

"Beauty Pageant" is one of your most raw tracks. What inspired that?

It’s about the pressure of being a woman, especially in the industry. There’s this constant expectation to look a certain way or perform in a certain way, and it can feel exhausting.

That song is about being honest about that pressure.

Looking back, what would you say to your younger self starting out?

I think she’d be buzzing. I’d tell her she’s exactly where she’s supposed to be.

“

Love is both beautiful and painful.

”

Image Credit: Silken Weinberg

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