Student Pocket Guide - Scotland - Winter 2020

STUDENT POCKET GUIDE WINTER 2020 #44

SCOTLAND

DISCOUNTS :: BUDGETING :: CV TIPS :: ART :: MENTAL HEALTH EMBARRASSING STORIES :: KITCHEN HACKS & MORE

AM Flat white on campus

PM Flat out at the gym

Student bus travel from just £1* per day For whatever’s on your timetable Buy online and start saving now stagecoachbus.com/scotlandstudents *£1 per day based on a 13 week Dundee plus student ticket.

Paesan0 PIZZA Our Artisan woodfired pizza ovens have been built for us by Gianni Acunto of Naples, who have been making traditional ovens for 4 generations.

Our pizza is a hybrid yeast and sourdough proofed for over 24 hours.The long proofing time together with cooking at an intense heat of 500OC produces a moist, light, soft, digestible crust which is aromatic and delicious.

1 Tomato sugo with garlic, oregano and evoo 2 Tomato sugo with mozzarella, fresh basil and evoo 3 Tomato sugo with capers, olives, anchovies, mozzarella, garlic and evoo 4 Spianata spicy salami from Calabria with tomato sugo, mozzarella and evoo 5 Prosciutto cotto (Italian cooked ham) with mushrooms, tomato sugo, mozzarella and evoo 6 Roasted red peppers with spinach, tomato sugo, mozzarella, ricotta and evoo 7 Fresh Tuscan Fennel sausage with sugo, mozzarella and evoo 8 Mushroom, spinach, mozzarella, ricotta, oregano, garlic and evoo (no tomato) 9 Grilled aubergine with tomato sugo, garlic and fresh Parmesan

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E D I T O R ’ S

L E T T E R

2020 is not just a new decade, it also marks our 15th year of publishing the Student Pocket Guide - and wow, what an incredible time it has been!

Reminiscing brings back some incredible memories. Flashback to 2011 - I remember it clearly - seeing my face and business name appear on the big screen at the Barclays 'Take One Small Step' award ceremony. We had won £50,000 and for the rst time in my life I was literally lost for words as I stood alongside TV presenter Kate Thornton and former winner of The Apprentice Tim Campbell who handed me the award.

The following year we arranged the ‘Ultimate House Party’ competition, and it was mega! Ed Sheeran performed a full set-list in the winner’s back garden, including his two chart-topping singles The A-Team and You Need Me I Don't Need You. We then ran the second 'Ultimate House Party' competition in 2013 with Gabrielle Aplin which was also a great success.

In 2014, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my idols, Sir Richard Branson - what a guy! Having successfully expanded SPG nationwide, we then launched a brand new title, Travel Pocket Guide, in 2017.

Just a couple of the standout interviews from 2019 include explorer Levison Wood and Raphael Rowe. Raphael spent 12 years in prison for crimes he did not commit! You can watch both interviews on YouTube.

He we are in 2020 with a brand new edition. As always, it’s jam-packed Here with exclusive discounts and exciting content, including our most compelling interview yet! Juan Pablo Escobar talks to us exclusively about his relationship with his father, crime, corruption, revenge, destruction, and addiction to power. We also spoke to Ella Henderson, Rob Beckett, Bakermat, and Mathew Horne, who share funny stories, career highlights, and tips. You can also save yourself some money by taking advantage of the discounts and offers throughout this issue. massi thanks goes to you, our readers, because without you this A massive would not have been possible. Don't forget to follow us on social media for up-to-date features, discounts, and competitions.

BFarrin Ben Farrin | Founder

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ELLA HENDERSON

STUDENT DISCOUNTS

ROB BECKETT

CV TIPS

BAKERMAT

KITCHEN HACKS

MATHEW HORNE

STUDENT ART

All Rights Reserved © Pocket Media Group Ltd 2020. 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.

in associa tion with:

START

Welcome back to START, where we showcase a range of student art from across the globe.

Bethany Savage - Textile Design BA Hons Northbrook Metropolitan College

Benjamin Waye - Textiles BFA NSCAD University

Tess Costil - Communication Design Auckland University of Technology

Mona Hattabi - Fashion Design MA University of Portsmouth

START in association with:

If you would like to have your work showcased in the next edition, send your submission, along with your full name and place of study to: info@pocketmediagroup.co.uk. If the le size is larger than 1MB please use a third party le transfer service. Otherwise your email might not reach us!

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HI ELLA, HOW ARE YOU AND WHAT ARE WORKING ON CURRENTLY?

I’m very well, thank you! I am currently writing, recording, and getting myself prepared for the year ahead and new music!

YOUR ACOUSTIC VERSION OF ‘WE GOT LOVE’ WITH SIGALA IS FANTASTIC! WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN LIKE FROM YOUR FANS SO FAR?

I absolutely love the acoustic version too! The strings make it sound so beautiful and really highlight what an amazing song it is. The response has been so positive and I am so happy to see my fans enjoying this collaboration.

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH SIGALA?

Working with Sigala has been an absolute pleasure, he is such a cool guy and a lovely energy to be around in the studio! I’ve always been a fan of his work, so to finally collaborate on this track together has been so much fun!

HOW DID YOU BOTH FIND FILMING THE MUSIC VIDEO AT THE HORNIMAN MUSEUM IN LONDON?

Cold! [Laughs] No, really: it was bloody freezing. We filmed this on one of the coldest days in a glass room! But I have to say, the outcome was 100% worth it! I think the video is visually beautiful.

SINCE YOUR TIME ON THE X FACTOR, YOUR LIFE HAS OBVIOUSLY CHANGED MASSIVELY. WHICH CHANGES HAVE BEEN THE MOST UNEXPECTED OR DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO?

I would probably say at that period of my life I have always been so used to having a team of people around me from quite a young age! So I guess I find it hard sometimes to be alone or on my own if I ever have a day off; I like to be in company of other people.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOU’VE CHANGED AS A SONGWRITER FROM 2014’S CHAPTER ONE TO THE RECENT GLORIOUS EP?

