Student Pocket Guide #60 | WEST MIDLANDS

POCKET GUIDE

WEST MIDLANDS #60

COSMIC GATE + DAMIEN O’BRIEN GAMING :: MONEY :: TATTOOS :: FASHION :: HEALTH + MORE

student living

Future Talent Awards

Fuelling your progress.

Backing your potential.

Up to £1,500 a year. For up to four years.

Because building a better world deserves lasting support.

We offer two scholarships to help you move forward: – For engineering students, apprentices and degree apprentices overcoming challenges.

– For high-achievers passionate about engineering and making a difference.

Your journey matters. Apply by 11 September 2026

theiet.org/future-talent

The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). Futures Place, Kings Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2UA, United Kingdom.

January gets a bad reputation, cold, skint, and full of people suddenly pretending they love goal-setting. This issue of the Student Pocket Guide is here to cut through that noise.

We’re starting 2026 with exclusive interviews with people who are genuinely doing incredible things, beginning with science communicator Lindsay Nikole, who has built a global audience of over 5M followers by making evolution, dinosaurs and natural history exciting and accessible. As Lindsay tells us, “I love the mysteries that still exist.”

In music, we sit down with electronic legends Cosmic Gate, whose journey spans three decades, a Grammy nomination, and more than 40M streams of ‘Exploration of Space’ alone. Still pushing forward, they remind us why longevity matters, saying, “Standing still isn’t an option.”

We also catch up with magician and performer Damien O’Brien, whose career has taken him from grafting £100 gigs to Britain’s Got Talent, BBC television, international touring, and performing for millions worldwide.

Beyond the interviews, this issue is packed with new music from unsigned artists, gaming, future fashion and emerging tech, plus a Find It, Flip It, Profit feature focused on smarter ways to make money in 2026. We’ve also gone big on student discounts, savings and exclusive deals, alongside budget-friendly date ideas, tips to create your own website, and practical advice designed to help you start the year strong without destroying your bank balance.

All Rights Reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form.

The publishers do not accept responsibility for any of the views or opinions expressed in this guide, errors or omissions which may have occurred, or accept liability for any services or facilities featured.

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

DAMIEN O’BRIEN

LINDSAY NIKOLE COSMIC GATE

S UNT CO S I D G MIN GA EY N MO

S TOO TAT ION H FAS LTH HEA

Starting a new year is the perfect time to reset your habits and protect your wellbeing. University life can get busy, but with a few simple routines you can keep your mind clear and your energy steady throughout 2026.

1. Keep mornings calm Start your day without rushing. Stretch for two minutes, drink a glass of water, and give yourself one quiet moment before checking your phone. This sets the tone for the whole day.

2. Keep your space tidy A clean desk or bedroom instantly reduces stress.

Try a ve-minute reset each evening. Small habits make the biggest difference.

3. Eat real food You don’t need perfect meals, just balance. Mix in fruit, veg, and protein so your energy levels stay steady. Keep a couple of healthy snacks in your bag for long campus days.

4. Exercise daily Walking to lectures counts. Dancing counts. Stretching counts. If your body feels active, your mind follows.

5. One hour a day Give yourself at least one hour a day without social media. It helps lower stress and improves focus.

6. Stay connected Talk to friends, reach out when you feel overwhelmed, and don’t bottle things up. Sharing how you feel is a strength, not a weakness.

7. Sleep like it matters Aim for a consistent sleep time most nights.

Your brain literally rebuilds itself while you rest.

A fresh mind is your strongest tool for the year ahead.

Keep things simple, stay kind to yourself, and make 2026 your most balanced year yet.

The quick and easy create-anything app for projects, passions, clubs and socials.

At least 6 months Premium for free with your .ac.uk email address.

T&Cs apply

Student life often comes with tight budgets, surprise expenses, and that constant feeling that your money disappears faster than you expect. While part-time jobs help, they can’t always cover everything. One low-risk, exible way to boost your budget is by ‘‘ipping items’... buying something cheap and reselling it for a proot.

Why Flipping Works for Students The biggest advantage is exibility. You don’t need a big upfront cost, special equipment, or hours of free time. You can ip as little or as much as you like, and you can do it from your room, a shared at, or even your student halls. It can also be surprisingly fun.

Turning a £3 nd into £20 feels like winning at life.

