The leaves are falling, the wind is blowing and the question ‘so what A-levels did you do?’ is being asked in every single accommodation , which can only mean one thing... The new uni year is here! It’s been strange working on campus without anyone here, so I’m glad you’ve arrived, and if you’re returning; welcome back!
I remember my freshers week fondly, it was so good in fact that I had to drop out of my first course all the way in Edinburgh, move to Leeds, and do it all over again the following year!
But seriously, freshers week is a mixture of excitement and elation mixed in with anxiety and, often, drinking way too much to compensate for it. By now you’ve moved in, realised that you have nothing in common with your flatmates and are frantically rushing to make your friends for life. I’m here to tell you to slow down and smell the proverbial roses; there’s loads of time for that - you could even join a society, i’ve heard The Gryphon is a pretty great one…
Anxiety is such a common thing this time of year, what will you do? Where will you go? What’s a great dtae spot for when I inevitably download Hinge? Luckily for you The Gryphon’s Freshers Guide has all you need!
Don’t worry about getting lost in our fantastic paper, and what an issue it is - 40 pages of content - we’ve colour coded and marked our pages so you can easily find everything!
This year we’ve got some great stories and articles for you to get your mits on; starting with some sad closures then moving to some useful tips!
ITM is our magazine section - it’s where the artsy people hang out and we’ve got film guides, perfomance spotlights and more recommendations than you could shake a stick at!
Does the scientific intrigue you? Then head on over to the science and climate sections to learn about sustainability, the good the bad and the ugly of AI and hangover cures (you’ll need them).
By now I know what you’re thinking, The Gryphon is so cool and fun! And yes, you’d be right, however; our main job is to hold both the university and union to account, voicing the voiceless and providing a place for people to feel safe, supported and welcome.
Now off you pop! Your first Fruity, Bakery 164 scran and Hyde Park Picture House screening all await you! Make the most of this time, you’ll be looking back in however many years fondly!
All the best, Gabe
What is The Gryphon? LUU Shuts Scream
What exactly is the Gryphon? Consider this short piece from your E-i-C an abridged history
Going by many, many different monikers throughout the years, The Gryphon has nevertheless managed to sick around despite some times where it arguably shouldn’t have. Now dear reader, you may be thinkingwell what exactly is The Gryphon? And what is its history? But fear not! Your brave Editor-in-Chief has decided to bestow upon thee a (somewhat) comprehensive history of your new favourite publication.
1897-1963 - The formation
In 1897, The Gryphon (under the name of The Journal of the Yorkshire College) was founded, delivering stories and news to students. In 1946 Union News was established as the official newspaper of Leeds University Union, there was no rivalry, at least not for long as the initial iteration of The Gryphon ceased publication in 1963 for unknown reasons.
1970-2014
- The Wilderness years
That’s a long period of time isn’t it? Well let’s have a look at why! In 1970 the student unions of Leeds university and the, at the time, leeds Polytechnic voted to conjoin their newspapers into a single publication entitled Leeds Student (sound familiar?). During this time the paper went on quite a tear of we do say so ourselves, in its first year of existence it won Student Newspaper of the year in the Student Media Awards in 1970, then again in 1972. It would go on to pick up publication of the year in the now defunct Guardian Student media Awards in 1998,1999 and 2009, as well as being the winner of the inaugural Best Student Newspaper Award at the first National Student Journalism Awards in 1999.
Now this isn’t sounding particularly wild is it? Well strap in, it became an interesting time for The Gryphon during the 2000s, and even worse during the 2010s! In December 2005 Leeds Metropolitan University (formerly Leeds Polytechnic, currently Leeds Beckett) voted to dissociate from Leeds Student, citing that the paper had a focus on Leeds University Union, and ignored
Metropolitan. This lead to Leeds Student becoming a solely Leeds University focused paper.
In 2010 Leeds Student found itself embroiled in a battle with its union over censorship, at one point the student exec voted to removed Leeds Student from circulation, causing there to be accusations of censorship. This was not the first or last time that The Gryphon found itself in hot water, but there’s not enough hours in the day to discuss that, nor is there enough ink for the paper!
2014 - Baby Come Back!
In 2014 Leeds Student underwent a metamorphosis, not too dissimilar to that of a butterfly and rebranded itself as The Gryphon. This would not be all that happened that year however, as due to a massive lack of funding the paper almost folded; meaning I wouldn’t be here to tell you this! Isn’t that tragic. Luckily the crisis was averted and since then the paper has been returning to its former glory.