The only major difference is probably life experience. Whether it be good or bad, everything over these last years has helped me become a better writer. My writing has definitely evolved, but I would say my format is still very much open and honest. I have always said that my songwriting is like my form of therapy and very much an open diary.

THE RESPONSE TO YOUR GLORIOUS EP HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONAL, AND THIS HAS OF COURSE RAMPED UP ANTICIPATION FOR MORE NEW MATERIAL. WHEN CAN FANS EXPECT A FULL LENGTH STUDIO ALBUM?

Yes, I was so excited to finally get some music out for my fans to hear what I have been up to, and also what’s to come this year! I can’t reveal any dates right now - but definitely expect some new music.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANY ASPIRING SINGERSONGWRITERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY STUDYING OR CONSIDERING GOING TO UNIVERSITY?

My main piece of advice to anyone (including myself) is that we shouldn’t put too much pressure on ourselves or worry too much.

The more you concentrate on where you are, and who you are presently (and if you keep working hard) the closer you get to your goals. Trust the timing of your own life.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?

Probably falling over on stage on The X Factor tour years ago; it was the most horrendous feeling at the time! I fell down a set of stairs while trying to sing at the same time and completely stacked it. [Laughs] IN THE EVENT OF A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION?

To run! Or maybe pretend to be a zombie so they don’t kill me?

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO IN 2020?

There is a lot of new music happening. All will be revealed...

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At the end of every semester, we’ve got no choice but to live off Pot Noodle and keep attempting to work out how exactly to pay for our ticket home. Most of us promise ourselves that next term we’ll get more organised, work harder, spend less, and say no to the bar crawl when there’s work to be done…

Sound familiar? Here are some of the biggest lies all students tell themselves at the beginning of each term.

After spending all of last semester’s money on nights out, takeaways, alcohol, and a bit more alcohol, it’s safe to say that all budgeting plans went out the window.

This term it’s all going to change though… honestly!

Gone are the secret shopping trips – “They have a student discount” is not a good enough reason to buy something – and excess alcohol, replaced by actual meals with money left over to spend down the SU.

We’ve all been there. We haven’t had a chance to go shopping, and don’t fancy the lonely tin of beans left in the cupboard for tea.

One takeaway won’t hurt, right? It will save on washing up too…

Wrong! It might seem OK at the time, but when the delivery guy recognises you and knows you by your first name, you know you’ve got a problem. Put time aside each week to do a proper food shop.

Thanks to your new budgeting plan (which you’re definitely sticking to), you might even be able to afford a proper meal – with meat and everything.

Waking up with yet another hangover is really starting to take its toll on your poor, fairly innocent body. ‘Ring of Fire’ and a cider, wine, and spirit cocktail may seem like a good idea at the time, but when you’re sitting in your exam struggling to remember what your lecturer was on about the day after the bar crawl, maybe it’s time to finally have a rethink. We’re all mature uni students after all.

Ah yes, the art of procrastination; one of students’ most loved past times - listening to music, tidying your room, and catching up on tv programmes you hadn’t even started watching but think now might be a good time to start.

Don’t you wish someone would have told you all those things needed doing before you got given your assignment?

HI ROB, WHAT ARE YOU UP TO AT THE MOMENT?

I’ve just finished the end of my autumn tour for Christmas.

I love doing it so much. Already looking forward to starting again in February.

WHAT’S THE REACTION BEEN LIKE TO ROB BECKETT’S SAVAGE SOCIALS FROM YOUR FANS SO FAR?

I’ve had such great positive feedback. My Dad loves it, my mum prefers the daytime quiz show that I do. I tried to explain to her she isn’t the demographic for a late night E4 show about social media.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY RESPONSES FROM THE CELEBRITIES YOU’VE RINSED ON THE SHOW?

Yeah, a few. Tom Skinner from The Apprentice loves the attention. He keeps DMing me about it…

AFTER SPENDING SO MUCH TIME AROUND OTHER CELEBRITIES, IS THERE ANYONE WHO WOULD STILL MAKE YOU FEEL STAR-STRUCK?

As a kid I was obsessed with the Alan Davies stand up shows on VHS. He is the only person who made me starstruck. That’s quite embarrassing, isn’t it? Star-struck by Jonathan creek.

WHAT WAS YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF THE ‘WALLOP’ TOUR?

When the crowd would sing Sweet Caroline before the start of the show. That’s the closest I’ll ever get to being a professional boxer. [laughs]

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE HOSTING THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE WITH ROMESH RANGANATHAN? HOW DOES SOMETHING LIKE THAT COME ABOUT?

No idea. They asked and I said yes before they could change their minds. Obviously it was annoying that Romesh was there too, but I got through it.

WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AND WHY?

Tourism, because I wanted to get drunk and do no work.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY YOUNG ASPIRING COMEDIANS READING THIS?

It’s all about hard work. Gig as much as you possibly can and believe in yourself. Getting your head right mentally is just as important as the jokes. But gigging is the key.

Builds confidence and material.

HAVE YOU KEPT ANY OF THE ‘PRIZES’ YOU WON BACK DURING YOUR TIME ON TASKMASTER?

Only kept the trophy. It makes a great door stop.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?

I sh*t my pants at a kid’s birthday party when I was four.

IN THE EVENT OF A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION?

Be a zombie. Much easier than trying to survive.

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO IN 2020?

Touring the UK and the rest of the world, and saying I can’t believe it’s 2020. Why haven’t I got a robot servant yet?

STUDENT BLOCK

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If you are going to drink, then know what your limit is and remember that alcohol dulls your instincts and can lead to you making dangerous decisions. When you are going out, make sure someone knows where you are going, whom you are meeting, and when you expect to return.

Always plan how you are going to get home. If you are going out with a group of people then watch out for each other and make sure everyone stays safe.

Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them.

Be especially careful never to leave your drink unattended, even if you are going onto a dance floor or to the toilet. If something tastes or looks odd, do not eat or drink any more of it. Be aware though that some date rape drugs are colourless and tasteless. If you feel ill or light-headed, tell a trusted friend or a member of staff straight away and ask for a taxi to take you home. Seek medical advice as soon as possible.