Where to Find Items to Flip You’d be surprised how many prootable items you come across just by scrolling or walking around town. Good places to start include: Charity shops: Clothes, vintage bits, books, games.

Car boots: Cheap DVDs, games, random gems.

Facebook Marketplace: Free furniture, décor, books.

Campus groups: Students offload stuff dirt cheap.

Your room: Old clothes, tech, books, gadgets.

Best Items for Beginners You don’t need to hunt for rare collectables. If it’s cheap, clean, and in working order, someone will want it. Start simple with things that sell fast: • Branded clothing (Nike, North Face, Levi’s) • Vintage or Y2K clothing for Depop/Vinted • Textbooks and course materials • Small home décor • Coffee tables, shelves, and small furniture • Games, controllers, and retro tech • Trendy items like air fryers, lamps, and mirrors

Where to Sell If you want the quickest sales, list your item on more than one platform. Different platforms work better for different items: • Vinted – Clothes, shoes, accessories • Depop – Vintage, Y2K, branded streetwear • eBay – Games, tech, collectables, electronics • Facebook Marketplace – Furniture and bulky items • Gumtree – Local sales without postage costs

How to Make a Good Proot Over time, you’ll get a feel for what sells fast and what to avoid. A few simple habits can make ipping much easier: Take clear photos – Natural light works best.

Write short, honest descriptions – Students appreciate straight-to-the-point listings.

Clean items before selling – A wipe or quick wash can double the value.

Check sold listings on eBay – You’ll see the real selling price, not the asking price.

Start small – Aim for quick, easy ips.

The Student Advantage Students often have access to some of the best ipping opportunities without even realising it. End-of-year clear-outs, course changes, and people moving houses mean bargains appear everywhere, and even ipping one or two items a week can give you a small but reliable boost to your income. It’s one of the most student-friendly side hustles out there.

CATCH THE 18 CLUES WAVE & see your city with fresh eyes!

♥ Solve 18 clues to crack a Challenge ♥ Learn weird and wonderful facts as you go ♥ Walking and Virtual Challenges, both different ♥ Retro charm with modern convenience ♥ Supporting animal and eco charities ♥ Be in to win epic prize packages ♥ New locations dropped every month ♥ 18 Clues—endless discoveries Addictive, educational, engaging, fun!

WALKING CHALLENGES A walk with a twist! Get those steps in by grabbing some friends and hitting the streets, parks, and hidden gems of your chosen city with a Walking Challenge. Turn your walk into a fun adventure by hunting down and solving clues as you discover new spots and uncover interesting stories. Most people who buy the Walking Challenge also buy the Virtual one... for double the fun, double the knowledge accrued, double the charitable impact, and double your chances of winning the prize package!

E

VIRTUAL CHALLENGES A Challenge you can do in your pyjamas! Tackle a Virtual Challenge from your screen, using what3words, Google Maps, and some sharp sleuthing. Perfect for students who love a mix of tech, travel, and trial. Solve in the comfort of your home or student digs. Taking up to two hours to complete, they are perfect as a solo activity and great for flatmate bonding. Even if you live far from a location, you can explore it with a Virtual Challenge. You never know where you’ll pop up next!

STUDENT INTRODUCTORY OFFER 2 Challenges for £12 (plus free postage) Use Code: STUDENTOFFER12

www.18clues.co.uk www.instagram.com/18cluesuk www.facebook.com/18cluesuk

Be In 2 W in!

Think You're Skint?

WAIT UNTIL YOU

GRADUATE! Where noodles cost 45p… but council tax costs your soul.

Student life teaches you how to survive on £7 and noodles. Then you graduate and boom... finances on hard mode. Rent shoots up, bills multiply, council tax jump-scares you, and suddenly you’re Googling “why is water so expensive”.

Student Rent vs REAL RENT

Student rent is a beautiful bubble. One payment. Bills included. Wi-Fi that just works. Heating that magically costs nothing. Then real life enters the chat.

Rent becomes eye-watering. Bills are separate. Council tax attacks on sight. And you start saying things like “I might check a comparison site”, which is how you know things have changed.

Hidden Costs NOBODY MENTIONS

Adult life loves surprise bills. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re paying for dentist visits, MOTs, cleaning sprays, TV licences and random fees nobody can explain.