2025 - Nothing ever happens… Or does it?
So that’s that! A new year, a new face leading this rich publication, I mentioned the paper building itself back up earlier, a lot of work went into that. This year you will be seeing the fruits of that labour, with more socials than ever, a bi-weeky print and more partnerships than you could shake a stick at, get ready, it’s gonna be a huge year!
Leeds university Union has made the decision to shut its in-house ice cream parlour Scream. This comes after a turbulent couple of years for the parlour, with the Union introducing a Starbucks coffee menu in the hopes to garnour more business. However, on the back of sustained boycotts to the brand, combined with the fact that the union’s own coffee shop Common Ground, is open for the same amount of hours. this seemed to be ineffective.
Speculation around what could replace the parlour has already begun - with some suggesting a hair salon could fill the void made by Scream, whilst others believe it will be another hospitality venture; ultimately only the Union knows what it will become.
Campus Watch
Curious about what’s happening in the rest of the country? With Campus Watch there isn’t any need to be!
The University of Manchester has been ranked second in the UK for graduate employer interest, second only to Birmingham according to research conducted by the High Fliers group.
The University of Exeter has had a joint China Campus approved by the government. The Russel Group university will offer five courses in collaboration with Zhejiang University of Technology.
The University of glasgow has celebrated 10 years of its huge scientific discovery: the firsrt ever direct detection of gravitational waves. On September 14, 2015 the detecrtion of the ripples in space-time, initially predicted by Albert Einstein 100 years prior, changed the way that researchers innteract with the universe, marking a pivotal change.
University of York researchers are behind a campaign to get more low and non-alcoholic beverages served in venues across the city. This project is in collaboration with York St John’s University.
The Royal Agricultural University has celebrated its 180th anniversary this month. Founded in 1845 and awarded university status in 2013, the university marked the celebration with a special open day.
Queen’s University of Belfast, according to the BBC, has been urged to swiftly and publicly cut ties with known associates of Jeffrey Epstein, specifically current chancellor Hilary Clinton ands former chancellor George Mitchell. This comes after a handwritten letter from Mitchell was released describing his friendship with Epstein as a “blessing”.
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
Winter tent folded up for the season despite popularity among students
Aliza-Kayan Ahmed
Leeds University have made the decision not to uphold the tradition of the Leeds Winter tent.
For years, the Winter Tent has been more than just seasonal occurrence, it becomes a beloved campus tradition. It has become known for its warm atmosphere, bright lights, festive spirit, and being surrounded by food stalls. The Winter Tent offered a space on campus for all students need. It became a place to hang out with your friends or even socialise with someone new. You could go grab a hot drink and fuel up before a night out.
This year, the staple tent will not be making a return. The decision has sparked disappointment amongst students. For some students, the tent more than just a venue, it created a festive and fun environment at a time when student life can feel isolating. Its absence will likely leave a noticeable gap to the detriment to the student experience on campus.
One student said: “I really loved the Christmas vibe and spirit it brought to campus, it was just so wholesome.”
Another student said: “it made me feel a little less homesick.”
The Leeds University Union introduced the Winter Tent as part of their annual Winter Fest. It became a vibrant hub for students during the colder months. It functioned as the university’s social headquarters in winter. The tent hosted a wide variety of activities, creating a warm and community focused environment on campus. It became the place where students could enjoy everything from cosy, free gatherings including workshops to ticketed events with exciting themes, where students could enjoy live music and seasonal food.
Last year, Leeds University Union held their inaugural Winter Fest Beer Festival. It was a resounding success and seemed to be students’ favourite part of the season. The two-day event brought together a variety of local breweries from across Yorkshire. This allowed students to sample a wide range of craft beers discovering the regions favourites. It became popular for its mulled wine. It also was surprisingly an inclusive event due to offering a range of non-alcoholic options, making the event accessible for all students. The Beer Festival was one of many themed events and evenings. The 2024 event lineup included: embroidery classes, talent nights, and even quiz nights all taking place in the tent.
For one weekend, the 2024 Winter Fest featured the sounds of a live DJ, creating an exciting atmosphere for students to enjoy. Throughout the Fest, on Fridays, there were regular performances by the Leeds University Union’s very own Big Band. This allowed the Winter Fest hosted in the tent to offer a platform for student musicians to display their talent and connect with an audience of their peers. The Winter tent offered the perfect blend of professional seasoned performers as well as talented students.