If someone you do not know or trust offers to buy you a drink, either decline politely or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added to your drink. Remember, the most common date rape drug is alcohol. Victims are often unaware that extra shots of alcohol have been added to their drinks making them far stronger.

The most common misconception is that a personal alarm is used to attract the attention of passersby. Unfortunately, you cannot rely on a personal alarm to do that for you. The purpose of a personal alarm is to shock and disorientate an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away.

The best way to ensure your personal safety is to plan ahead. Your alarm is no use to you in a bag; have your alarm in your hand when you feel vulnerable or threatened. Then, if your exit is blocked or you feel attack is imminent, hold the alarm close to the attackers head (if you can).

Upon activation, an ear-piercing shriek will be emitted. This should temporarily put the assailant off balance – mentally and physically. Use the shriek to spur yourself into action, putting you back in control and giving you vital seconds to get away. Do not waste time checking it has had the desired effect on the attacker; just go.

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IT ALL STARTED IN 2012 WHEN 20 YEAR OLD LODEWIJK FLUTTERT TOOK A SEMESTER OFF STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY TO DISCOVER DIFFERENT SIDES OF HIMSELF. FOR TWO MONTHS HE DANCED, FILMED, MADE MUSIC, DID STAND-UP COMEDY, WROTE, AND MUCH MORE, UNTIL HE FOUND OUT WHAT HE LOVED DOING MOST: MAKING MUSIC. HE UPLOADED A COUPLE OF TRACKS ON YOUTUBE AND SOUNDCLOUD, AND BAKERMAT WAS BORN. SINCE THEN HE STEPPED INTO A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE HE COULD HAVE NEVER IMAGINED. HIS FIRST OFFICIAL SINGLE ‘VANDAAG (ONE DAY)’ BECAME A HUGE HIT ALL OVER EUROPE, REACHING TOP 10 SPOTS IN ALMOST EVERY COUNTRY. THE EARLY SUCCESS GOT REWARDED WITH PLATINUM RECORDS IN FRANCE, GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, AND BELGIUM. THE SUCCESS WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTED TO THE FACT THAT HE CAME WITH AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT AND NEW SOUND, COMBINING MINIMAL AND DEEP HOUSE WITH JAZZ AND SOUL. IT LAID A FOUNDATION FOR THE GENRES WE NOW KNOW AS ‘TROPICAL HOUSE’ OR ‘MELODIC HOUSE’, IN WHICH HE IS STILL SEEN AS THE FOUNDER AND PIONEER.

WHERE ARE YOU NOW AND WHAT CAN YOU SEE?

Right now I’m at home in Amsterdam, working in my studio with a great view of the Old West neighbourhood. Really inspiring place to be!

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT OF 2019?

Definitely the release of ‘Baianá’. It used to be an intro that I made whilst on tour in the US. I wanted something cool to open my show with and ‘remixed’ a sample of Brazilian acapella group Barbatuques. After every show I got so many messages with people asking about the track, so I decided to put it on SoundCloud. After it got a million plays in a very short time, I was sure we had to make it an official release.

Now it’s doing super well with around 400K streams a day!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE 2019 ANTHEM?

The Purple Disco Machine remix of “Giant” by Calvin Harris and Rag’n’Bone Man. Amazing disco vibes and super happy.

Photography by Marty Marn

WHEN SOMEONE INTRODUCES BAKERMAT TO A NEW FAN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT THEIR FIRST IMPRESSION TO BE OF YOU AND YOUR SOUND?

I’d want them to hear the feelgood vibes of my music, but also the emotion. Most of my music is bittersweet. It’s super happy, but I work a lot with minor chords to give it an extra emotional layer.

HOW MANY TRACKS HAVE YOU SELF-PRODUCED NOW, AND ARE YOU ABLE TO PLAY AN ENTIRE SET USING YOUR OWN MUSIC?

I’ve lost count. Since I also produce a lot for other artists, I can definitely say I can play three entire sets using just my own music!

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING AN INTERNATIONAL DJ?

Being able to travel for free, even getting paid to do so. Meeting a huge variety of people from different cultures.

YOU’VE PERFORMED IN MANY PLACES AROUND THE WORLD FROM RIO DE JANEIRO TO NEW YORK, TO LONDON AND MALTA. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE GLOBAL DESTINATION AND WHY?

Very difficult question. Every place has its charms.

First spots that came up were New York, Hong Kong, Brazil, and South Africa. But in general I’m a huge Europhile; I love the European countries so much. It’s amazing to be able to fly to beautiful cities like Rome, London, Berlin, and Paris all within two hours.

YOUR LATEST RELEASE BAIANÁ IS ANOTHER BAKERMAT BANGER! I’M NOT IN THE LEAST SURPRISED TO SEE IT’S RACKED UP OVER 11 MILLION YOUTUBE PLAYS. I HONESTLY GET GOOSE BUMPS THE MOMENT I HEAR THAT SAX! WHAT’S THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS SPANISH/LATINO SOUNDING UPBEAT HOUSE ANTHEM?

As mentioned before, it was made as an intro to my shows at first! Funny thing is, my brother-in-law introduced me to Barbatuques when we were drinking wine one night. When I heard their song ‘Baianá’ I immediately wanted to remix it. I could hear the piano chords under it already! It’s great to mix Brazilian music with European style house; it makes for an entire new style to exist!

THE VIDEO IS AMAZING, TOO! WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE CARTOONSTYLE DOG?

It’s based on my actual dog, a Bracco Italiano.

I wanted my videos to be in the same style for every song, telling a long story. I developed the cartoon dog with an animation studio from Utrecht called Studio Plumeau. We gather before every release to discuss the adventures of the dog (Matt Baker) and the complete storyline. It’s a lot of fun!

ONE DAY IS STILL YOUR MOST PLAYED YOUTUBE TRACK, HAVING A WHOPPING 25 MILLION PLAYS. WHICH OF YOUR OWN TRACKS DO YOU MOST ENJOY PLAYING LIVE?