Food Shop REALITY CHECK Student food shops mean noodles and cheese. Adult food shops mean veg, toilet roll and cleaning sprays that make you wonder how anything costs this much.

The Night Out WAKE-UP CALL

Student nights out are iconic. £2 doubles. Free entries.

Someone always loses their ID and still gets in.

Adult nightlife? £7 for a Coke? I’m not even drinking tonight. Plus taxis, entry fees, and that sudden urge to go home by 10pm.

Here’s the TWIST

Yes, expenses go up. But so do opportunities. Graduating means you can earn far more, gain real independence, travel and get to control your time, money and future.

Right now, you think you’re skint. But this is the perfect time to learn how to budget, spend smart and earn smarter. Student life teaches you how to survive. Adult life shows you how far you can go.

Retro Gaming. Movies. Collectables. Culture.

Join the cave

@ManCaveManiaUK on all socials

Photography Credit: Tiffany Ribeiro

AN EPIC JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE With over ve million followers across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, science communicator Lindsay Nikole has built a global community by making evolution and natural history fun, fearless, and accessible. Her new book, Epic Earth, takes readers on a wild journey through the history of life on our planet. We caught up with Lindsay to talk prehistoric mysteries, dinosaurs, and why conservation matters now more than ever.

Congratulations on the completion of your book Epic Earth! Can you share any mind-blowing facts or weird discoveries from your research that will surprise readers?

I LOVE THE MYSTERIES T H AT S T I L L E X I S T.

One of the weirdest prehistoric animals I write about in Epic Earth is called the Tully Monster, which lived on Earth over 300 million years ago!

They’re fascinating because, to this day, scientists still haven’t fully gured out if they were a vertebrate or an invertebrate species. I love the mysteries that still exist. Those are the kinds of facts that are most interesting to me.

When you look at nature and wildlife – from species relying on each other in the food chain to Earth providing the perfect habitat for life – it feels almost impossibly smart. What are your thoughts on the possibility of life on other planets, and what do you imagine it might look like?

I love thinking about the mystery of life on other planets, and it’s hard for me to see how life couldn’t exist somewhere else considering how many planets, galaxies, and stars there are. Maybe not intelligent life like ours, but the way life evolved here is so speciic to the conditions of Earth that life on another planet would probably be almost...

...unrecognisable. All life on our planet uses carbon as the base – maybe life elsewhere uses silicon or something completely different.

There are no limits to what life could look like, and that’s what makes it so exciting to imagine.

You’ve got some striking tattoos, including the skull of a Diabloceratops. What draws you to dinosaurs and other extinct creatures, and what do you think makes that era of Earth’s history so “bad ass”?

I think the age of the dinosaurs is so interesting because I didn’t really get into it until I was an adult. As kids, dinosaur content is pushed mostly towards boys, so it always felt kind of like fantasy – but dinosaurs were real, and they dominated the planet for 100 million years. They were the largest animals to ever walk the planet and had an incredible diversity in lifestyle, size, and behaviour.

You’ve built a following of over 5 million people by making STEM fun.

What rst inspired you to start creating science content online?

I graduated during the pandemic, and when I was in college, I was learning about animals I’d never...

even heard of before. I graduated with this desire to teach everyone. what I’d learned because I gured if I didn’t know about these things, plenty of other people must not know either – and they deserve to!

Graduating during lockdown was tough because I couldn’t go into working with big cats like I’d planned, but it gave me the opportunity to start telling those stories on TikTok. Seeing people react so positively and become curious, just like I did, made me realise how much I loved it.

What advice would you give to students who want to combine their passion for science with creativity or content creation?

Everyone takes in information differently. Think about the way you were taught about animals and nature, and how your brain made that information interesting. Then project that in your own voice. There are so many amazing animals and so many ways to tell their stories.

You’ve worked with organisations like Save the Elephants and The Cheetah Conservation Fund. What did those experiences teach you about the relationship between humans and wildlife?

Working with these incredible organisations taught me that things are xable as long as we really listen.

Most of the biggest issues animals face today come from human–wildlife connict. In the U.S., for example, issues with wolves often feel one-sided – you’re either on the human’s side or the wolves’ side.