As campus prepares for the festive season without the tent one thing is clear, its absence will be dearly missed. It offered unity throughout campus with helping create a community during the winter season as students create familial connections whilst spending some of the Christmas season without their loved ones. This can be especial-
ly helpful for some international students who may not be able to go back home for the holidays.
There has been a growing effort from students to have the tent reinstated for the winter season. Students have expressed that the tent provides a valuable space on campus for socialising and building a community on campus. To support this cause, a petition has been created, and students are encouraged to sign it to show their interest and support for bringing the tent back.
The Gryphon reached out to the Leeds University Union to provide a statement but have not yet received a response.
10 Top Tips for Staying Safe during Freshers Week
Freshers week is an exciting time to make new friends, explore a new city, gain independence and build life skills.
Whilst the first week of freshers week is fun and full of new opportunities, it can be overwhelming at times. So, it is important to look after yourself and stay safe while making the most of the week.
Here are 10 key tips for enjoying freshers week whilst keeping safe and well.
1. Be smart with your spending. Alcohol, takeaways and events can all add up quickly.
According to UCAS students spent on average £421 in their first week of university in 2022. This may be a big chunk of your monthly budget. Be mindful of how much you are spending, particularly on nights out and food. According to the Student Life Report, 58.54% of students get a takeaway at least every two weeks. 81.26% get one at least every month.
Takeaways are tempting but costly.
4. Get home safely. Even if you feel fine, it is best to avoid going home by yourself after a night out.
Tip: Stick to well lit areas and avoid alleyways and parks, including Hyde Park.
Tip: Make a weekly budget and try to stick to it. Take advantage of student deals and discounts!
2. Keep your phone charged and ready. A charged phone always equates to a safer night out.
Make sure to charge your phone so that you can find friends, get directions, or order an Uber.
Tip: If you are going out, bring a portable charger just in case.
3. Pace yourself. You may drink more than usual in your first weeks of university, so take it slow.
According to a recent poll, students said they partied for an average of 15 hours in Freshers Week. This amount of partying can be exhausting and so making sure to eat before and after drinking, stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
Your body may find the adjustment challenging so don’t be hard on yourself if you are feeling tired, ill or off balance.Importantly, when everyone is arriving at university they want to make a good impression, but you should never feel under pressure to say yes to everything. Don’t put yourself in situations you don’t feel comfortable in.
Tip: Make sure to eat after a night out to help prevent a hangover in the morning!
5. Stick together. When getting to a new city and going out at night it is important to stick with others if you can.
Whilst you may not know others well yet, looking out for each other is essential.Even if you think you know your limits, alcohol can sometimes hit harder than expected.
Tip: Watch out for others too, you never know when someone else might need a hand.
6. Get to know Leeds. It is a really good idea to know your way round the campus and Leeds as soon as possible. Working out how to get from university and the town centre back to your halls of residence is a great idea. Be sure to know areas of the city that are better avoided.
7. Make informed choices. In a new environment with lots of social events, it may be tempting to experiment with new alcohol and drugs. It is important to understand the risks.
According to the Universities UK poll, almost one in five (18%) out of 4,000 students had used drugs in the past. The most commonly used drugs were cannabis (53%), cocaine (8%), ketamine (6%) and ecstasy (4%).
Tip: Make sure you are well informed. Research the effects and risks before making decisions.
8. Keep an eye on your drink. Being aware of drink-spiking is important. Don’t leave drinks unattended. Report any concerns to the venue and use Ask for Angela if you feel vulnerable.
Staff at venues are trained on how to respond to this.
9. Download the University App. The UniLeeds Mobile app allows you to access information on support and wellbeing, harassment and misconduct, as well as general campus life tips.
Tip: Make use of all the resources out there so you feel informed about what is happening on and around campus.
10. Know how to get help. Freshers week can unfortunately be a time where incidents of sexual misconduct increase due to a high consumption of alcohol and new social environments.Violence, abuse and harassment has no place in our university community.
Tip: It is important to know you are not alone. If you need to reach out for help please visit this page on the universities website: https://students.leeds.ac.uk/harassment-misconduct
It's normal to feel a mix of emotions during the first week. According to the Student Life Report 2024, 42% of students felt anxious and 39% felt overwhelmed. Equally, 49% of students felt excited and 28% felt sociable.
With this in mind Leeds offers lots of student support if you have any questions, from money to mental health problems.You can visit the help desk in the foyer of the student union or contact them via email at - helpandsupport@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
Tip: There's no “right way” to feel during Freshers.
Most of all, Freshers Week is a brilliant opportunity to try new things, meet new people and have fun. Just make sure to be safe, look after yourself and ask for help if you need it.
