Discovering Meditation: My Time at the London Meditation Centre

Meditation is often dismissed as a pretentious, self-help practice reserved for LA Influencers and hippies. However, there is no denying the positive impact that meditation has had on me and can also have on you.

I learned how to meditate at the London Meditation Centre. Owned by Jillian Lavender and Michael Miller, the centre caters to regular people who are looking to find calm amidst their busy lives.

My experience

After a brief introduction, Jillian starts the course with an opening ceremony. The ceremony involved lighting incense and chanting – seeming to spread apprehension across the room whilst some feared they may have joined a cult.

I was then taken into a private room with Jillian, where she gave me my ‘Mantra’ – a short private sound, unique to each person which is given to you depending on your stage in life. Jillian claims this Mantra to be “objective” and that every trained instructor would give you the same one.

Jillian then taught us to use our mantra and we meditated as a group. The type of meditation they teach is Vedic Meditation (VM), created by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 70s. This type of meditation has you focus your attention on a mantra, repeating it in your head over and over for 20 minutes, twice a day.

Overall, my experience at the London Meditation Centre was a positive one.

See Jillian and Michael discuss the course here: https://www.londonmeditationcentre.com/

The benefits

The reason I still dedicate 40-minutes of my day to meditation is not so I can go around boring people with how I’ve found ‘inner peace, but it’s because of the proven and noticeable effect it has on my life.

Here are a few of the benefits that I’ve found: 

1.Reduced stress and anxiety

This is the most noticeable change in my life since I started meditating regularly, and one that continues even months later. For example, it has improved irritable conversations with housemates about the cleanness of the kitchen!

2. Improved presence

I’ve found that I am less likely to turn to scroll TikTok whilst I’m on the train or before bed and I am more comfortable being in the moment.

3. Improved sleep

Jillian claims the rest you receive is 5x the amount of sleeping. Although I was sceptical of these promises, I find that I wake up more rested even though I have slept for the same time.

How to get started?

If you’re looking to try meditation but aren’t sure where to start, there are many options available. The London Meditation Centre offers a comprehensive program, but if it’s not in your budget, there are many award-winning meditation apps and free YouTube videos that can guide you through your practice.

  • Headspace (Free 14 Day Trial)
  • Balance (Free 1 Year Trial)
  • Calm (Free 7 Day Trial)
  • Breethe (Free 14 Day Trial)

Alternatively, many free YouTube videos take you through guided meditations.

Don’t let preconceived notions hold you back from experiencing the many benefits of meditation – give it a try today and see for yourself how it can positively impact your life.

Yard Act conquer Manchester Albert Hall

Leeds post-punk titans Yard Act have been unavoidable on both a local and national scale since they first started releasing music in September 2020. Their initial singles ‘Fixer Upper’, ‘The Trapper’s Pelts’, ‘Peanuts’ and ‘Dark Days’ received critical acclaim from the likes of BBC 6Music – and the legions of 6Music dads who flocked to Brudenell Social Club like flies around an up-and-coming post-punk outfit. The release of their Mercury-nominated debut album, The Overload, propelled them to a number two spot in the album charts, extensive tours of the UK, Europe and the US (with a quick stop off to perform live on Jimmy Fallon), and even a collaboration with rock royalty Elton John. It has been over a year since the release of The Overload, and its twenty-five different vinyl variants, and the band are working hard on new material. In an interview conducted with The Gryphon last year, bassist Ryan Needham (previously of incredible Leeds-based psych outfit Menace Beach) and guitarist Sam Shipstone (who is also making music with Holodrum) affirmed their commitment to recording new music – also suggesting that these new tracks have more no-wave and disco influences, owing to the influence of a lot of ESG. 

Before this new era of Yard Act begins, though, The Overload deserved a grand send off. After all the countless mosh pits, festivals, Brudenell appearances, fifty pence pieces collected from the audience, and with the infamous golden Rover in the garage; the final Overload gigs were announced. These were five dates in some of the most beautiful and well-regarded independent venues that the UK and Ireland have to offer, accompanied by a stellar line-up of support acts including old friends Baba Ali, rising groups Deadletter and Fat Dog, and Leeds contemporaries English Teacher and Thank. Kicking off at Vicar Street in Dublin on the 26th April, then to Glasgow’s Barrowlands, the Albert Hall in Manchester and finishing with two dates at The Troxy in London. It was at Manchester Albert Hall that I caught the band. It was the eighth time I had seen the band and it was undoubtedly one of their finest performances to date. 