I really love playing Baby live. It’s such an incredibly uplifting happy song.

YOU’VE SAID IN THE PAST THAT YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR DJING AT INTIMATE GIGS WHERE YOU CAN GET CLOSE TO YOUR FANS. DO YOU PREFER THE SMALLER GIGS TO THE LARGER MAIN-STAGE FESTIVAL SETUP?

Yes I do. I love it when I get close to my fans and I can look them in the eye. This way I can really connect and build a really good vibe on the dancefloor. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love the large festival setups. If the vibe is right, these can be seriously amazing!

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY FUTURE COLLABORATIONS IN THE PIPELINE, OR GIVE US SOME EXCLUSIVE BAKERMAT NEWS?

I’m starting a merch line with my video animations this year! I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and finally decided to give it a go.

I’m designing all the clothes right now myself, which is a lot of work but a lot of fun. Also there’s a really cool track coming with UK producer Kidda!

HOW DO YOU SEE THE DANCE MUSIC/EDM SCENE CHANGING OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

I hope producers and DJs will focus more on being original and experiment with their sound. We need fresh new dance music, instead of thousands of producers copying each other. If not, the genre will slowly die. But I am very hopeful there will be a new generation of producers taking dance to the next level.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO DREAMS OF ONE DAY BECOMING A SUPERSTAR DJ/ PRODUCER LIKE YOU?

I’d say that the goal shouldn’t be becoming a superstar DJ/ Producer. If you love making music, go make it and try to make something original and distinctive!

Photography by Marty Marn

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN MOTIVATION TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN THIS AREA AND WHAT AREA OF LAW IS IT YOU ARE LOOKING TO SPECIALISE IN?

My motivation to study a degree in Business Law came from me always having had an interest in the legal field. When I was living in Canada, I worked for 4 years as Paralegal and was exposed to many areas of law.

I decided that I wanted a bigger challenge and that is when I decided to pursue my degree in order to become a solicitor. I would like to qualify as either a Corporate Solicitor, a Criminal Solicitor or qualify in an area of law which incorporates finances.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT BEING AT UNIVERSITY?

I have really enjoyed meeting new people and adjusting to living in the UK. I have also enjoyed learning about the law in another country.

WHAT IS IT YOU HOPE TO GO ON TO DO AFTER COMPLETING YOUR COURSE?

After I graduate, I plan to complete my legal practical course and find a job as a Solicitor in a law firm that also has an office in Canada, where I am originally from. I have worked in the legal field there and would like the opportunity to put forward my knowledge in law there as well.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHEN IT CAME TO FUNDING YOUR COURSE?

I was unable to apply for student finance from Canada as I was living full time in the UK and this limited the funding options available to me. I couldn’t secure a bank loan because I had not lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years and had not established a credit history, so I was very thankful to have come across Future Finance when I did. They made the whole funding process straightforward. From the quick application process to the easy to understand information on the website and amazing customer service, I would recommend Future Finance to anyone looking for an additional way to finance their tuition fees.

WHAT WERE YOU NOT EXPECTING TO HAVE TO BUDGET FOR BEFORE STARTING YOUR COURSE?

I wasn’t expecting to budget for the high price in rent! I knew that London was expensive but I didn’t realise how much it really costs to live here. I also didn’t expect to budget as much for travel.

WHAT USEFUL BUDGETING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?

I would advise that students use their discounts anywhere and everywhere they go, it is such a great help. I would also advise doing small food shops instead of large, weekly ones so that you don’t only waste money but food as well. I also use giffgaff for my phone plan, that way you aren’t stuck in a contract and can tweak the amount you pay each month.

ONCE YOU’VE BUDGETED FOR THE MONTHLY ESSENTIALS WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO TREAT YOURSELF TO?

I like to treat myself to makeup, shopping, a night out with friends, a nice meal with my husband and weekend getaways.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN MOTIVATION TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN THIS AREA?

I have always wanted to achieve more in life, have the freedom to express myself without limits but most importantly, make a positive and lasting impact reaching people not only locally but globally. I have had a business idea which I have spent lots of time perfecting but didn’t have a clear idea of how to execute it.

It was this inability to progress my business idea and bring it to life that urged me to pursue my degree.

WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT BEING AT UNIVERSITY?

Everything! The positive atmosphere on campus coupled with the energy of the students. The whole experience has been life-changing!

I have even been lucky enough to speak to the Dean of the University about activities for postgraduate students we could introduce whilst being part of the student council. I think what surprised me the most was how much support I received. Everybody wants to help you to succeed in everything you do whilst studying. There’s no politics, no hidden agenda, no favours, just kindness and unconditional support.

WHAT IS IT YOU HOPE TO GO ON TO DO AFTER COMPLETING YOUR COURSE?

After graduating I will look to work for a multinational corporation which offers lots of opportunities to grow within the company and gain experience and absorb advice from leaders. Eventually, I will create my own startup and launch my business idea.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE WHEN IT CAME TO FUNDING YOUR COURSE?

I did not think much about funding my MBA at the time of applying.

The question of funding came later as I was still digesting the offer and the excitement of having been accepted. My first year was financed by my own funds and support from family. In my second year, however, these options weren’t available and I had to put my study on hold due to funding. It was after this set back that I started to look into additional student finance options and came across Future Finance. I contacted them over the phone and filled out a few forms online and within a week or so, I had my funding secured. The loan covered the remainder of my tuition fees, housing and living costs as well! The best thing was that I only had to pay a small amount back monthly while studying and had the option to freeze payments for a few months after completing my studies so that I could fully focus on securing a job!

My mum was very worried as she knew how much I wanted to study and was devastated because she was not able to help more, but I can truly say that had Future Finance could not have come at a better time. Without them, I would not have been able to continue with my studies and progress my dream of launching my own business.

WHAT WERE YOU NOT EXPECTING TO HAVE TO BUDGET FOR BEFORE STARTING YOUR COURSE?