Love your time at Leeds!
You got this.
Zara Lake
Meet your Student Executive Officers
Emma Wilkinson
Meet Amara Relf, Eden Morris, Katrina Liu, Lydia Shale, Safiyah Farid and Shivani Gug. These are your new Student Executive Officers (also known as the Student Exec) for the 2025/26 academic year. They were elected by other students during this year’s LUU elections. The Student Exec represents the students. All of the Student Exec are all reachable via email or on social media. You can also find them in their office on the first floor of LUU.
Amara Relf
- A.Relf@luu.ac.uk
Amara Relf is your new Union Affairs and Communications Officer. Amara’s role is to:
• Chair the Board of Trustees, hold staff to account, and oversee Union finances to make sure the Union works for students.
• Help govern the University and ensure that students can make the Union, University and City of Leeds better through the Union’s democratic system.
• Lead communications from the Union and ensure that LUU and the University are accountable to members.
Amara says:
“Hi, I’m Amara! You might recognise me from last year as your Equality and Liberation Officer, but this year I’m stepping into the role of Union Affairs and Communications Officer! My focus is on tackling sexual violence, making our Union more democratic and transparent, and helping students feel more connected to the city and other student unions. I’m here to make sure your voice is heard and your experience is shaped by you.”
Eden Morris
- E.Morris@luu.ac.uk
Eden Morris is your new Wellbeing Officer. Eden ensures that your happiness, health and wellbeing is kept a priority. The Wellbeing officer works on the Society Wellbeing Network and the Wellbeing and Safety Advisory Board. They advocate the LUU’s wellbeing services so that all students are aware of it.
Eden says:
“Hi, I’m Eden Morris, your Wellbeing Officer! During my time at Leeds, I’ve thrown myself into student life – from leading the Union Music Library to creating LUU wellbeing projects. I’m also part of the Plus Programme, so I understand first-hand the barriers many students face and why strong support networks matter. I’ve represented Leeds in an academic challenge in Amsterdam and recently led youth empowerment
workshops in Fiji, and I now sit on University boards and negotiate with the University to make sure that student wellbeing is always on the agenda. I’m also working closely with Katrina to make support services more culturally inclusive, and with Saffy to push for divestment from arms and fossil fuels through ethical investment. The Exec is prioritising student-led change, so you’ll be invited into meetings, campaigns, and decision-making spaces. Follow @ luu_wellbeing on Instagram or email me to get involved.”
Katrina Liu
-
K.Liu@luu.ac.uk
Katrina Liu is your new International & Postgraduate Officer. Katrina’s role is to create opportunities to share cultures and experiences that represent our diverse community. The International & Postgraduate Officer works on the Global Café, and World Unite Festival. They provide support and study spaces for PGR students.
Katrina says:
“Hi, I’m Katrina, your International & Postgraduate Officer, and I’m here to make sure that international students’ voices are heard. Having experienced the challenges of studying in a new country myself, I’m here to listen, support you, and advocate for real change.”
Lydia Shale
- L.Shale@luu.ac.uk
Lydia Shale is your new Activities & Opportunities Officer. Lydia’s role is to give you access to high-level clubs, societies, sports, and other co-curricular activities. The Activities and Opportunities Officer works on Varsity and Celebrate Week, and they support clubs and societies.
Lydia says:
“Hey, my name is Lydia Shale and I am the Activities and Opportunities Exec Officer. I graduated in 2024 from Sports Science and Physiology, and was part of LUUWAFC while I was a student as a coach! My main aims for the year are:
• Women’s+ Sports Participation Project: Removing barriers for women and margainalised genders in sport, while striving for equity and fairness across all aspects of university sports. Also, hosting the second year of the Women in Sport Panel.
• Making funding opportunities easier to acquire, while reducing society related costs.
• Hearing loops and captioning systems in LUU, lift instalation in Pyramid Theatre, and the creation of an Accessibility Grant for clubs and societies.
• The redevelopment of Cromer Terrace Houses into studios and storage for clubs/societies to use.
If you have any thoughts on the above, or would like to collaborate on a project together, please reach out to me.”
Safiyah Farid
- S.Farid@luu.ac.uk
Safiyah Farid is your new Equality and Liberation Officer. Safiyah’s role is to make sure that the campus and the city promote and advocate for equality and diversity, and that every student has a voice. The Equality and Liberation Officer works on the Liberation Hub and the Fix the Cistem campaign. They champion the voices of underserved and minority students.
