A Grand Day Out in Yorkshire: A Guide 

Kathryn Mee on 7 October 2022

Starting my third year in Leeds, I know how easy it is to feel trapped in Hyde Park. With our busy schedules, we find ourselves never venturing further than Headingley Bakery 164. However, this year, I am determined to break out of the student bubble and explore more of Yorkshire. 

It’s amazing what some fresh air and a few sheep can do for your mental health, so I urge you to explore a bit too! With that being said, here are three towns that are well worth a visit; all less than an hour’s train ride away from Leeds. 

Credit: Flickr

1. Firstly, Knareborough is the perfect destination for a day out. A return ticket from Burley Park station for £9.80 will get you there in forty-five minutes. A must-see is Knaresborough castle; a ruined Medieval fortress standing above the town. From here, you get a spectacular view of the winding river, which is overlooked by an impressive seventeenth-century viaduct. During summer, you can rent boats for only £8! Although, it’s entertaining enough watching everyone crash into each other as they learn to row for the first time. You could also factor in a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave and her Petrifying Well if you fancy stretching out your day trip. And as a bonus, you might even get your fortune told! However, there is plenty to see in the town itself, including independent shops, art galleries, pubs and cafes. 

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

2. Harrogate is an attractive Victorian spa town that is also worth seeing. It is only a 29-minute train ride away from Burley Park and so is perfect for a shorter afternoon out. The Royal Pump Room Museum is a beautiful building and offers a bit of history for those wanting to learn about Harrogate’s heritage. Harrogate also has a wide selection of independent shops to mooch around, with SPACE Vintage and Retro having a great selection of bric-a-brac, ranging from old DS games to vintage coats! Alternatively, my housemates and I found ourselves on an unintended café crawl on our last visit, which I would highly recommend! 

Credit: Geograph

3. Finally, Ilkley offers the opportunity for a superb Sunday day out: a hike up to Ilkley Moor followed by a hearty pub lunch. Ilkley is also easy to get to with an £8 return ticket from Leeds station. The hike up to the Cow and Calf Rocks is worth it for the scenic view over Ilkley and the rolling Yorkshire hills. Furthermore, Ilkley has a plethora of pubs to choose from to have a well-deserved Sunday roast that will put your flat’s Christmas dinner to shame. 

While Hyde Park and its aroma of stale cigarettes and old beer holds a special place in my heart, a wholesome day out is always needed after a week of lectures and one too many nights out. 

Check Your Boobs Too!

Felicity Wright on 7 October 2022

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s that time of year when pink ribbons start to flood businesses’ campaigns and cover packaging. Even though many use this marketing tool with genuine intentions, commercialisation has taken over the root purpose of the month dedicated to women, men, and non-binary people suffering from breast cancer. We see the iconic pink ribbon symbols everywhere, but have we seen it so much that we forget it is not only to support but to remind us to check our own breasts too?

CoppaFeel! is a “charity focused on promoting early detection of breast cancer, by encouraging women under 30 to regularly check their breasts”. Statistically, most breast cancers are diagnosed in people over 50, but there is no harm in giving your breasts a little check every so often, just to be safe and to get into the routine.

“Get to know your normal” is a quote the charity goes by, reminding us that all bodies are different and getting to know your own is important to be able to detect any unusual changes. Hormones can play a big part in changes in the breasts too, so don’t be alarmed when noticing slight changes during that time of the month! Remember – it is normal for your breasts to change constantly throughout your life, particularly during puberty and adolescence.

Everyone knows to feel for lumps but there are a number of other signs to look out for including, but not limited to, irritation of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the breast or nipple area, pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk and any pain in the area. 

The majority of changes to your breasts will not be breast cancer, but if it is, early detection is crucial. When found early, breast cancer results in more successful treatments and higher survival rates.

CoppaFeel! has campus representatives, the Leeds University Boob Team (UBT) society, who will be running fun events and socials this year to continue to raise awareness and fundraise for the cause. They encourage everyone, no matter age or gender, to join the society and give your breasts a good feel to check for any irregularities. Early detection saves lives!