I guess it was mainly me cutting back on certain foods. I like shopping at Farmers market’s and shops like Wholefoods, but when I started my MBA I realised I had to cut back and have a budget for how much I spent on food.

WHAT USEFUL BUDGETING ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?

I have been a student three times now, so I have learned some tips and tricks here and there. The simple and the most effective one is this: pay all necessary bills (rent, gas, electricity, internet, etc) first! If you have anything left, great! If not, that’s ok at least your living costs are covered.

My second piece of advice is: never buy anything at the full price, always use your student card! My third piece of advice is: sell things you either no longer need or no longer use to make extra cash.

ONCE YOU’VE BUDGETED FOR THE MONTHLY ESSENTIALS WHAT ARE YOU MOST LIKELY TO TREAT YOURSELF TO?

Now, I try to surround myself with as few things as possible, so instead of shoes or clothes I try to be with my family and friends more often, so it’s likely that I would treat myself to a plane ticket so I can travel to other countries and spend quality time with loved ones.

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With millions of students studying in the UK plus rising graduating rates, paper CVs are no longer enough to get you noticed when looking for your first step on the professional career ladder. Noa Polak, Talent Acquisition Manager at Wix provides her top tips on how to create an eye-catching online CV.

Aim to keep things very simple for your future employers.

They should be able to get a quick and solid idea of who you are in minimum time and effort. Your website should contain a homepage with a short introduction and photo of yourself, a CV page, your portfolio, and a contact page.

For ease, you can use one of Wix’s templates for creating your online CV as they already consist of the key elements you should have. What’s more, you can customise it by dragging and dropping images and text onto the template to look exactly how you want it with a few clicks.

Aim to present information in a clear and concise manner. Avoid going into detail about the past unless it’s relevant to your industry or job. Using casual language is fine, but be careful not to push it as you still have to maintain a certain level of professionalism.

Your CV page should contain the following main elements: your name, education, work experience, a way to contact you, and a headshot image. Ensure that you list your most recent work first and include keywords which are relevant to your desired role or industry. Omit experience that dates back further than 10 years unless it’s essential.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to add a photo of yourself to your CV and it is often best to place it on the homepage, alongside your name. Unless you do modelling, acting, or any other line of work which involves your looks, it is best to use only one professional photo of yourself. Definitely avoid uploading your entire holiday album or a selfie!

Other images which can be useful for your page are those that contribute to your portfolio and might exhibit your skillset. These include designs, copywriting samples, sketches, or even logos of companies that you worked with in the past. Take advantage of the fact that your online resume allows you to add some colour and interest to engage potential employers.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to check, double check, and then triple check! Having any spelling, grammatical, or formatting mistakes can be a red flag for potential employers. Whilst you may have extensive experience and glowing references, that rogue comma could be costly. Make sure you check your spelling and get another set of eyes to proof every page. Make sure that all pixels are lined up and that your graphics and photos are of the highest quality.

HI MATHEW! YOU DESCRIBED THE REUNION OF THE GAVIN AND STACEY CAST AS DELIGHTFUL. WHAT WAS YOUR PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT OF THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE?

Just simply being back with my on-screen family and being with those people and characters again. The whole filming experience was fantastic.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR LIFE CHANGED THE MOST DURING THE 9 YEARS SINCE THE PREVIOUS EPISODE OF GAVIN AND STACEY AIRED, AND WHICH CHARACTER FROM THE SHOW WOULD YOU SAY CHANGED THE MOST SINCE THEN?

Gavin’s life changed dramatically. He is now a father who lives in Wales. But as for characters changing, no one’s changed that much.

Maybe Smithy mellowed a little! In my personal life, not much changed other than I’m now almost completely grey haired.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO FABRICATE AND SPREAD RUMOURS SUCH AS THE ‘FEUD’ BETWEEN YOU AND JAMES CORDEN? HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND DEALING WITH TROLLS?

Not sure really. Perhaps unhappiness within themselves - who knows.

I wish we lived in a world where there was more care and kindness for one another, as we’re not here for long. The block button helps quite a bit. That or the mute button!

COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING FILM “THIS NAN’S LIFE” WITH CATHERINE TATE?

The film looks at Nan growing up and Jamie takes her on a road trip to meet a close relative. It’s a road movie with some wonderful period flashbacks to early Nan life!

WHILE NOT AS LONG OF A WAIT AS GAVIN AND STACEY, IT’S STILL BEEN A FEW YEARS SINCE WE’VE SEEN YOU AND THE CHARACTER OF NAN ON SCREEN TOGETHER. WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE WORKING TOGETHER ON THE FILM, AND HOW DOES THE EXPERIENCE DIFFER TO WORKING ON A TV SERIES?

It doesn’t differ really. My role when working with Catherine - with whom I am very close as a friend and colleague - is to help make her the funniest she can be, which is very!

HOW MANY TIMES DOES NAN SAY “WHAT A F***ING LIBERTY!” OR SWEAR IN GENERAL DURING THE FILM? WOULD YOU RECOMMEND A NAN DRINKING GAME OR WOULD THAT QUICKLY BECOME WAY TOO DANGEROUS?

I couldn’t possibly say. If you were to attribute a drinking game, you wouldn’t get very drunk, put it that way.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?

Ever? How long have you got?

IN THE EVENT OF A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PLAN OF ACTION?

Find the tastiest human.

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU UP TO IN 2020?

Another series of Agatha Raisin, directing my first short film, writing a couple of scripts, and hopefully some more theatre.

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Sound and Screen Friday 21 February 2020

You are invited to ‘science and chill’ as we look at the world of cinema and music to celebrate the Glasgow Film Festival. In front of the camera or behind the scenes, there is sure to be something to draw you in as we discover how special effects and sounds are made.

Inside Your Mind Friday 20 March 2020

Blow your mind at this truly fascinating trip inside what makes you, you. Journey through the vast networks of neurons in our planetarium, have a chat with mindful experts and try our brain altering exhibits and refreshments.

Our World Friday 17 April 2020 Join us as we celebrate the life, diversity, and culture on this rock we call home.