Safiyah says:
Hi everyone! I’m Safiyah, and I’m thrilled to be your Equality and Liberation Officer this year at LUU. I’ve just wrapped up my undergraduate degree in English Literature (yes, I’m still mourning the end of seminar debates and MHRA Referencing), and I’m so excited to channel everything I’ve learned into making our union more inclusive, ethical, and empowering
During my second year, I served as President of the Palestine Solidarity Group, which opened my eyes to the ways our university’s investments and partnerships can have global consequences. This year, I’ll be pushing for ethical investment policies and supporting student-led campaigns that challenge injustice—because our union should stand united with students who care deeply about the world around them.
One issue close to my heart is what I call the gender study gap. Did you know students who menstruate miss an average of 10–19 academic days per year? That adds up to over 11 weeks across a three-year course—basically an entire term lost. I’ll be advocating for better support systems to ensure no one’s education is compromised by something so overlooked.
Mental health is another big focus for me—especially when it comes to marginalised communities. Whether it’s collaborating with groups like Andy’s Man Club, creating tailored support for trans students, or ensuring culturally sensitive care for ethnic minority students, I want everyone to feel seen, heard, and supported. So if you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to chat, drop me an email at s.farid@luu.ac.uk or follow me on Instagram @luu_ equalitiesandliberation
Shivani Gug
- S.Gug@luu.ac.uk
Shivani Gug remains as Education Officer for the second year in a row. Shivani’s role is to help undergraduate students run the University in partnership with staff; shaping how the institution works. The Education officer works with other student representatives to make sure that education at The University is shaped by students and meets their expectations.
Shivani says:
“Hi, I’m Shivani Gug, your Education Officer! I studied law for my undergrad and went on to do a master’s in political communication. It’s been such a privilege to represent you this past year, and I’m really excited to be doing it again!
One of my biggest projects has been The Diversity Blog, launched in June. It’s a space to amplify the voices and stories of students with second and third generation identities. I’d love to see it grow into a real community – whether you identify with these experiences or just want to learn more. Keep an eye out for events through LUU and on my Instagram (@luu_education). This year, I’m also focusing on:
• Working closely with academic societies and our brilliant course, school and faculty reps.
• Helping improve the University app for students.
• Opening a leisure book space with wellbeing at its heart. If you’d like to get involved or have questions about any of these projects, drop me a message - I’d love to hear from you!”.
Image Credit: LUU
Freshers’ 101: Your Uni survival guide
Hannah Chohan
Freshers’ week: the mythical seven days where you’re somehow supposed to make lifelong friends, discover all your passions and avoid a breakdown when you’re homesick. Whether you’re moving into halls or commuting, freshers can feel a bit overwhelming. So here’s a guide on how to navigate this messy period and get through with your dignity (mostly) intact.
Navigating the social chaos
Freshers’ events often revolve around nights out and if that’s your thing, go for it! It’s a great way to bond with your flatmates, dance badly and collect questionable stories for later. However, clubbing isn’t the only way to have a fun and memorable freshers week. There are many alcohol-free events organised by the Union as well as Give It A Go (GIAG) sessions that you can sign up for. Ever wanted to try archery or perhaps continue with netball, now's your chance. GIAG is an amazing way to try a bunch of different activities and potentially meet people outside of your course.
Budgeting is key!
It’s really important to manage your finances effectively whilst at uni so try to set a weekly budget. Work out how much money you actually have for the month, then break it down into a weekly amount you’re happy to spend. Take advantage of student discounts and don’t panic buy every freshers’ wristbands in advance.
Self-care and wellbeing
I’m sorry to break it to you but freshers’ flu is very much real and an inevitable rite of passage. Make sure to stay hydrated, stock up on Lemsip and register to your local GP. Don’t be afraid to prioritize your wellbeing and turn down a night out if you need to. Sometimes a cosy night in and your favourite show might just be the very thing you need. I’d definitely recommend establishing some sort of wind down routine before lectures start and next thing you know you’re in the midst of academic mania. Trust me it can get hectic. If you feel like you need extra support or perhaps guidance, you can always reach out to your personal tutor, the LUU’s advice service or even the counselling service.
Final thoughts
If your week wasn’t as you imagined, don’t worry - freshers doesn’t dictate the entirety of your university experience. It's a chaotic period where you’re trying to find your feet and navigate a whole new environment. Give yourself some grace and take it at your own pace. Use the first few weeks to familiarise yourself with the campus and explore the city. University isn’t a race and you’ve gotten this far so things will eventually start to piece together and make sense. Good luck, you’ve got this!