Before Yard Act took to the stage, though, it was the turn of fellow Leeds band, Thank. Those who have been lucky enough to see Thank in action should already be aware that they represent one of the most interesting, innovative and exciting bands to have come out of Leeds in a very long time. Their experimental influences of Theo Gowans – who you may recognise from his experimental projects under the name Territorial Gobbings, or the ‘Heinous Whining’ experimental music nights he hosts at Wharf Chambers – are complimented by the dark yet often humorous lyrics of frontman Freddy Vinehill-Cliffe and the intense, violent performance of drummer Steve Myles, who often appears to be beating the drums into submission, to great effect. Although the group’s unique brand of noise rock is perhaps more well-suited to the small, sweaty rooms of Wharf Chambers of Mabgate Bleach, seeing them shout “Tonight Matthew, I will shit in my own hands and clap” inside a stunning Grade II listed building, was certainly a sight to behold and it seemed to go down well with the sold-out crowd. 

At nine o’clock, it was time for Yard Act to take to the stage. Flanked on either side of the room by huge stained-glass windows and an ornate baroque-inspired ceiling above them, the band entered onto the stage to rapturous applause and cheers before erupting into ‘Rich’. It was immediately apparent that the four-piece was on top form and the audience at the sold-out Albert Hall seemed to be instantaneously enthralled in the performance. Though this was billed as an Overload show, the audience was further treated to some extra tracks, including the early single ‘Dark Days’ as well as two brand new songs early on in the setlist. The new songs, ‘Petroleum’ and ‘The Trenchcoat Museum’ sounded immense, particularly the latter. The Overload will certainly be a difficult album to follow up, but these new tracks seem to confirm that Yard Act are more than up to the task. Frontman James Smith, by this point in the setlist, had the crowd in the palm of his hand and seemed to be controlling them effectively throughout the performance of ‘Tall Poppies’ and into the latter half of the set. Although notable Overload tracks The Incident and Quarantine the Sticks (which featured Billy Nomates) were absent from the setlist, the crowd was not really in a place to complain – the band rattled through a sterling setlist ending with an encore of ‘100% Endurance’ (a version of which was recently released on Record Store Day as a 7”, featuring Elton John) and their first single, ‘The Trapper’s Pelts’ to finish the night off. 

The only remaining 2023 gigs for Yard Act, aside from a handful of festival appearances, comes in the form of their five-day residency as Brudenell Social Club – a venue close to the heart of the band. Afterall, one of their first ever shows took place at Brudenell, supporting fellow Leeds band Mush, the band played there the night before it was announced that their album had reached number two in the charts, and their golden Rover was parked there for months before being moved. Their residency starts on the 8th May and will feature incredible special guests such as Rose Matafeo, Nish Kumar, Lole Adefope, and Harry Hill. Tickets for these dates have long since sold out but, if their Albert Hall performance is anything to go by, they are certain to be unforgettable! 

Top Restaurants to Celebrate your Graduation Success

Attention all soon-to-be graduates! With graduation dates only just recently released, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to celebrate the occasion. And let’s be honest, after years of hard work and sacrifice, you deserve to go all out. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable meal at one of the city’s top restaurants? Not only will it be a great way to mark the end of this chapter in your life, but it’ll also give you a chance to take advantage of your parents’ wallets one last time before you head out into the real world and start paying for your own meals. Here are some restaurants to consider booking for your graduation celebration.

The Restaurant Bar and Grill 

In the centre of Leeds and just a short walk from the station, the Restaurant Bar and Grill offers a fancy environment in which to celebrate your graduation. The menu boasts a selection of British classics with a modern twist, including grilled meats and seafood, as well as veggie options. For larger groups, the set menu option is also a great choice at around £30 per person for three courses, providing a more affordable way to dine in style.

Salvo’s

Salvo’s is a beloved Italian restaurant located on Otley Road, serving up delicious pizza and pasta dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients. This family-run restaurant has been a local favourite for over 40 years and has even been recognized as one of the best Italian restaurants in the UK! With its cosy atmosphere and friendly staff, Salvo’s is the perfect place for a relaxed and enjoyable meal with your loved ones on your graduation day.

Home

Home is a Cantonese restaurant located right next to campus! With its minimalist decor and authentic cuisine, Home offers a unique dining experience that’s hard to find elsewhere in Leeds. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including dim sum, crispy duck, and stir-fried noodles, as well as a selection of vegetarian options. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with your family and friends, Home is an excellent choice for celebrating your graduation with a delicious Cantonese meal.

Iberica

Iberica is a Spanish-inspired restaurant located in the heart of Leeds. Known for its tapas, the menu offers a variety of small plates perfect for sharing with friends and family. From chorizo and jamón croquetas to grilled octopus and paella, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And if you’re a fan of cocktails, make sure to try one of their signature sangrias.