But what I learned from working with groups like CCF and Save the Elephants is that there can be an in-between. Both organisations have created win-win solutions, like Save the Elephants using beehive fences around farmland – elephants are afraid of bees, so they stay away without anyone getting hurt. And CCF uses large guarding dogs to protect livestock and scare off cheetahs. It’s creativity, exibility, and understanding that x these issues.

Do you have a favourite travel moment where you felt especially connected to wildlife?

During my internship at the Cheetah Conservation Fund, I was working with cheetahs, of course, but also got to help rehabilitate and release other carnivores. There was a brown hyena named Brownie who had been caught in a trap and had a broken leg. He was brought to CCF to be rehabilitated, and I got to help release him back into the wild.

Watching him run off into the distance after everything he’d been through was such an impactful moment for me.

What’s next for you – are there new projects or adventures you’re most excited about?

Right now, I’m working on a human evolution series that I’m really excited about – focusing on how we evolved since our last common ancestor with chimps.

It’s all about how we became human and understanding our complicated family tree.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Travelling the world, performing for millions, and chasing the wow factor, Damien O’Brien’s story is pure comic-book magic.

How did you discover your passion for magic?

It all started when I was a kid. A magician lived opposite me and performed tricks similar to David Blaine. I was hooked on the reaccons people had. That was the spark for me. I begged him to show me something and eventually he taught me one trick. I praccsed it for months. When he saw I was serious, he showed me where I could learn more, and I dived right in.

What challenges did you face starrng out?

The hardest part is staying moovated. You cannot expect things to happen overnight. I had to chase agencies, contact restaurants, and offer to perform for £100 a couple of hours just to get my name out there. Every gig I did, I tried to book two more from it, whether weddings or birthdays. I handed out business cards constantly. You cannot just sit and wait for the phone to ring. It is about treaang it as a business, not a hobby.

What were the big highlights along the way?

There have been so many. Travelling the world, my first proper payday, being on TV, and press features. My BBC3 show was a huge accomplishment, especially winning an award with the team. Of course, Britain’s Got Talent was massive. Millions of people saw me perform. Even now, I someemes get stopped in the street. It is surreal, but I remind myself that those liile interaccons can mean a lot to someone else.

What inspires your creaavity?

Movies, comic books, Star Wars, and the people I surround myself with. I only keep posiive, creaave people close to me. Negaavity holds you back. Social media sparks ideas too. If a drinks brand comes to me, I look at the product and think of all the possible ways I can use it in a trick. in associaaon with

What advice would you give students who want to pursue a creaave career?

Be paaent. It will take me. There will be setbacks, but they are lessons, not failures. Learn from them and keep moving forward. Collaborate with others and share ideas. Most importantly, never lose your passion.

Do you ssll enjoy performing on a big stage?

Yes, there is nothing like it. Smaller shows are innmate and personal, but bigger stages have an energy that you feel through the whole room.

You treat every performance like it could be your last.

Away from performing, how do you like to relax?

Do you ssll play games like you did growing up?

Yes, gaming has always been one of my favourite ways to switch off.

My first console was the NES. Later I got the Mega Drive and the SNES, and those retro games cemented my love for gaming. Street Fighter 2 Turbo was the one that really hooked me, and it is ssll one of my all--me favourites. I also love modern gaming. The graphics, the fluidity, and especially the online community side of it are incredible.

I have made some really good friends through online gaming. Right now, I spend a lot of me on my PS5 playing Fortnite.

Whether on stage in front of millions or at home on his PS5, Damien shows that passion & persistence, are all part of the magic. in associaaon with

Street Fighter II 1991

Street Fighter II was pure arcade chaos. Eight characters, quarter-circle moves you had to learn by heart, and no mercy if you button-mashed. The graphics were blocky, but the ghts were intense. Retro wins for bragging rights.

Super Mario Bros.

1985

Two buttons, side-scrolling levels, and a princess to save.

Mario Bros. was simple, tough, and brutally addictive. Miss a jump, and it was game over.

Retro Mario tested your patience.

Street Fighter 6 2023

Street Fighter 6 adds slick visuals, 3D stages, a deep roster, online play, and even a story mode. It’s more accessible thanks to simpliied control options, but some argue it’s lost the raw difficulty of the original. Modern wins for fun with friends.

