student – The Orbital

14Jan

By Rukhe Omo-IkerodahNo Comments

News, Opinion

Is he a Roadman?

Rukhe Omo on the misuse of terms like 'Roadman' and why we need to so something about it. Having been at university a substantial amount of time, the misuse of some terms, particularly by those whose information about inner-city cultures comes from the media, I believe desperately needs to be addressed. As we enter a new year in which the pandemic seems nearing its end, it is more important than ever to set resolutions and intentions for meaning and understanding. With that being said, in 2022 the correct definition and understanding of the root and impact of the arguably coded term ‘roadman’ on working-class males will be known! A ‘roadman’ is an individual who does ‘road’, that being to engage in illegal activities. This is encouraged by disparities in wealth within...

15Nov

By Millie DraperNo Comments

Lifestyle

Heart-Broken: simply ‘Move on’?

Why telling somebody to move on from a breakup is unhelpful Most of us in our teenage years will go through a breakup at some point. I can undoubtedly say that going through one is an awful experience. The questioning, crying, and loss of your favourite person is truly painful. Your shoulder to cry on is suddenly gone, and there is nothing you can do to change that. In these times, we seek comfort in those around us, hoping that they will offer good advice. But their first line of consolation is too often: "I'm really sorry that happened, you have to try to just move on." Saying this to someone going through the motions, the ups and downs of feeling better and significantly worse, is insensitive. In the first few weeks of losing somebody who you thought would be in your life fo...

Four Cheap and Easy Ways to Mitigate Climate Change as a Student at Royal Holloway

14Nov

By Elena MonrealeNo Comments

Lifestyle, News

Four Cheap and Easy Ways to Mitigate Climate Change as a Student at Royal Holloway

With the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) happening in Glasgow, discussions surrounding mitigating and adapting to climate change are circulating around campus. Human activities (primarily deforestation, burning fossil fuels and agricultural practices) increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The IPCC predict that rising global temperatures are resulting in more extreme weather, increased instances of natural disasters, the melting of glaciers, consequent rising sea levels, and mass extinction of species. Not only is climate change an environmental issue, it also has detrimental social consequences, affecting communities around the world unequally. It is now more important than ever that we recognise th...

14Nov

By Accalia SmithNo Comments

News, Opinion

Fact or Fiction?

How technology is helping to disrupt the truth ‘Fake News’ is a phrase most frequently associated with the likes of Donald Trump, pointing the finger at journalists for their sensationalist, subjective reporting and blaming them for the hate he received by many. Journalists have a lot of responsibility in that regard – we are a society built on the opinions of the masses and journalists have a large stake in swaying that opinion. Many also associate this issue with a rising ‘cancel culture’- one bad word and the twitter cavalry storm in. In the twenty-first century, we have got endless information at our fingertips. Thanks to the internet, we can momentarily discover breaking news or the height of a favourite celebrity; any kind of information that will satisfy a curiosity and ...

13Nov

By Accalia SmithNo Comments

News, Opinion

The Commercialisation of Religion

Many holidays, festivities and some of our daily activities that we celebrate more secularly are rooted in religious practices, but what does this mean for its traditional and cultural origins? “Nothing without intention, do nothing without intention”, says the lady in the bottom left corner at the start of Solange Knowles’ music video for ‘Almeda’. She rubs her hands with ‘Florida water’, used in spiritual traditions to purify and cleanse, next to several amethyst crystals symbolising trust and grace. The inclusion of such practices in a music video from a well-respected pop artist could be considered a bold move. For centuries, these traditions were demonised, and practitioners persecuted as organised religion took hold. But many young people seem to view their new ‘spiritual’ practices...

13Nov

By Madelaine GrayNo Comments

News, Opinion

The Diana Dilemma

The public’s obsession with Diana is as exploitative as the paparazzi who killed her. The final shot of series four of Netflix’s The Crown shows Emma Corrin as Princess Diana, a slow zoom bringing her wide, tear-filled eyes into prominence. It’s a haunting image, unpleasant to watch. In many ways, the whole series is. And yet we just can’t stop ourselves. Dianamania is back with a vengeance. Diana: The Musical was just released on Netflix (to a critical battering of possibly unrivalled ferocity), Spencer has recently hit the big screen, Rowing Blazers are re-releasing ‘iconic’ Diana fashion moments. Maybe it’s the upcoming 25th anniversary of her passing – is 25 years long enough that any semblance of respect goes out the window? It would seem so. With each year that passes, the ...

How an Investment Gap is Perpetuating Gender Inequality

13Nov

By Accalia SmithNo Comments

News, Opinion

How an Investment Gap is Perpetuating Gender Inequality

When most people think of investing, they think of Leonardo DiCaprio in Wolf of Wall Street or of pompous men in suits with briefcases; this thinking needs to change. Our society is built on what we value and how much we value it, and investment is one of the most influential ways we show our value of businesses and the way that many grow their wealth. But more men than women invest. According to HSBC only 2.4 million of their 11 million investing customers are women and just 23% of female adults in the UK hold an investment product, compared with 35% of men (Shares magazine). In a similar figure from Bph Wealth just 1 in 5 women in the UK hold an investment product compared with 1 in 3 men. Financial independence is key in gaining more freedom in the western world, something that is ofte...

13Nov

By Emma HollyNo Comments

News, Opinion

Taking Up Space (and Keeping it)

When Roxane Gay said that “weight loss, thinness really, was a social currency”, she hit the unfortunate nail on the even more unfortunate head. It’s a currency I lack, along with roughly two billion overweight others. Weight loss is a powerful industry and has the world within its grip; if it’s not fat-free yoghurt, it’s the brand new meal-replacement smoothie. If it’s not that, it’s fatphobia. Fatphobia is described as a “fear of fatness”, which is shocking enough itself. It gets more disturbing when you realise that the vast majority of fat people have had experiences with it. Although there isn’t one specific cause of fatphobia, the media has played an important role in its rapid expansion. Quite frankly, the media is obsessed with weight. Rebel Wilson is on a diet? You can hear th...

Evacuation Confusion Reveals RHUL Emergency Unpreparedness

19Mar

By Jack ChellmanNo Comments

News

Evacuation Confusion Reveals RHUL Emergency Unpreparedness

On Wednesday afternoon, a suspicious package at the George Eliot mailroom prompted Surrey Police and College Security to evacuate nearby buildings on campus. Given the spate of bomb scares across the UK this month, one would hope for a well-coordinated response to a similar threat at Royal Holloway. Unfortunately, the university’s evacuation fell far short of “well-coordinated” and contradicted a spokesperson’s suggestion that “the College spends considerable time and resources on emergency planning.” Interviews with community members and an analysis of evacuation messaging reveal the university’s inability to quickly and clearly articulate emergency protocol. To adequately protect its community members, Royal Holloway must address its emergency unpreparedness and communicate more effectiv...

1Feb

By Chloe BuckNo Comments

Lifestyle

Putting your Health First

When the temperature decreases so can the state of your health. When you’re a student you are constantly around other people, making it a lot easier to pick up coughs and colds and other nasty bugs. On a positive note, it is possible to take control of your health and stay one step ahead to remain healthy. Having had an autumn term battling with health issues, here are some heartfelt tips... WATER, WATER & MORE WATER Stay hydrated - your body needs water to flush out toxins and function properly. Be aware of your alcohol, caffeine, sugar and salt intake. WRAP UP WARM Dig out that scarf, hat, mittens, coat and keep warm, especially when you’re at the SU! When you’re inside it’s easy to assume that the weather isn’t as cold as you think and not bother. The body loses most o...