Bundobust

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more low-key, Bundobust is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that combines Indian street food with craft beer. Located in the Northern Quarter (close to the station), this restaurant is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Their menu includes sharing platters and dishes like chole bhature, vada pav and tarka dhal, as well as a variety of beers and cocktails.

Heaney & Mill

Located in Headingley, Heany & Mill offers breakfast, lunch AND dinner. The lunch and dinnertime classics like risotto and steak are sure to go down a treat with your fussy grandparents. Their brunch options are also delicious and a good choice if you’ve got an early morning graduation.

Top Student Friendly European Travel Destinations

‘Cheap places to travel?’ 

These four words have been typed into my search bar at least a dozen times since beginning my year abroad. Contrary to popular belief, seeing Europe on a student budget is entirely possible, and it doesn’t have to involve staying in the worst hostels imaginable (although these places do make for good stories…) 

Before deciding where you are visiting, you need to be looking for the cheapest way of getting there. Skyscanner is my go-to for flights. It compares all airline prices in one place, but be warned, often the cheapest options are companies without glowing reviews. If possible, book directly through the airline. You can reduce your costs by travelling on weekdays, particularly Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, and by booking as far in advance as possible. Airlines such as SAS also offer youth tickets, which give students a discount on flights.

If you’re visiting a city, it is likely that they will have a transport app available to buy train or bus tickets. In my experience, it always works out cheaper, sometimes by as much as 50%, to purchase tickets via an app, and there is often a student discount available. Do your research before going and save your pennies for experiences and souvenirs.

In terms of affordable destinations, a must see is Prague. Known for its stunning gothic architecture and ridiculously cheap bars, Prague has a lot to offer students on a budget. Its Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge are all free to see and admire, and you can hire pedalo boats for £10 an hour to see the city from the river Vltava. For a more in-depth exploration of the city, you can join a free walking tour, given by an experienced guide who talks (and walks) you through Prague’s interesting history. Hidden within the city’s beautiful streets is the Wallenstein Palace Gardens, a great spot to sit and relax. Lennon Wall is also a must see! You can find a bed in a central hostel for as cheap as £10 a night (use HostelWorld to compare prices). If there is a group of you travelling, you might prefer to rent an Airbnb. You can find flats close to the city centre for as little as £70 a night, split between 5 people.


Another incredible place to visit on a student budget is Budapest. I visited with 3 friends, and we found an Airbnb for £40 each (total) for 3 nights. Whether you’re booking a hostel or private accommodation, it’s worth finding somewhere with a kitchen so you can cook for yourself and reduce the costs of a dinner out. Budapest has so much to explore, from its beautiful castle to its breath-taking Parliament, and like Prague you can join a free walking tour. Whilst we were there, we took an unlimited (yes, unlimited!) prosecco cruise, and it only cost us £17. The famous ruin bars are also really reasonable and full of students and travellers.

If you’re looking for a place with culture and nightlife that won’t break your bank, Poland is definitely one to tick off your list. The capital, Warsaw, is home to a huge number of museums and is the perfect place to try amazing Polish food. Look out for places called “Bar mclenzy” (translating to milk bars), for cheap, traditional food. Gdansk and Wroclaw are also amazing Polish cities to see. Cheap trains run between them, but be sure to book in advance to avoid extra costs!

Finally, I want to talk about the Balkans. This area in south-eastern Europe offers incredible travel opportunities that cater to a student budget. Mostar, in Bosnia, is host to an infamous bridge jump which has been attracting the brave since 1664. The city is extremely affordable, and you can have dinner out for as little as 5 Euros. If you are looking to explore some historical sights, Bosnia’s capital Sarajevo is your place. In its centre, you can walk through Bascarsija (old bazaar) and admire the Sebilj Brunnen Fountain – just make sure to try a traditional Bosnian coffee whilst you’re there! If you’re looking to swim, be sure to beach hop in Himara, Albania, for turquoise water and cheap hostels. Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, also offers stunning waterside scenery, and has extremely student friendly prices.

How to Spend Summer in Leeds

Tired of constant deadlines and exam revision? Well, summer is approaching and there is plenty to do in Leeds. Here’s a comprehensive list of fun things to look forward to this summer to get you through exam season.

FREE ACTIVITIES

If you’re strapped for cash but still want to get out this summer,  here are some ideas for you. 

If you’re still on campus and want to get some fresh air,  go and sit by the pond, next to the Roger Stevens Building, relax and watch the ducks! Campus is also inhabited by plenty of bunnies to brighten your day. 

Alongside this, picnics on Woodhouse Moor are the perfect summer activity. Grab some friends, a speaker and a blanket and sit and relax. Add drinks, snacks, and games for more fun. Alternatively, grab a blanket and book and sit there peacefully alone. Kirkstall’s Armley Beach is also the perfect spot for this, and even has somewhere to dip your toes in!