Super Mario Odyssey 2023

Odyssey lets you explore entire worlds, transform with your hat, and experiment endlessly. The graphics are breathtaking, but you’ll rarely face the crushing difficulty of the early NES days.

Modern Mario rewards curiosity. Both iconic.

The Legend of Zelda 1986

Top-down dungeons, cryptic puzzles, and a tiny Link facing overwhelming odds. The rst Zelda gave no hints - players had to gure it all out on their own. Retro Zelda demanded brainpower.

Sonic the Hedgehog 1991

Blue blur, rings everywhere, and lightning-speed platforming. The Mega Drive original was fast, unforgiving, and pure adrenaline.

Retro Sonic wins for speed.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 2023

Tears of the Kingdom is a massive open world where you can build, glide, and explore. The freedom is unmatched, but tutorials and hints smooth the journey.

Modern Zelda gives endless freedom. Pick your poison.

Sonic Frontiers 2022

Sonic Frontiers reimagines Sonic in a semi-open world, blending exploration with classic loops and spins. It’s ambitious, but not every fan is convinced.

Modern Sonic wins for experimentation.

Resident Evil 1996

Creeping through a mansion with tank controls and limited ammo. The blocky visuals made things scarier because your imagination lled the gaps.

Retro wins for sheer atmosphere.

Mortal Kombat 1992

Grainy ghters, pixelated gore, and that iconic “Finish Him!” The controversy was bigger than the graphics, but the ghts were unforgettable.

Retro shocked the world.

Resident Evil 4 Remake 2023

Resident Evil 4 Remake is cinematic horror with uid combat, jaw-dropping graphics, and perfectly timed jump scares.

It’s polished, maybe too polished.

Modern wins for terror you can’t escape.

Mortal Kombat 1 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 delivers hyper-realistic fatalities that make the original look tame. The roster is stacked, and online battles mean you’re never short of opponents.

Modern still shocks… just with bigger budgets.

Evan Kreutz New York–based Evan Kreutz is a natural-born entertainer with a strong stage presence and a gift for storytelling. Drawing inspiration from artists such as The Beatles, My Chemical Romance, Green Day and Still Woozy, his music reeects the full range of human emotion. Focused on the joy of the creative journey rather than a nal destination, Evan invites listeners into an honest and relatable musical experience that connects through both the highs and the lows.

DISCOVER MORE

Emilee Boyce Emilee Alice Boyce rst emerged on the Kent music scene at just 16, quickly catching attention after a standout performance at the Folkestone Festival. Blending natural songwriting ability with an elegant, distinctive sound, she has developed her music through studio work with respected UK producers while reening a conndent and spellbinding live presence. Self-taught on guitar and driven by creative curiosity, Emilee continues to evolve her sound, bringing emotion, style and authenticity to every performance.

DISCOVER MORE

KIT MAJOR Self-described as the “#1 dirty misst”, Kit Major delivers glam-punk with a sharp edge and zero apologies. Hailing from Los Angeles, Kit’s sound fuses whooshing guitars, punk rock attitude and big, infectious hooks that are built to be played loud. There’s a raw, live-wire energy running through everything Kit releases, capturing the messy, rebellious spirit that makes rock music feel dangerous and exciting again.

With a sound that’s bold, fun and unapologetically loud, Kit Major is carving out a space where rock truly feels alive.

DISCOVER MORE

Cosmic Gate are true dance-music icons. From a chance studio meeting in the 90s to a Grammy nomination and 40 million streams on ‘Exploration Of Space’, Nic & Bossi have shaped generations of electronic music fans. They’ve remixed the biggest names, headlined every major festival on the planet and reinvented their sound with their bold MOSAIIK era. Now they’re back with Perspectives, and they told us everything...

Your new release is here. How would you describe the creative goal behind Perspectives EP 2?

We always try to write music that touches people emotionally.

There isn’t one fixed vision, but we constantly look for new ideas, fresh techniques or new sounds that inspire us. The club scene moves fast, so each part of the series naturally reflects where things are at. Standing still isn’t an option.

Staying curious keeps everything moving forward.

‘Heaven Knows’ feels like the emotional heart of the EP. What made it so special?

Sometimes you hear a vocal demo and you instantly think “wow”. That happened with RYVM and Marlene. We built the track around their vocal and they loved what we did.