Everything I did wrong in Freshers Week
And why none of it really mattered
Sarah Al-Battat
1. Not going to every freshers event. I didn’t buy any freshers wristbands or tickets before coming to uni. I’m not the biggest clubber to begin with, and I figured I didn’t want to tie myself to fixed plans. Better just to see what happens, I thought- my best friend told me (from experience), that I would just ‘get sloshed’ with my flatmates and that would be that. Best friends forever. Still, I worried. What if everyone went to the same event and bonded over Jägerbombs while I watched Netflix alone in my room? And yeah, some people were planning outfits and pres hours after meetings, a friendship speedrun before my eyes. I felt pressure to say yes to everything and to go out every night because that’s what you do in freshers. But the best thing about freshers is that although people have heard of Mad Monday and Full Fat and seem to be an expert of where to go and what to do, no one really knows. For me, it was going and walking around an abandoned campus and getting Thai food at the Trinity Food Hall that bonded me with my flat. And yes, the nights out did end up being fun- nothing quite beats a girl’s first Fruity’s . But I spent night reading or calling friends that fulfilled me just as muchbalance is important and people, perhaps surprisingly, respect the courage to stay in.
2. Being the first to move in.
group, proceeding to form a snap group chat in which the extent of the conversation was everyone’s course and where they were from, I didn’t really know any of them by the time I had moved in. I worried that this would set me back in friend-making. What if it was awkward? What if they were awful? But then I walked into the kitchen, said hi to the strangers on the sofa, and got a text from another flatmate asking if I was around to meet. I got close with one of my flatmates because we both stayed up late and would meet in the kitchen when we made midnight cups of tea. Another woke me up to ask for Otley run costume opinions. Flats who get really close before lectures even start are nice and all, but when handed the potential of an entire cohort clear of preconceptions, it’s remarkably fun just to take each new interaction as it comes.
5. Getting really, really, really ill.
I chose one of the earliest move in spots possible, figuring an extra day or two at home wouldn’t really make a difference. I also wanted first dibs on fridge and cupboard space. Others who moved in early said it was boring and depressing- university didn’t start for them until the flat was complete. I disagree. I was about to share space and a social life with these people for a year, and I wanted to savour my newly found independence in its fullest form. I got to take my time decorating my room, transforming it into my cozy haven. Most importantly, I got to experience the quiet magic of my new home city before the thousands of students who called it home returned.
3. Overpacking/not packing enough.
Yes, I somehow managed to do both. The week before university was a blur of Dunelm, Robert Dyas, and John Lewis trips. In my family, buying new things is rare. I’m pretty sure my parents sent me off with the same kitchen utensils they’d received as wedding presents. I had almost six boxes full of ‘freshers’ essentials but still, I worried that I was missing something unbearably essential- the proverbial blue tack of my new life. But the entire point of freshers week is to find out what you’re missing- the - mattress topper your flatmate has that might make accommodation-provided mattresses bearable, the adapter you didn’t know your electric toothbrush needed, the bin you stupidly assumed came with the room. Adversely, my mum argued that I was overpacking and bringing a record player and two different Afghan coats was frivolous. I disagree. Even the most random things you’ll use at least once before they hibernate under your bed for the rest of the year. In the first week, one of my flatmates threw a carton of milk against a wall and split it (yeah, I don’t know either)and there it was- a chance to use the funnel everyone had made fun of.
4. Not getting to know my flatmates before moving in.
Although I found a few flatmates through a questionable freshers WhatsApp
I’m obviously being dramatic. It was just a cold. Still, the mortifying ideal of being curled up in my bed with the flatmates I had just met bringing me buttered toast and checking I was still alive was an interesting start to living together. I cursed freshers flu for making me miss valuable kitchen and pub socializing minutes that surely would have led to lifelong friendships and altered my entire university experience. I didn’t get to go the GIAGs for the obscure sports I had decided would become my thing after a five-minute chat at the freshers fair. Okay, this one I can’t find a sneaky silver lining for. But rest assured, the beastly freshers flu will attack everyone at one point or another, and barely being able to hear your lecturer over the sound of coughs and sniffles is a bizarre sort of bonding experience.