Please visit @ubtleeds on Instagram for more information and to donate to the Just Giving fundraising page linked in the bio.

A great first step is to sign up to free monthly reminders to check your chests. To do so, text ‘UBT LEEDS’ to 82228.

Quote credits – https://coppafeel.org

What I wish I had known before Uni

Lottie Passmore on 29 September 2022

As the leaves turn brown and the nights begin to draw in, Leeds once again fills with the buzz of returning students and the prospect of a new term. Navigating university can be daunting, and even going into fourth year, I am still figuring it out! So, whether you’re setting foot in Leeds for the first time or returning, here are some essential pointers I wish I had known earlier. 

1. You don’t have to be best friends with your flatmates

It may be that you walk into your halls kitchen and fall head over heels with every one of them, (in which case, skip to no. 2). However, just because they are the most convenient to hang out with, it’s more important that you just get on enough to share living spaces. You’re more likely to meet people with similar interests on your course, at societies, or at your favourite pub or club. 

2. Don’t sleep with your flatmate/s

Although I didn’t learn this first-hand, I’ve seen the problems it can cause not only for those directly involved, but the whole flat. The likelihood is that it won’t last, you’ll ruin the flat dynamic and it’ll probably end in tears.

 3. Budget! 

I am determined to stick to it this year, fourth time lucky? (I’ve heard) that even writing down everything you spend is a great way to become more aware and supposedly shocks you into cutting down on expenditures. Watch this space. 

4. Invest in a proper water bottle

In first year, my second week of lectures was rudely interrupted by a cheap water bottle leaking in by bag; writing off my laptop. Not only was this tremendously expensive but also seriously inconvenient, just as I was settling in. It also saves you buying single use plastic so often. Economical and environmentally friendly, what’s not to like?

5. Use your Lecturer’s office hours

This one is particularly important if your contact hours are lower than your friend’s doing maths, for example. This year I have four. A week. Yes, I’m shocked too. Speaking one-to-one with your lecturers allows you to ask any additional questions you didn’t think of in the seminar and means you can clear up any concerns about the subject and course at large. 

6. There is more to Leeds than Hyde Park

Whether your halls are on campus or as far out as Clarence Dock, it can be very easy, especially in first year, to limit your sphere to a rotation of halls, Uni, pub, halls, Uni, pub… Whilst Leeds, as a city, has an extensive and exciting cultural scene, from music to museums, a stone’s throw beyond the city centre provides a number of neighbouring towns and villages, perfect for a wholesome day out. Look up Skipton, Harrogate, and Knaresborough, to name just a few!

7. First year probably won’t be the best of your Uni years

There is far too much hype surrounding the First Year, let alone Freshers Week. First Year is particularly overwhelming, and many people don’t meet their best friends until later on in their Uni experience. Remember that everyone is in the same boat so don’t worry if it seems that you’re the only one struggling to stay afloat! 

Freshers: A Guide to Budgeting 

Livia Garrod on 29 September 2022

Last year I adopted, in what I hope is in an endearing and affectionate way, the nickname ‘Budget’ from my friends. This is perhaps a slightly generous and hyperbolic label and is my only qualification to give my advice on this topic, but these are just some opinions on how to budget, from a student who enjoys the stereotypical student experience. 

It is important to note that I can only speak from my own experiences, and naturally, this is not representative of every student’s experience or inclusive of every student’s financial situation. 

Firstly, try not to get too carried away when you see the first student loan instalment reach your bank account! Depending on how much you receive, it can look like a lot, especially to a student, but remember this has to last you until Christmas. My advice would be to try and roughly estimate how much your loan permits you to spend on a weekly basis on top of rent and open a second bank account to transfer this money into – Monzo works amazingly for me.  This way, it is easy to see how much you are spending and on what. You can set the app to tell you how long your money needs to last, either updating it weekly or monthly. Having tried both, I find using a monthly allowance much more attainable, as naturally, your spending on a weekly basis will vary more. 

Monzo, as well as other banking apps, is also great because you can easily request and send money to your friends, making cashing in on night-out Ubers and drinks easy and stress-free! 