Everything fell into place really naturally, which isn’t always the case in the studio. And here’s a teaser… a full vocal version is coming on EP 3.

Do you start a track with a specific singer in mind, or does the right voice arrive later?

Both happen. Sometimes an artist writes to our demo and sometimes we get a vocal first and build the music around it.

That’s the fun part. There’s no recipe. Every track is its own journey.

Was there a moment during ‘Heaven Knows’ when you knew it was going to be a special one?

Yes. There are always moments when you feel a track is close but not quite there, and then you find the element that glues everything together. With Heaven Knows, things came together quickly. Nothing felt forced. That’s always a good sign.

What are your top tracks to play live at the moment?

1. Above and Beyond – Sun In Your Eyes (Marsh Remix) 2. Alex Wann & Notre Dame feat. Carte Blanche – The City 3. Cosmic Gate – You

And three older tracks that still go off every time?

1. Cosmic Gate & JES – Fall Into You 2. Cosmic Gate – Need to Feel Loved 3. Cosmic Gate – Your Mind

Let’s go back for a second.

When did you first realise this was becoming a real career?

After tracks like The Drums, Fire Wire and Exploration Of Space, things were growing but mainly in Europe. Then Trance Energy 2002 happened and everything changed. Suddenly bookings came from all over the world. That event really opened the door for us. Back then it took longer to be recognised because there was no social media. Everyone played our tracks, but no one knew our faces yet. That moment pushed everything forward.

If we walked into your first proper studio, what would we have seen?

Big racks full of synths, samplers and drum machines.

Cables everywhere. Old monitors. A classic early-2000s production cave.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about staying relevant for so many years?

Cancel out the noise. Ignore the hype. Focus on your strengths. Be who you are. That’s the key.

For producers or DJs trying to break through today, what’s one piece of advice you wish you had early on?

If you chase what others do, you’ll always be second best.

Be unique. Create your own lane. Build a sound that others try to follow.

Smart style is here. From sleep-tracking rings to phone-charging backpacks, wearable tech is changing student fashion... practical, affordable and built for every part of campus life.

How Tech is Redefining Student Style The Smart Ring Small, stylish and smarter than it looks. Rings like the Oura Gen3 or Circular Ring track your sleep, heart rate and activity without shouting “I’m wearing tech.” Perfect for students who want to keep an eye on their health but prefer jewellery over chunky watches.

It’s subtle enough to wear day and night, making it one of the easiest ways to bring smart fashion into your look.

Glasses with Brains Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses look just like the iconic frames you already know, but they hide some seriously cool features. You can listen to music, take calls, or snap rst-person photos and videos without even pulling out your phone. For students who like to capture nights out or create content on the go, these glasses make tech feel effortless while keeping your style sharp.

LED Fashion Why just wear an outtt when you can light it up? LED fashion is making its way into everything from trainers to backpacks to jackets. With customisable panels, you can change the colours or even display patterns to suit your mood. Perfect for gigs, raves or freshers’ events, it’s fashion that gets you noticed while showing off your creativity.

The Smart Backpack A backpack is essential for student life, but new designs are making them smarter. Anti-theft zips, hidden pockets and built-in USB charging ports mean your bag is now as practical as your phone. They’re sleek, modern and designed to carry laptops, books and gym gear without looking bulky. A student must-have that blends style, security and convenience.

Self-Lacing Sneakers Once only a sci-- dream, self-lacing sneakers are now a reality. Nike Adapt sneakers tighten automatically, giving you a perfect t every time. While they sit at the expensive end of student budgets, even more affordable light-up trainers are bringing fun and air to everyday style. Sneakers have always been about self-expression, and tech is now pushing them into the future.

From study sessions to nights out, the future of fashion is already here, and it’s smarter than ever.

Join our Facebook group!

Deals, Reviews, Tips & Ideas

Big love doesn’t need big money.

Whether it’s Valentine’s, a birthday, or just a random Tuesday, the best gestures are often free, it’s the thought that counts.

1. Cosy Night In Skip the pricey night out and turn your student space into your own restaurant or cinema. Cook their favourite meal, light a few candles, and queue up a lm or playlist that means something to you both. Cheap, cheerful, and guaranteed to score you points.

2. Write Someeing from e Heart Handwritten letters or even a list of “10 things I love about you” can mean more than anything money can buy.