I guess the point I’m trying to get at is although many conversations over the course of my first year focused on the things I wished had gone differently, I’m happy with the way things ended up. It’s so easy to feel as though Freshers week is the decider for how your year will go, and there’s a pressure to live up to expectations. TikTok is flooded with people making videos with their first year flats. This fills me with nostalgia (I’m lying, I’m mainly just jealous), but I remember how it felt to see that type of content before moving in. If I wasn’t best friends with my flat and making transition videos before a big group night out, would I have failed? My biggest worry was missing out, though. Not finding the sports and passions and societies and friendships that I was so sure would be waiting for me because I made the wrong decisions in the first week. But the funny thing about university is that there really is no timeline- it’s as easy to make a true friend in the last week of the year as it is the first. GIAGS happen all through the year and what is meant for you will find you. Funnily enough, the things I worried about became some of my favourite memories.
Image Credit: Yandan Bian, Leeds University Union Marketing
I Wasted My First Year at Leeds: Don’t Make the Same Mistakes
By the end of first year, I had fewer friends than I started with, a patchy attendance record, and a stockpile of regrets. Reader, don’t be me.
Sarah Al-Battat
First year is often sold as the time of your life: the chance to meet friends for life, join endless societies, and discover yourself within a university space. I’ll admit, however, for me, it was mostly a year of missed chances. I stuck too close to flatmates who weren’t the right friends for me, skipped out on joining societies out of shyness, and hid from lectures until showing up felt impossible. It wouldn’t be fair to say it was a total disaster though, having come out of it with a handful of solid friends and experiences I value so much to this day as a third-year. With that being said, I still regretted what I didn’t do over enjoying what I did. So here’s my confession, and my attempt to save you from making the same mistakes.
Mistake 1: Betting Everything on Flatmates
Let’s begin with the classic fresher’s trap: believing your flatmates would be your pre-destined built-in friendship group.
At first it worked for me, and it felt like the stars aligned for us in the first semester, which felt like an endless sleepover with new, exciting people. Less than two months into knowing them, I signed that second-year house contract with rose-tinted lenses. However, the honeymoon stage came to an inevitable end and it didn’t take long to realise that most of them weren’t really friends I could rely on. I clung to them too long, hoping things would get better, and by the end of first year, resentment was at an all-time high while my confidence was at an all-time low.
The regret didn’t stop there. Second year was where I faced the consequences of signing a house far too quickly, failing to properly consider who I’d be living with. The result? An expensive, silverfish-ridden house with people I no longer felt comfortable being around. I spent months wishing I’d slowed down, asked more questions, and leaned into my instincts instead of making such an easy mistake and blindly following the familiar faces from first year.
If you take one thing away, it’s this: don’t put all your social eggs in one basket. Flatmates are the people you happen to live with; if they’re great, amazing! If they’re not, that’s completely normal, and your people are waiting for you elsewhere. Branch out early: join societies, be open and friendly to coursemates, and take on all the opportunities to meet people that come your way. Don’t settle for uncomfortable social dynamics just because it’s easier. Your second-year self will thank you.
Mistake 2: Skipping
Societies
After my flatmate fiasco, you’d think I’d have learned my lesson about diversifying my social life. Nope. I avoided societies like they were optional homework I didn’t want to do. At the Freshers’ Fair, I walked right past dozens of stalls filled with exciting opportunities and convinced myself that I wasn’t “the kind of person” for any of them as I headed for the poster sale instead. That excuse? Pure fear.
Months went by, and while other first-years were making connections and finding what works for them, I felt stuck on the sidelines. Eventually, I faced the anxiety head-on and joined societies that caught my eye, such as the Gryphon. I found confidence through writing, and even though I hadn’t been there from the start, getting involved gave me a great sense of accomplishment, and a chance to practice doing what I love.
The truth is societies aren’t just for “keen” people; they’re one of the easiest ways to get out there and meet friends, try new things, and feel like you belong. You don’t need to join everything or pressure yourself to do things that don’t interest you. Just one or two groups can make a huge difference!
Mistake 3: Treating First Year like a Free Pass
Another trap I fell right into was believing the famous old line: “First year doesn’t count.” Technically true for most courses as grades don’t carry over, but I treated that as an excuse to do the bare minimum. I skipped lectures, avoided seminars, and told myself I’d make up for it in second year; only to realise I set myself up for a much harder time.
The problem with writing off first year is that it’s not really about grades. Instead it’s about practice. University isn’t just a gradual step from A-Levels; it’s a complete shift in how you’re expected to learn. First year is where you find your rhythm when managing reading loads, tackling essays, and involving yourself in seminars productively. By hiding from it all, I gave up that transitional stage and missed out on a head-start opportunity, and by the time I got to second year, I was fumbling while others already knew the drill.