Moving away from turning this into free advertising for the aforementioned banking platform, here are some other things to think about during freshers to protect your bank balance:

  • Do things for free! The Fresher’s Fair is a perfect place to collect as much free stuff as possible, and it is also free to go to. It can feel slightly intimidating approaching all the different society stands on your own, so going with a new friend gives you a cost-free opportunity to learn more about your friend and learn more about how you would like to shape your life at Leeds. 
  • Other free activities could be sitting on Woodhouse Moor, if we’re lucky enough to get a nice enough day, or taking a walk along the Woodhouse Ridge. 
  • Although I wholeheartedly encourage joining one if not multiple society’s, don’t feel pressured to pay the membership fees right away. Assess all of your options first. Unfortunately, you can’t fit everything so use the ‘Give-It-A-Gos’ to test the water and work out your priorities before committing to paying the fees. 
  • If it’s not too late already, I would urge you not to buy wristbands or tickets for Fresher’s events before coming to Leeds. Blocking off too much of your week before you arrive can sometimes restrict you and skipping pre-paid events is sometimes inevitable but still a waste of that precious budget! 

Most importantly though, have fun! Fresher’s week is always going to be more expensive than your general week-to-week, so try to not feel guilty for spending more. Say yes to things, and if that means spending a bit more than your bargained for then that’s ok. 

A Guide to Surviving Freshers Flu

Tharushi Wijesiriwardena on 29 September 2022

The annual flu season is almost upon us and with it, the start of the new term. Having survived a global pandemic, the threat of the freshers’ flu is stopping nobody from enjoying their night out this year. 

There’s no doubt that the mass convening of students, from across the globe, to live in student accommodation with questionable hygiene standards can make you ill. Moving into university is not only a big step in your social and academic life, but also a big change for your body. Your body is introduced to a cocktail of germs, viruses and bacteria from the new environment, new diet, and new people. Often, the fresher’s flu is similar to a bad cold, but the impact of the fever, sore throat and headaches can be exacerbated by the late nights, alcohol consumption and poor diet that is common amongst students. The lifestyle choices you make can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the fresher’s flu.

The flu-like symptoms can be very similar to that of COVID-19 so make sure you do a test to check if you’re positive. Also, make sure to consult the NHS meningitis page if you notice a rash, sensitivity to light or a stiff neck. Fresher’s flu symptoms, like the common cold, can last around a week and shouldn’t be too difficult to get through – if you’re struggling, consider consulting your GP for further advice or treatment.

There are many ways to prepare for fresher’s flu to make your recovery as quick as possible. The following prevention tactics may even help you to avoid the flu altogether: 

1. Sign up to the GP as soon as you get here

Get all the admin work out of the way as soon as you can. In case you catch something more serious than fresher’s flu, it’ll be good to have all the forms already filled out so that you can contact your local GP, should you need to.

2. Make sure your vaccines are up to date

Checking that you’ve had all your vaccines and that they’re all up to date will keep you safe from a lot of the more serious viruses that could be travelling around uni. Cases of mumps were rising in my first-year accommodation, despite many of us having had the MMR vaccine, so make sure you keep an eye out for any bodily changes. 

3. Eat healthily 

Maintaining a healthy diet can be difficult at university, especially during Freshers. Eating a lot of vitamin C-rich foods, like oranges, tomatoes, and broccoli can help support your immune system. 

4. Drink lots of water (and maybe less alcohol!)

Staying hydrated can help prevent illness by helping your body flush out toxins. It can speed up the recovery process if you do fall ill and can help ease hangovers! 

5. Sleep

Sleep not only recharges your body, giving it a much-needed period of rest during a busy time, but also enhances your immune system. When you sleep, certain types of protective proteins and antibodies help fight off infection. 

Like with the common cold, there are no fixed cures. The best things that you can do to treat your fresher’s flu are below. 

1. Warm drinks

Staying hydrated, particularly with warm drinks, can help loosen congestion. Many people recommend warm lemon water drinks that you can make at home or pick up sachets in a pharmacy.

2. Rest

As with prevention, rest and sleep help your body recover, so make sure that you take some time off socialising when you start feeling ill.