It’s personal, thoughtful, and shows you’ve put real effort in.

3. Plan a Liile Adventure You don’t need plane tickets to make memories.

Head to a free gallery, take a long walk somewhere new, or explore quirky local cafés.

Bring your phone and snap photos along the way.

Later you can turn them into a digital album or mini scrapbook.

4. Get Creative wii DIY Gifts

Bake their favourite sweet treat, make a playlist, or even put together a “voucher book” lled with things like breakfast in bed, a massage, or control of the TV remote. It’s fun, personal, and costs very little.

5. Sma Surprises, Big Impact

Hide little notes in their bag, pick up their favourite snack on the way to lectures, or send them a funny meme during a stressful day. The little things often matter most.

6. Valentine’s Day on a Budget

With Valentine’s around the corner, you don’t need to panic-buy roses or book an expensive meal. Try cooking a surprise breakfast, writing them a heartfelt card, or planning a budget-friendly “date night challenge” where you both spend under £10. It’s proof that love doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.

The best gifts are the ones from the heart.

MAKE A

WEBSITE

A strong portfolio website can open doors. It shows your skills, your style and your ambition in one place. Whether you're applying for internships or building a freelance career, a clean, modern website makes a real impact. Here’s how to create one that feels professional from the start.

Supported by NATABENÉ, a UK creative agency specialising in modern student portfolio sites.

CHOOSE A SMART

DOMAIN Your domain is your online identity, so keep it short and simple. If it’s taken, add something relevant like design, creative or media. Try to match your social handles to your domain so everything feels consistent. If possible, secure both the .co.uk and the .com.

ADD SSL FOR INSTANT

TRUST

An SSL certificate gives your site the padlock icon and stops browsers showing warnings. It also helps your site rank higher on Google. Most hosting providers include SSL for free. It’s a quick win that instantly makes your site look more professional.

PICK THE RIGHT

PLATFORM WordPress offers the most control and is ideal if you want a site you can build on as your career grows. Squarespace and Wix are great for beginners who want something easy to edit without coding. If you’re a designer, Behance is useful too, but it works best as an add-on.

KEEP THE DESIGN

CLEAN

A clear, tidy layout helps your work shine. Use simple navigation, readable fonts and plenty of white space. Avoid clutter, heavy animations or too many colours. Make sure your site looks good on mobile, because many employers will view it on their phones.

SHOW ONLY YOUR

BEST

Your portfolio should be curated. Choose a small selection of your strongest projects and present each with a short explanation of what you created and the tools you used. High-quality visuals make a huge difference. A tight, confident portfolio beats a large, unfocused one.

PRIORITISE

SEARCH You don’t need to be an expert to improve your SEO. If you use WordPress, install the Yoast plugin to help structure your pages. Add Google Analytics and Search Console so you can track visitors and request indexing when you publish new content.

POWER UP

YOUR BRAND

As we step into 2026, here’s a quick rewind on six standout moments from last year that shaped student life, culture and internet buzz.

1. AI on Campus In 2025, universities stopped banning AI and began using it for study help, essay planning and even wellbeing apps.

Students got smoother study support and skills.

2. Women’s Sport Wins The Women’s Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham pulled in over 80,000 fans, a record crowd. The buzz ltered down to student teams with more funding and attention.

3. Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay, dubbed the Ibiza Final Boss, went viral for his haircut and dance moves. His TikTok fame exploded into brand deals and a shot at music stardom.

4. Retro Gaming Buzz Classic titles like Street Fighter and Mario returned alongside new remasters. Student gaming nights mixed pixel nostalgia with high-energy esports tournaments.

5. Festival Frenzy 2025 was the year festivals bounced back. Glastonbury and Reading sold out fast, while smaller student-friendly city events offered affordable live music.

6. Travel Hacks Social media was full of viral tips for £1 ights and ash deals.

Students grabbed cheap weekend getaways across Europe.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS Gorillaz Example Ed Sheeran Calvin Harris Tom Grennan Rise Against The Vamps KSI David Haye Ashley Walters Mystery Jets Fearne Cotton Maya Jama Ella Henderson Bakermat Rob Beckett Wilkinson Charli XCX Armin Van Burren John Newman Wretch 32 All Time Low

And many more...

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