Lifestyle – Page 7 of 28

The Benefits of Working as a Full-time Student: Undergrad 2021 Edition

16Oct

By Jessica WoodNo Comments

Lifestyle

The Benefits of Working as a Full-time Student: Undergrad 2021 Edition

Working whilst studying has become increasingly popular over the years, with almost all of my student friends having a part time job alongside their full-time degree. In fact, research has shown that over half the student population work to subsidise their studies. I could begin by arguing semantics and my standpoint on the increase of tuition fees for our generation, or the unrealistic work experience requirements placed on new graduates, however, instead I want to shed light on my own experience as a working student and how it is possible to: ‘have it all’ (Girl’s Trip, Ryan Peirce). I’ve been working since I was sixteen -- through my GCSEs, A-levels, and the holidays in between- and only now that I am twenty-one do I feel like I have a right to speak on this topic. When ...

The appeal of autumn: Reasons to Fall in Love with Autumn

16Oct

By Jessica WattsNo Comments

Features, Lifestyle

The appeal of autumn: Reasons to Fall in Love with Autumn

It’s that time of year again: the earth applies her sepia filter and autumn arrives. It’s the season that calls for dad jumpers, thick socks, and hot chocolate on tap. Scarves, bobble hats and fingerless gloves seep into everyday outfits and you start pondering over your boot collection, wondering whether last year’s Chelsea boots are still ‘in’. It sounds so romantic that it’s easy to forget the correlation between the fall in temperature and the rise in mental illness. Autumn and winter are largely polled as people’s least favourite seasons. The latter half of the year isn’t as romantic as it might seem, but is there a way to rekindle our love for autumn this year? S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a condition which affects up to three in a hundred people in the UK. A somewhat ...

The Dos and Don’ts of Halloween Costumes in 2021

16Oct

By Beth McCleanNo Comments

Lifestyle

The Dos and Don’ts of Halloween Costumes in 2021

Ah, Halloween; a strange time of year. For some, it’s a day of celebrating old traditions, a way to honour the dead and make them immortal through our memories. For others, it’s a time where you can get discounted chocolates and binge horror movies. Regardless of how you celebrate the end of October, one thing is certain: whether they are meticulously planned or thrown together at the last minute, there will be copious numbers of chaotic costumes. However, if you don’t know where to start, here are some Dos and Don’ts to help you get your act together. DO: be sensitive to other cultures. Although we have made great strides in bringing attention to insensitive costumes, unfortunately, common Halloween attire still includes ‘Mexican’ ‘Native American’ & ‘Tribal’ outfits. These ...

How students have adapted to the new university life during a pandemic

17May

By Jordan ThorneNo Comments

Lifestyle

How students have adapted to the new university life during a pandemic

The university life which many of us were sold towards the end of A-Levels was one of partying, fun, laughter, and memories. Whilst this has been true for some and they were able to experience some degree of normality before the pandemic, this was not the case for many. Adapting and adjusting our lives at university has been difficult. Many were thrown into the deep end, going from partying and socialising every night of the week to being limited to the house in which you live. The impact has been tremendous and we have all been expected to just go along with it. But how have students adapted to the new university life and what has changed? Education: University education has been taken and flipped upside down. At the beginning of the pandemic there was a lack of communication wi...

27Feb

By Renee LewisNo Comments

Lifestyle

The Rise of Galentine’s Day

In the lead up to February 14th, i.e. as soon as New Year’s festivities finish, shops are usually filled with all things glittery and fluffy in all shades of pink and red, with the price of chocolates and flowers increasing before your very eyes. Though I have not seen the inside of a shop in goodness knows how long, it is basically impossible to forget what lengths people go to in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Though I am writing this before the 14th, I am already expecting my social media pages to be flooded with couples in complete and utter love with each other as they share the various gifts and treats they have exchanged. I don’t mean that in a bitter way at all – I think it’s rather heart-warming. But, if it does make you bitter, there is an alternative “holiday,” . This one is ...