Speak to experts on how we can be greener and try out some upcycling in this wonderful event that celebrates our beautiful blue planet, and our dear green city. Chris “Really Wild Show” Packham would be proud.

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Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a whizz with a whisk and a steaming superstar, but here are 10 kitchen hacks which are unbelievably simple and incredibly useful.

Get the most out of your citrus fruits by rolling them across a flat surface to unlock the juice inside.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having difficulty removing the peel, refrigerate the fruit and then microwave for 15 seconds.

If you find cutting soft foods squashes them beyond all recognition, try using unflavoured dental floss. It works equally well for soft cheese like goats cheese and brie, as well as cakes and dough.

For better butter in a hurry, speed up the softening process by grating what you need, or flattening with a rolling pin; spreadable, useable butter in no time at all! If your butter has gone too far, revive it with an ice bath - simply pop your plate or bowl of butter over a larger bowl containing ice and cold water.

If you find removing seeds from pumpkins and squash a challenge, try using an ice-cream scoop. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cut through the fibrous middle in no time at all.

Make peeling boiled eggs even easier by adding a little baking soda or vinegar to the water - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll permeate the eggshells and help the shell and egg-white separate.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve sticky stuff like honey or syrup to measure for a recipe, coat the measuring cup or spoon with hot water or a dab of cooking oil before dipping in. The heat or oil will help the ingredient slide right off the spoon and into your mixing bowl without protest.

Placing a piece of greaseproof paper over your ice-cream before you replace the lid will help prevent freezer burn.

It is possible to reheat baked foods, including pizza, without drying them out. Simply place a cup of water in the microwave while you’re reheating the food.

Stop pots boiling over and making a mess of your hob, by placing a wooden spoon across the top of your saucepan. Wood is a poor conductor of heat, so hot water will stay away from it. However, it’s an excellent combustible material, so ensure your flame won’t catch the spoon alight.

If you’re having difficulty opening a jar lid, try wrapping a rubber band around for extra traction.

If your hands hurt, try adding a towel as well.

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Roast potatoes are like Sir Ian Mckellen; iconically British and guaranteed to steal the show. Potatoes are the holy grail of a Sunday roast and will either make or break the meal. No, these won’t be as good as your grandma’s, but still, this is a pretty good start.

1kg potatoes: The first step is choosing the right potato. You want a floury one like King Edward or Maris Piper. This makes the roasties fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Oil or goose fat: Goose fat is ideal, but it’s expensive, so maybe save this for next Christmas.

I know this sounds crazy, but a 50/50 mix of olive oil and vegetable oil works really well.

1. Turn on the oven to around 180°C. 2. Peel the potatoes and cut them up. Now, when you’re boiling them you don’t want them to fall apart, you just want them to be a bit scruffy around the edges.

3. While the potatoes are boiling, heat the oil or fat in a baking tray in the oven. You want this as hot as possible.

4. Very carefully, take the baking tray out and place the potatoes one at a time onto the tray. This is boiling fat so you kind of want to be slow and steady here – maybe use the pinchers. When they are all in the tray, brush them over with the fat/oil to make sure they get crispy on top. Then add a pinch of sea salt and some sprigs of rosemary.

5. Place it in the oven and check on them in about 30 mins. Turn them over and pop them back in the oven for another 30 minutes.

There you have it - fluffy, crispy and golden.

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HELLO JUAN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! WHERE ARE YOU AND WHAT CAN YOU SEE? I’m sat at my dining table on my computer.

I’VE READ YOU WENT TO UNIVERSIDAD DE PALERMO, A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. WHAT DID YOU STUDY? I studied Architecture and I’m also an Industrial Designer.

WHAT IS THE EDUCATION SYSTEM LIKE IN COLOMBIA? A privilege, not a right.

I UNDERSTAND YOU GIVE A LOT OF LECTURES TO TEENAGERS IN MEXICO, MAKING THEM AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING INVOLVED IN THE DRUG TRAFFICKING BUSINESS. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT MORE ABOUT THESE TALKS? Kids are seeing my father as an example to follow, thanks to the Narco’s series. My job is to invite them to change their way of thinking, once I can show them the real consequences of this story.

WHAT WAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH YOUR FATHER AS A CHILD AND A TEENAGER? The best of friends, always.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALISE WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH YOUR FATHER AND THAT HE WAS THE BOSS OF THE CARTEL? He told me when I was 7 years old. His words were “I’m a bandit.”

PABLO HAD ENEMIES, BUT HE ALSO HAD A LOT OF RESPECT FROM MANY COMMUNITIES HE SUPPORTED. DID YOU LOOK UP TO HIM AS A ROLE MODEL, AND WAS THERE EVER A RISK THAT YOU WOULD GET MORE INVOLVED WITH THE CARTEL? There’s a risk every day. But every day I will say no thank you.

ARE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FOREVER PROTECTED BY THE CARTEL NOWADAYS, AND DO YOU GET ANY PROBLEMS BECAUSE YOU ARE HIS SON? It seems like just for being “the son of” there are a lot of corrupt politicians, judges, and policeman who could try to cause harm to me. They believe (it doesn’t matter if they are wrong) that I should be responsible for the sins of my father. The law says: we the parents are responsible for our kids. But for me, for my world, the law says: you the son, come and pay for your father’s debts.

WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF YOUR FATHER? He always gave me good advice and lots of love.

WITH THE ENORMOUS PROFITS BEING MADE, PABLO BUILT A HUGE LUXURY HOUSE CONTAINING A ZOO, A LAKE, A SCULPTURE GARDEN AND A PRIVATE BULLRING. I PRESUME YOU’VE SEEN A LOT IN YOUR LIFETIME. ARE YOU ABLE TO EXPLAIN WHAT YOUR LIFE AND LIFESTYLE WAS LIKE AS A BOY AND A YOUNG MAN? In his last days, I was starving with my father next to 4 million dollars in cash. That’s the sad reality behind the scenes of the TV that nobody sees. My father was the richest and the poorest person at the same time. He had it all, but he couldn’t enjoy anything.