3. Soothing your sore throat 

To prevent discomfort and reduce congestion, try taking sore throat lozenges or gargling saltwater.

Fresher’s flu is the unofficial initiation for all those starting university, so don’t be worried if (or when) you start feeling a bit ill, it’s all part of the uni experience! Stay aware of any significant changes to your health and let your GP know if you encounter further issues.

Safety First: A Guide to Staying Safe During Freshers Week

Hannah Pickett on 29 September 2022

As universities make their big return to campus, there are keen students all around the country preparing themselves for a freshers’ week to remember. Here are five top tips for staying safe during the week: 

1. Buddy up

The phrase strength in numbers couldn’t be more fitting for this first tip. You are most vulnerable when you are alone, so it is important to stay in groups when you are out and try not to let people wander off or go home alone. In a new city and unfamiliar surroundings, it can be really overwhelming for many people, so make sure you’re checking in with your friends or flatmates regularly to see how they’re doing. 

2. Keep your phone charged  

This second tip may seem obvious, but having a fully charged phone when you’re out and about in a new city is a must. Not only will it be able to capture those unforgettable memories, but it can be used to pay for things, communicate with friends, and order Ubers or taxis to help you get home safe. 

3. Be vigilant

One of the most important pieces of advice is to be vigilant when you are out. The majority of people that you will meet are usually there to simply have a good time, but unfortunately, there are some more sinister people out there who have a different take on having a ‘good time’. Spiking continues to be a huge issue at parties and in clubs, so it is important to keep alert to minimise the risk of it happening to you or your friends. You can do this by not accepting drinks from strangers and not leaving any drinks unattended. 

If you do end up in a position where you think yourself or a friend may have been spiked, tell a bar manager or security guard, get to a safe place and if the condition deteriorates, call an ambulance. 

More information and advice on spiking can be found: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/staying-safe-while-drinking/drink-spiking-and-date-rape-drugs

4. Don’t overshare 

During the week, you will come across a whole host of new people and fresh faces who are all looking to make lots of new friends. When making conversations, it can be easy to overshare personal information very quickly such as where you’re staying, where you come from and your social media platforms, leaving you more vulnerable. With social media being a huge part of people’s lives, it is common to instantly want to add every single person you meet on these platforms, but this isn’t always the wisest thing to do as your social platforms can give off more information than you think. So, hold fire with those friend requests and wait to see who really turn out to be your close friends.

5. Look after yourself 

The final piece of advice for staying safe during freshers’ week is to look after yourself. It can be easy to see the week as the time to go wild, and many people do! But, it is really important to know your limits. The freedom of being a fresher means that it can be easy to feel pressured to do everything and go out every night, but don’t be afraid of saying ‘no’ if you don’t want to. At the end of the day, looking after yourself should be your top priority and you shouldn’t have to give in to the pressure of doing it all in the first week. 

Ultimately, freshers week is a time to really let loose and enjoy the freedom of being away from home. Take the advice as you wish, but by keeping these safety considerations in mind, you are guaranteed to have a great time and to make some unforgettable memories. 

2022 Travel List

Lottie Passmore on 27 March 2022

With the majority of COVID-19 restrictions on travel set to be removed, 2022 might finally be the year to book a trip. Maybe you booked one last year that was tragically cancelled, or simply avoided it altogether, due to the unpredictability of Miss Rona. Regardless, here is a comprehensive list of the top six affordable(ish) holiday destinations to check out for 2022.

Barcelona, Spain

A coastal city with a thriving nightlife and a rich cultural scene: Barcelona has it all.  As it is a rather compact city, there is no need for much public transport and the best of the city can be done in a long weekend. If you catch the Ryanair sale, flights can be as low as £9.99 return, and the city centre boasts a range of affordable and allegedly ‘Boutique’ hotels for around £30 a night.

Gran Canaria, Spain

Each year Gran Canaria allegedly plays host to the world’s most optimistic tourists and indeed, you’d be hard-pushed to be miserable on this gorgeous island. Situated South of Spain, visit in May to avoid crowds and build up an early summer tan that will outshine any Leeds (St. Moritz Ultra Dark) tan you’ve ever had. Gran Canaria has everything, so whether you’re a sports lover, stargazer or simply want to unwind in the sun, this is your island!

