Thursday, June 11Royal Holloway's offical student publication, est. 1986

Lifestyle

The Real Fur Debate
Lifestyle

The Real Fur Debate

Those of you who have seen videos of fur farming will have, no doubt, been appalled by the gruesome and bloody images, and quite naturally will have proclaimed yourself anti-fur. Yet, on the runways of Paris, New York, London and Milan when the new winter season comes, fur is still prominently featured. There seems to be a gap between the average customer and the world of real fur. This is an opportune moment in which to shed a little light on the subject, exploring both viewpoints and possibly seeing if there is a middle way. My partner in this Martha Lochhead, an anti-fur voice, who has joined me in an open-minded discussion on the matter, to attempt to find a way through the heated voices on both sides and reach a place where fashion and compassion can coexist. Tom: So Martha, I d...
Tinder: Does it really work?
Lifestyle

Tinder: Does it really work?

With our lives getting busier by the minute and it becoming much harder to find time to at least have some sort of dating life, online dating communities on apps like Tinder have grown significantly. But do they really work? Are people actually using them with the intention to meet and date people? With 1.6 billion daily swipes on the app, you’d think you would surely be able to meet someone or have the busiest dating life ever, right? Not necessarily. Only 54% of Tinder users are actually single, so just under half the people you are swiping every day are engaged in some sort of relationship with someone else - not quite so reassuring now is it… Even those who are single, it can be so difficult to gage what someone else wants just from a few pictures and a couple of sentences about the...
Uni Girl and City Boy
Lifestyle

Uni Girl and City Boy

Fast-forwarding from the naïve, young and innocent 16-year-olds who met at a party in a crowded room five years ago and fell in love crazily soon after, my relationship with my boyfriend Jamie has of course, like every relationship, been through some ups and downs, and with almost every emotion in-between during the time we’ve spent together. The huge difference that we have is that we aren’t both at Uni or both working - I’m studying, and he’s working in a fast-paced insurance apprenticeship in London, which makes the dynamics of our relationship change and adapt. Whilst I am by no means any expert when it comes to love, having a long-distance relationship with completely different lifestyles really makes you think about the relationship and, at times, can be difficult, especially when su...
Balenciaga Exhibition
Lifestyle

Balenciaga Exhibition

  “the master of us all” - Christian Dior A brief history. Cristóbal Balenciaga has always been and continues to be a huge influence on twentieth-century fashion. What separates him from other designers is his willingness to go against the grain in a bid to revolutionise the traditional, feminine silhouette. Due to the Spanish Civil War, Cristóbal moved to Paris. He soon became inspired by French established designers, such as Gabrielle Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet and learnt the art of design by dismantling their garments to see the craftsmanship behind them and redirect this same skill towards his own work. To veer away from the popularised cinched waist of the time, a shape that was notoriously linked to Christian Dior’s Corolle collection, Balenciaga broke from the mainst...
Three Girls. Two Bottles of Wine. One Candid Conversation.
Lifestyle

Three Girls. Two Bottles of Wine. One Candid Conversation.

                        Ever wondered what three drunk girls have to say about sex, love and relationships? No, us neither. But we did it anyway for your amusement.  Presenting: The Orbital Guide to Looser Sex and February Frolicking. On one night stands: E - I enjoy a good one night stand but nothing beats familiar sex. T - I have never had one but with my dry spell I will take a one stop shop anytime. B - I’ve only ever had one and I ended up kicking him out because it was boring. On sex with parents around: E - For the love of god lock the door. T - Minimal movement positions are key here, think lazy morning sex. B - Just don’t do it. On sex in a single bed: ...
ROHOROSCOPES: The Sex Edition
Lifestyle

ROHOROSCOPES: The Sex Edition

Aquarius 20 January  - 18 February Sidesaddle: Save a horse, ride a cowboy.  Aquariuses are original and not above breaking a rule or two. So, break the common rule of sitting sex by riding sidesaddle instead. Use this position to get easy access to their front and their back, with a great view to keep you going too. Pisces 19 February - 20 March Spooning Sex: A Pisces is usually tired, both physically and emotionally. Having sex while spooning is more intimate than usual and can give the gentle Pisces good but loving stimulation. Plus, it’s a good chance to stimulate other more neglected areas - see breasts. Aries 21 March - 19 April Reverse Cowgirl: An Aries would be a good army general: they like calling the shots. Sitting on top and having your partner ‘at your ...
Put it down, Look up
Lifestyle

Put it down, Look up

The New Year is the perfect time for starting a clean slate, or simply trying something new. Social media around this period is usually swamped with resolutions, but one in particular I’ve seen crop up a few times now- ‘Limit the amount of time I’m on my phone’. Mobile phones are both a blessing and a curse, yet society is finding more and more ways as to how damaging they can be for our mind. This isn’t a lecture telling you to stop using your phones, but I think it would be rewarding for society to not be so reliant on a mobile phone and live in the moment instead. Typically, we are accustomed to documenting everything on our phones; whether it be a concert, a trip, funny photos with your friends - there will always be an occasion where people have their phones out. It is not necessar...
Putting your Health First
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...
Scouting: Co- leader of life
Lifestyle

Scouting: Co- leader of life

Scouting is defined as an international movement of self-teaching for young people. The Scout Movement consists of several national scout organisations to which each member belongs. These members are youngsters and adults. The harmony of the movement is ensured through the World Organisation of Scout Movement, which serves the recognised National Scouting Organisations. Scouting is voluntary, members are not paid and they participate out of choice. The universal meaning of Scouting is to include members of the World Organisation of Scout Movement united under a common, ongoing commitment and to help young people fully develop their physical, mental, emotional, social and intellectual abilities. Because of this they are better individuals and members of the society who share the want of a ...
Winter Fashion Trends
Lifestyle

Winter Fashion Trends

As the temperature falls, the sun sets earlier and the nights get colder one can definitely tell that winter is coming. But that’s no reason to get sad about the change in temperature. When new season comes around it tends to come with many new fashion trends. For that reason I have made a list about some of the winter fashion trends, which are actually suitable for everyday life and others not so much. Everyday suitable fashion trends Gaudy sweaters. The first fashion trend is one I really like because it is easy to do, perks up every outfit and makes the day better. You can either style it with jeans; you can do colour blocking if you are courageous or wear it underneath a blazer for a smarter look. Winter floral.Floral clothes are one of the fashion trends to wear for winter ...