YOU’VE WRITTEN A COUPLE OF BOOKS ABOUT YOUR LIFE. ARE YOU ABLE TO GIVE US AN INSIGHT INTO THESE AND THE DETAIL THEY GO INTO? One, “the son of” - and the last one, called “Pablo Escobar In Fraganti” was a deep research about my father, where I gave voice to my father’s worst enemies. You can only find stories that no one should ever dare to repeat.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WERE YOUR FATHER’S MOTIVES?

Ambition. Addiction to Power. Hate. Revenge. Destruction. Disrespect to the law and to the Human Values.

WHAT WAS IT ALL FOR?

To thank my father, for showing us the path we should not take.

WHO IN YOUR OPINION TRULY RUNS THE WORLD? The money first. The political Mafia behind.

WHAT IN YOUR OPINION IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS?

Be humble, and happiness will come to your life. Because you will feel gratitude for the air you breathe, for the eyes you have, for the life that was given to you, for the trees, the sun, the moon, or the soul. For the raining days, that’s when we have to thank more.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS IN LIFE?

Live in peace with the world; with the past, the present, and the future.

With the love of my wife I want to raise my son with respect, good examples, and motivations. Stay out of trouble for life. Don’t even think to commit a crime - that sounds like my mantra.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE INVOLVED OR THINKING OF GETTING INVOLVED IN CRIME NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL? Pay attention to the real story, it is not about a success case. It’s about a man who sadly didn’t use his intelligence for good, and destroyed himself, along with many innocent victims.

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Full-time artist Siris Hill suffered generalised anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. With support and self-help, he has turned his life around using art as a method of expressing himself and as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;way to let goâ&#x20AC;?.

Combining oil painting with digital technology, he has created a truly unique style. His work has been featured from the UK to New York, with many respectable art critics commenting he is on his way to world recognition.

Siris Hill took time out of his busy schedule to discuss inspirations, technique, mental health, art career advice, and gives away his secret to business success...

W H E N D I D YO U F I R S T R E A L I S E YO U H A D A S T RO N G PA S S I O N F O R A RT?

I have always felt connected to the arts. It started with music and film as a child; I found comfort in bands, musicians, and directors who made works that I felt connected to. I found myself through these mediums. It wasn’t until much later that I began painting. I was 24 and that’s when I started studying art history and fell in love with the 17th Century.

WO U L D YO U M I N D E X P L A I N I N G H OW YO U E X P R E S S YO U R S E L F T H RO U G H YO U R WO R K?

In the last moments of my work after completing a piece, I take a breath. Sometimes I will leave it a day but then I smudge it or deface the identity of the subjects in some way, ripping parts of them away from themselves. Other times I take a more thoughtful approach to deliver the story. The weight of silence, for instance, was a piece I spent months planning to decide how to depict the inception of my panic attacks and the burden of living with this “thing” inside of me. I think a great deal about how to deliver an insight into myself whilst also achieving my own personal goals of creating a “great painting”. It’s my own silly goal to be a worthy student of Rembrandt and so this is my focus whilst creating. The narration and emotion comes through the planning and of course the way I place the brush strokes and structure my compositions.

W H AT I N S P I R E S YO U C R E AT I V E LY?

I read and listen to a lot of philosophy and psychology lectures, as well as art history. Music is my main source of inspiration. It helps me bring feelings to the surface. Other than this I draw from my life experiences of my childhood and my mental health. I see my practice as a visual diary, a way to let go.

CA N YO U E X P L A I N YO U R A RT I S T I C T E C H N I Q U E?

A happy accident, due to health problems presenting a hurdle between me and oil paints. I take traditional techniques of oil painting and have learnt to convert them to a digital medium using a graphics tablet and pen to track my movements and create brush strokes on software. This has led to all sorts of discoveries I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have made as an oil painter and forced me to solve problems that have overall improved my skill as an artist.

WO U L D YO U M I N D T E L L I N G U S A B I T M O R E A B O U T T H E M E N TA L H E A LT H I S S U E S YO U H AV E FAC E D A N D W H AT H E L P, I F A N Y, YO U H AV E R E C E I V E D?

I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve come to realise my mental health is similar to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Everything is related to my childhood and experiences as a young adult.

I have gone through CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) three times and seen a handful of therapists. Two helped me a lot. One helped me to learn behaviour techniques and the other helped me to discover the roots of everything.

After this, everything has been self-taught. I recommend medication but only if used alongside therapy and self-help because they will stop working eventually (in my observed experience).

W H AT A DV I C E WO U L D YO U G I V E TO S O M E O N E S T R U G G L I N G W I T H M E N TA L H E A LT H I S S U E S?

Go back to basics and build up from there. A strong foundation and love or at least a hope for yourself is the starting block for rebuilding. What helped me turn my life around was a vision of a life I wanted and working backwards from there to create manageable stepping stones towards it. Stop making excuses for yourself, take on responsibility one thing at a time, and be harder on yourself from a kinder perspective. Drive and motivate yourself, don’t wait for anything. Learning discipline and taking responsibility for my life and what happened in it has been extremely eye opening.

D O YO U C R E AT E A RT F U L L -T I M E?

Theoretically, yes. However, I am more of everything that comes from being an artist and running a business outside of actually creating work. I have made one painting this whole year due to how busy I have been with talks, projects around mental health, and establishing a network. I think people and artists especially underestimate what it takes to build a career out of making art.

Sadly it’s not all drinking wine, staying in your studio all day, and dressing ridiculously (though I’m guilty of the last).

W H AT’S T H E B E S T P I E C E O F A DV I C E YO U WO U L D G I V E S O M E O N E LO O K I N G TO S TA RT A S E R I O U S A RT CA R E E R?

I would need a lot more space and time to write something of substance. Never listen to anyone but yourself when it comes to making art. Don’t ever compromise who you are to make money faster. This being said, business and people skills are essential.

Find your niche. My day-to-day is spent reaching out to people, companies, and projects I think are suitable to my brand. I’ve talked my way into every opportunity I’ve been given so far, that’s my secret.