The Azores

If you put a pin on a map exactly halfway between New York and Lisbon, you’d land on The Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands isolated in the North Atlantic Ocean. The largest island, Ponta Delgada, is often included in Ryanair’s flash sale and flights can be as low as £14.99. The climate is fantastically unpredictable, but the scenery is like nowhere else in the Northern Hemisphere, not to mention accommodation and food etc. are extremely affordable. Head over in early August for the islandwide ‘White Ocean Party’.

Borovets, Bulgaria

The cost of an average skiing holiday is about as nerve-inducing as being stuck at the top of the iciest black slope. But contrary to popular belief, it’s not all downhill from there! Avoiding the larger, more popular resorts can have a big saving on the overall cost of your trip, and, famed for its party scene, Borovets will have no detriment on your après. Because let’s be honest, that’s the highlight. Book for April to catch the last of the snow and have a less hair-raising impact on your bank balance.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The beauty of The Netherlands goes beyond simply its architecture, but the fact that it is closer to London than London is to Leeds! Travel by ferry, Eurostar or plane, and keep costs down by staying in one of the cities’ many hostels, many of which include breakfast in the price for just €10 a night. There is much more to ‘Dam than the Red Light District and the infamous coffee shops, get lost in the many side streets and neighbourhoods or take a ten-minute train to Haarlem to feel like a real Dutch local.

Peak District, UK

If worst comes to worst, and COVID rears its ugly head once more, which, let’s face it, is more than likely, why not stay closer to home and visit the Peak District? No need to stress about COVID tests or flights, rent out an Airbnbs in the hills and spend the weekend walking, eating, and drinking with friends. With the itinerary, not weather dependent, book for autumn or Easter for a low season, well-deserved weekend away. Just make sure you’re staying close to a pub!

So, wherever you decide to go, make sure you have something to look forward to during those long library hours. As they say, gorgeous gorgeous girls book their flights in advance!

Teetotalism: An impossible feat in Leeds?

Niva Yadav on 22 March 2022

Every year, nearly 1 in 5 adults commit to giving up alcohol for the entire month of January. There seems every reason for me to join these people; I’m fed up of hearing about my drunken escapades, my bank account is barren and it’s about time I stopped drunk texting my ex. That’s not to mention the several bouts of tonsillitis I’ve suffered which has not been helped by the lethal mix of antibiotics and wine. Dry January offers a mental and physical detox and for many people, a much-needed break after an indulgent Christmas. 

Dry January was started in 2013 with the aim to help people reduce their alcohol intake and to inspire healthier relationships with alcohol. Just a month away from the bottle positively impacts blood sugar levels, one’s liver and many report improvements in concentration and sleep. So, why is it that my Dry January lasted only 13 days? I followed all the advice that I found online and found myself miserable. The first part of Dry January is to have a ‘why?’ Why do you want to reduce your alcohol intake? To quote Lucy Spraggan, “I am fed up with beer fear’. I am sick of hangxiety and my ability to act like I’m not hungover in every seminar is wearing thin. I want to wake up safe in the knowledge that I haven’t phoned someone 10 times or posted 12 strange photos to my Instagram story. 

The first thirteen days started off quite well and I hardly missed alcohol being at home. It was easy to refuse a glass of wine in the comfort of my home in London. I was quite happy drinking green tea and whilst Sunday dinners weren’t the same without a glass of wine, Robinson’s Squash was a welcome alternative…kind of. I actually did more work than I’d ever done, my brain wasn’t a fog of vodka lemonade and I genuinely think my liver was healthier than ever.

But, of course, fruit squash does not stand up to the test against the Uni culture that we live in. RPP Tuesday’s would not be the same without a pint and I missed late night trips to Sainsburys in search of another bottle of wine to keep the night going. The entire university experience rendered sobriety fairly tricky. Imagine not being able to scoff a kebab at the end of the night. Imagine trying to flirt without the embrace of Dutch courage. Nobody wants to party with the boring, sober girl (although, arguably my drunk self is not much better). I will not lie, I lasted about 3 hours on a night out before I caved in and joined my friends in their boozy antics.