On a more miserable day, check out Leeds Art Gallery or Leeds Museum as they are completely free! Leeds museum has some amazing exhibitions and even showcases a 3000-year-old mummy. The art gallery is stunning and contains plenty of different periods and types of art for a relaxing day trip. Similarly, Kirkstall Abbey is an enjoyable excursion and is free for all Leeds Residents – but you do need to provide proof of address. Leeds Armories is also free and holds fun battle events!

DRINKING

The sunny weather means one thing…beer gardens! Or why not go all out and try one of the city’s rooftop bars at Belgrave or Headrow House?

If you’re wanting to avoid the busy Otley Run crowds, Summer is the perfect time to round up your friends, get dressed up and give it a go, particularly on a weekday. There is less chance of getting caught in the rain, and beer gardens mean more seating available. 

With the approach of summer, keep an eye out for the University of Leeds society balls, which will be taking place across May and June. Plenty of Societies are announcing tickets right now and provide tickets for non-members too. Plus, lots of them provide free drinks!

ACROSS THE CITY

Leeds has plenty of things going on this summer, with comedy shows, theatre performances and club events every week! Alongside this, there are plenty of festivals to attend in Leeds this summer: from the popular Leeds Festival to Live at Leeds, and festivals to celebrate the 2023 year of culture. There are even opportunities to attend non-music festivals, such as food festivals!

Kirkgate Market is also a fun and exotic place to visit, with all sorts of products on sale. Summer is the perfect time to visit, so you can enjoy their indoor and outdoor stalls simultaneously! They also often have fairs to attend, such as record fairs. Kirkgate Market is also right next to the Corn Exchange, which contains many small businesses and cool finds.

If you’re wanting a good view of the city, try out Leeds Water Taxis. It only costs £2 per person and is a unique experience for a sunny day.

Looking for something close to home? Hyde Park Picture House is due to reopen in the next few months and showcases indie filmmakers, alongside being a fun rainy day activity!

SPORTS

Leeds is a city full of sporting events to attend. 

For cricket fans, there are regular summer events at Headingley Stadium, with a great atmosphere and opportunities to dress in costume! The Ashes is being held there in July, alongside lots of T20 cricket and The Hundred.

Alongside this, there are plenty of home games at the Leeds Rhino’s rugby stadium for the Rugby fans as well as Leeds United games to attend for the football fans.

Leeds is also a city well placed for travel to many race courses, for example Wetherby Racecourse and York Races! These are fun events for many non-sports fans too, with a chance to bet responsibly and have fun with your friends.

Looking forward to: Varsity 2023

Rugby Union Varsity between the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the sporting calendar for students in Leeds. This year is no different as we build up to kick off at 7:30 on the 3rd of May.

The University of Leeds will be incredibly confident with an unbeaten home record this season in the BUCS Northern Prem. This includes an eye-catching victory against Nottingham Trent and a brilliant draw against League Champions Newcastle. They are led by captain and second row Jake Aldridge, who will be ably supported in the pack by last year’s stand out player, flanker Greg Jones and another returner in Ollie Kenyon. The Gryphons play an expansive game and key to that is fly half Daniel Troup who will be charged with directing the team around the park and putting exciting backs Owen Dudman, Finn Cook and Greg Kitson into space. They will hope their experienced players will bring that bit of extra nous in the game’s big moments.

Their opponents Leeds Beckett have won the last three encounters at Headingley but this year the game looks set to be on a knife edge. Beckett, led by captain and hooker Madison Hunting, are a much-changed side to the one that were victorious last year.  Hunting is the only returning member from the dominant starting pack last year. However, they do still have plenty of talent and size in England Students prop Callum Hancock and dynamic back rowers Khalik Kareem and Olly Mullarkey. They also do not lack for X factor out wide with the Harlequins’ rapid Conor Oresanya, and classy full back Matt Salisbury both players to watch.

Beckett have had a tough season in BUCS Super Rugby this year, finishing bottom of the league but they will be buoyed by a victory in the relegation play off against a much-fancied Brunel side. That game was played in terrible conditions but was won through a great team try finished off by inside centre Alex Green.

This game promises to be incredibly tight and with both sides pushed on by partisan support the game could go either way and will be decided by the finest of margins.

Before the men’s game is the third edition of the Women’s Rugby Varsity with both sides having one a game each. Leeds Beckett won last years game and will be hoping to go back-to-back led by captain Georgia Naylor. Back rower Lotte Westerlaken and back Holly Veitch both are players to watch out for. Uni Of will be no push over however, led by scrum half Pippa Gammer and with Premier 15 players, such as prop Leah Romain and utility back Charlotte Lacy. Leeds certainly have the fire power to match Beckett.