YO U’V E H A D YO U R WO R K F E AT U R E D I N M U LT I P L E U K E X H I B I T I O N S, A N D A S FA R A S N E W YO R K! M A N Y H I G H LY R E CO G N I S A B L E P E O P L E W I T H I N T H E A RT WO R L D H AV E CO M M E N T E D O N YO U R H U G E TA L E N T A N D H OW YO U A R E O N YO U R WAY TO WO R L D R E CO G N I T I O N. H OW D O E S T H I S M A K E YO U F E E L?

I am extremely grateful to be in the position I am in currently. I’ve not allowed any of this to sink in, I need the struggle to keep me going because I fear getting comfortable - how boring that would be? But I am honoured to have been invited out to New York, for the solo show I have in Norwich right now and for all the wonderful people I’ve met who have supported and pushed me forwards.

H OW D O YO U D E C I D E O N A P R I C E TAG F O R YO U R WO R K?

Thankfully I have a good team of people around me who advise and help me figure this out. At the start, make sure your time and materials are covered and don’t expect much more. Your prices go up the more you are collected and your profile increases. Raise prices by a set percentage each year (maybe every six months) and stick to it. That’s a very brief insight but I’m happy to talk more to anyone who needs help.

W H AT’S YO U R D R E A M W H E N I T CO M E S TO T H E A RT WO R L D

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Anxiety affects one in four people, and the effects vary with every case. Some people doubt themselves, others physically cannot bring themselves to leave the house.

With different cases, symptoms, and outcomes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to understand how little anxiety is actually diagnosed. In such a high pressure environment, anxiety has become a common problem whilst at university and after.

When I graduated, I was so confident. My life was planned. My Anxiety level was high, but so was everybody’s, right? I’d work my little bar job until some hotshot PR company would come and snap me up.

Unfortunately, that did not happen. Thousands of job applications, internships, and volunteering work to high heavens, and yet I still was not enough. I had a degree, determination, and experience. What more could companies want?

It was just before graduation – after one of my close friends got an amazing job at a beauty company, and then another at a company selling vintage clothes – when my anxiety set in. I thought I was not good enough. I continued to feel that way until all my friends had jobs. Peers’ success stories filled my social media until I mentally and physically couldn’t cope anymore.

Temping for a few weeks here and there added to my income and exposed me to environments which scared me to death. After working as a receptionist for a week I had an irate customer scream down the phone, causing the worst anxiety attack I have ever had. I was let go, immediately.

Looking back at this time, I should have really sought out help before things got worse. I was physically and mentally drained, fighting a daily struggle to go to work or even get out of bed.

When I look back over University, my anxiety started when the first deadlines of my second year hit. Of course at that time I thought everyone else was in the same boat, they just coped better. Feeling alone, so far away from family – my support system, I felt I was stupid for saying that I needed help. That I was somehow admitting I wasn’t ‘university material’. As the course went on I saw people become more confident and go on to find work opportunities I could only dream of – all of which made me feel like an outcast.

First I went to the doctors, who were little to no help.

They handed me a form and a pamphlet to read and told me I had anxiety. What did help me was YouTube.

It helped me realize that other people have the same demons. Someone else felt the same as I did and had started to overcome it.

I began challenging myself, from reading something I was scared to, to looking for a new job. Challenging little bits of my anxiety, every step gave me a little more confidence. Ultimately, passing my driving test, meeting someone new, and tackling a city all on my own allowed me to get to the point I am now - where yes, I have anxiety, but I do not let it control my life.

Anxiety and panic attacks now affect one in four graduates and students alike. If anxiety makes you feel like you cannot cope, one of the many organizations which could help is studentminds.org.uk - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great website with aids for anxiety attacks and ways to get help and gain more confidence or learn how to cope.

You can also talk to tutors. My dissertation supervisor was one of my greatest supporters, whether she knew it or not. When I was down, she was my little ray of hope.

Speaking as a graduate who has had a rough time adjusting to life working in an office, or generally, out of the comfort of university, life is going to happen.

Overcoming anxiety shapes you into who you have always wanted to be, or even someone you never thought you could be. If you are struggling today, it does not mean you will be in a month. You can get help.

People do care. You are not alone.

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Yoda said it best: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do, or do not. There is no try.â&#x20AC;?

Our top 8 tips will show you how.

Tobacco is the only legally available consumer product on the market which kills people when used entirely as intended.

In the UK one person dies from a smoking-related disease every four minutes.

Cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer.

Set a quit date.

This will help you mentally prepare to stop. Most people will quit on New Year’s Day, some on their birthday, or even on No Smoking Day it doesn’t matter - just pick a day, and stick to it.

Abandon the old routine.

Avoid the shops where you would regularly buy cigarettes from. If you’re used to smoking in the morning with your coffee, switch to drinking orange juice instead. If alcohol and cigarettes go hand in hand for you, then it’s time to stop drinking.

Keep yourself occupied.

When the cravings start, chew sugar free gum or play with a pen as a substitute for the physical sensations of smoking.

Start afresh.

When you reach your quit date, clean your house, car, and all of your clothes; get rid of the smoke smell. Spending this time and effort repainting walls, shampooing carpets and cleaning upholstery will inspire you to keep things this way.

Stay positive.

Write down a list of positive reasons why you want to give up, and stick it to the fridge, notice board, or by your bed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; somewhere where you will see it every day.

Watch your money grow.

Obvious health issues aside, one on the biggest benefits of giving up the sticks is the extra money it will save you, which leads nicely on to our next tip...

Treat yourself.

For every week or month which passes from your quit date, treat yourself. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be much - maybe a meal out, a nice haircut, or new pair of jeans - just not 20 Bensons. A positive association with quitting is exactly what your subconscious needs.

Find a new hobby.

The stimulation and enjoyment of doing something completely new will easily keep your mind off smoking. For even better results, find a hobby which indirectly discourages smoking. For example, anything sporty will encourage you to maintain a healthy lung capacity.

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