I thought I’d be disappointed in myself that I couldn’t last more than 13 days without alcohol. I felt instantly like maybe I had a worrying relationship with alcohol and that it was some kind of sign from above to stop seeking solace in the bottle. However, it was none of these things. I have a great relationship with alcohol; the ability to stop whenever I’ve had too much and to stay in control (most of the time). I realised to stop drinking in all the places that I have often associated alcohol with is a big ask, especially in a university environment. It’s not necessarily a temptation, but more of a habit and the desire to join in with friends. I don’t think enjoying being drunk should instantly constitute an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you do have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol that Dry January is not the answer. And on reflection, Dry January only set me up for failure. In a month full of exam deadlines, bad weather and failed New Years’ Resolutions, I really don’t need another failure.

On the whole, teetotalism seems nice in theory, but if anything it only made me more miserable. I think for most university students, going cold turkey for a month is unrealistic and actually more problematic than beneficial. Feel free to prove me wrong if you have had 31 days of uninterrupted, blissful sobriety.

I did, however, enjoy reducing my alcohol intake. I’ve realised I don’t need a drink at Terrace after every library session and I don’t need to have a whole bottle of wine on every night out.

Our Favourite LGBTQ+ Spaces in Leeds

Ruby Winter on 22 March 2022

Leeds is considered one of the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly cities, with a huge variety of events and safe spaces for all ages and tastes. As there is such a wide range of places, we thought we’d give you a little guide to the best spaces, bars and nightclubs for you to go with your friends and family. Valentine’s Day may have passed, but finding love is never too late. 

Spaces:

Flamingos Coffee House

Flamingos Coffee House in the Central Arcade in Leeds City Centre opened in 2018 and has since become one of the most popular LGBTQ+ spaces in Leeds. It is the only dry, late-night LGBTQ+ friendly coffee house, and they regularly host a selection of events such as speed dating nights each month, which is a great way to meet people in a safe space! It functions as a workspace, meeting space or as a great coffee date. Additionally, they donate a portion of their profits to LGBTQ+ charities each month. 

The Bookish Type 

The independent queer bookshop located in the Merrion Centre, The Bookish Type, is run by Ray and Nic. They aim to actively support and work with the local queer community through selling a range of queer literature. Additionally, they host various events and schemes that bring the community together to share their space, learn about their history, and see themselves represented. It is a community hub and a fantastic place to meet others.

Bars and Nights Out:

Blayds Bar

Recognised as one of Leeds’ safe LGBTQ+ venues, Blayds Bar offers something different every night with weekly entertainment ranging from DJ’s, happy hours and quizzes. They also host a monthly cabaret and yard party, with the emphasis on everyone being welcome. We hugely recommend this bar for a first date.

The New Penny

Reported as Leeds oldest gay pub, it has seen some of the best-known Drag Queens appear on its stage, including Lily Savage, Sisters Slim, Miss Orry and many more. They have some more ‘alternative’ events, with Richard and Rusty running the best indie, rock and electro music night. Be sure to visit here whilst you’re in Leeds, it’s a night you won’t forget.

Viaduct Showbar 

Probably one of the most famous LGBTQ+ venues in Leeds, Viaduct is a student favourite. It’s the home of cabaret, and it hosts various themed nights with quirky bar staff and extremely talented drag queens. This place will entertain you 7 days a week, allowing you to be yourself among the state-of-the-art sound and light system. This is not one to miss. 

Wharf Chambers 

Located on the ground floor of a Victorian former pork pie factory, the business is owned and controlled by the people that work there; on the door, behind the bar, cleaning the toilets and much more. All members have democratic control over the club, and the event spaces are used for live music, club nights, art events, film screenings, workshops and meetings.  One of the most popular events they host is the ‘Love Muscle’ event, a “pumping gay dance party”. It’s a safe space to get your groove on, so get yourself down there.