The Art of the Cose-a-thon – /ˈkəʊz-ə-θɒn/

27Feb

By Thom Cuffin-MundayNo Comments

Lifestyle

The Art of the Cose-a-thon – /ˈkəʊz-ə-θɒn/

With snow falling recently, the usual seasonal strangeness of a chilly spring encroaches. I’m sure meteorologists could explain the reason behind the cold snap of February, but throughout this Baltic lockdown I have been busy perfecting the art of the ‘cose-a-thon’, ie. a marathon of cosiness. What follows is my ultimate guide for snuggling up and getting cosy for the evening. 1. Blankets – these are integral to any snuggle session. Grab a fluffy blanket, duvet or throw and hunker down. Recently I have invested in a weighted blanket – gaining notoriety lately as an anxiety reliever, the added weight does quite literally ‘ground’ you! They can be a little pricey, so you can experiment with piling blankets up to see whether you think the extra weight would suit you. 2. A hot drink...

Narcissism and Gaslighting: Love Shouldn’t Feel Like This

27Feb

By Jordan ThorneNo Comments

Lifestyle

Narcissism and Gaslighting: Love Shouldn’t Feel Like This

A relationship is based on a foundation of equality, trust, love, and commitment. Once these foundations begin to break away, the relationship is in jeopardy of becoming unhealthy and unsafe. Spotting abuse and getting out of an abusive relationship is never easy, particularly when you are being controlled and manipulated emotionally. Gaslighting can destroy your sense of reality and a narcissist enjoys nothing more than to tear away your sense of self and identity. The real truth is that once you have spotted these signs of abuse, your abuser makes it virtually impossible for you to leave as an attachment has formed between the both of you. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and that you can get out and find yourself again. Here are a few signs to look ...

27Feb

By Elena MccaffreyNo Comments

Lifestyle

Experiences with Meditation

I sat down with Jack, former president of The University of Exeter Meditation Society and co-founder of ComingUp festival - which explores meditation and psychedelics, over FaceTime to gain some insights into his mediation practice. E: When did you begin to meditate? J: I was first introduced to meditation around 5 years ago when I was in sixth form after my mental health had deteriorated and I’d been struggling with anxiety and low mood. My GP recommended a 6-week mindfulness course which ultimately is why we’re having this conversation, though I would like to avoid a framing of meditation that focuses solely on what we might typically understand as mental health. E: Did it click for you straight away? J: My practice didn’t really click until I joined my university’s meditat...

Are we really here? What is existence? My existential journey…

27Feb

By Thom Cuffin-MundayNo Comments

Lifestyle

Are we really here? What is existence? My existential journey…

Lately it’s been tough dealing with a difficult virus, an incompetent government and yet another lockdown. However, the relative isolation has led me to a certain amount of introspection, soul-searching, philosophy, and self-help books. I wouldn’t say that I have undergone an existential ‘crisis’ so to speak, but rather simply an existential realisation – my conclusions may seem bleak to begin with, but thankfully they did not lead to a crisis and should instead be thought of as a message of hope. My journey began with skepticism. This concept is difficult to explain fully, but a good place to start is René Descartes’ Meditations. One of his theories is that there is an evil demon of ‘utmost power and cunning [who] has employed all his energies in order to deceive’ (René Descartes, Med...

The ‘New Year, New You’ Is Coming Under Review

25Jan

By Jordan ThorneNo Comments

Lifestyle

The ‘New Year, New You’ Is Coming Under Review

It’s that time again. The age-old spiel of ‘New year, new me’ is back out in full force. I can’t tell you how many fitness adverts I’ve seen, Instagram posts telling me how to eat well and exercise better, influencers pushing a new diet regime that makes you lose more weight in less time during this first week in January. Even the News app on my phone is full of ‘health tips’, and frankly I am sick of it. We’re constantly being told to Do More!, Be Better!, achieve greater things, never stop hustling, always be grinding blah blah blah. It is becoming increasingly clear that we live in a society that values productivity and productivity only. Well, I’m here to say no more! Living in such a way can invariably cause burn-out, stress and anxiety – which are not the ideal. A more balanced form...