The lesson? First year is a blessing in disguise when it comes to having a low-stakes environment to build up the academic skills you need when it does count. Think of it less as a wasted effort, and more as a warm up. Don’t overthink it, but also take this chance to lay the groundwork for future achievement; your future-self will thank you endlessly.
If I could go back, I wouldn’t erase the mistakes I made; I’d erase the time I lost hesitating. The hard truth is that if you spend an entire year waiting for university to really begin, it’ll fly right past you. University is too short to not take ownership of your experiences, and it truly is what you make of it. Here’s my opinion for what it’s worth: get ouwwt there, start those conversations and bite the bullet, because first year actually counts in its own way. I wasted mine. You don’t have to.
THE GRYPHON
Student media: The crucible of student de-
mocracy
In day-to-day university life, you have two institutions fundamental to your success here: the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union. Together, these shape your academic achievement and your student representation, ensuring you have the best possible chance to thrive. Focusing on the union, it also includes a newspaper that provides information on university life, commentary on global policy, and articles in a variety of unique sections: from climate, to fashion, to ‘In the Middle’ – this is also known as The Gryphon, founded in 1897 to serve the students of Leeds.
So, why is The Gryphon important to student democracy? As an outlet, it is a platform of visibility for civic engagement, holding institutions accountable, and amplifying underrepresented voices often ignored within other settings. This serves as a training ground for creating democratic habits, encouraging open discourse within a diverse spectrum in university and developing everyone's skills to thrive
which is necessary for the hypercompetitive world post-graduation.
The Gryphon, alongside other modes of media, remains a key media watchdog within university life and has held many parts of university accountable. For example, within the 2024/25 academic year, an article released looking into the culling estimates of rabbits on campus – a beloved staple of the university – and addressed the university for comment. Through investigative journalism like this, we remain a vigilant source of constant feedback in bettering our university long-term, and represent the voices of students that push back on hidden information that is constantly masqueraded on a consistent basis.
With The Gryphon fostering great student democracy, this has benefits across other fields: in building your community within university on shared values, in developing your personal employability by par-
taking in unparalleled opportunities that is withheld for newly adults, and a chance to hone your skills – particularly in writing – that allow you to hold authority to account today.
If you believe in the message and this motivated you, look into joining The Gryphon today through Engage at the Leeds University Union. Have a great time for the academic year 2025/26!
Charlie Kirk and the martyr trap of political violence
On the 10th of September, Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University after being shot on campus providing a space for debate ‘defending’ a conservative values on controversial topics, including but not limited to: abortion, gun control, and Christian proselytization. With his death comes the perfect storm: the rise of right-wing extremism throughout the Western world; the left-wing absence of widespread condemnation; and the use of social media shaping perception and opinions targeted at polarising the political field. This creates the martyr trap of utilising Kirk’s death as a symbol in scapegoating the left and demonstrates the fallible legacy of political violence when used incorrectly.
The martyr trap is deployed when political violence is misused as a means to an end, diluting its true purpose. Its justification relies on strict contingents – chiefly, an active aggressor who infringes on human rights and therefore is valid on grounds of self-determination for a broader goal. Despite the incessant and brutish nature of Charlie Kirk’s politics, he does not meet the contingent mentioned as his views were ideological rather than inciting the physical. This fuels the right wing to place the left into disrepute by labelling them as violent and a force that must be neutralised immediately, further pushing the politics polarisation towards its limits.
As a result of this, the shooting itself represents the bigger picture of losing political freedom and translates internationally about the impunity of attacking our civil liberties. By either pushing conservatives to view the left as an enemy or vice versa, the polarisation continues and we lose good standing to debate when people are seen as aggressive and resort to extreme means. This reflects the current trend in the world where the far right is gaining major exposure, which requires proper critical analysis and debate to dispute, otherwise a vicious cycle of mistrust will be upheld in not listening to the left altogether.
So, what can we do to avoid said martyr trap? Bipartisan dialogue is the number one thing. Political violence within circumstances stokes hatred when not appropriate for a situation and leads to a pariah of scapegoating, finger-pointing, and something I like to call ‘partisan-madness’ through the constant polarisation of politics. Partisan-madness can only be cured through open discourse, otherwise, how can you prove them wrong?
Within your university life, you have the responsibility to others to display your views within friendly dialogue. Use this as a platform to reflect but also understand how all actions have consequences, positive or negative, for everyone’s future. Let this event serve as a stark warning of what happens when something goes wrong.
Shakeal Zaman
Shakeal Zaman
THE MIDDLE IN
In The Middle
Clubs and Venues Guide
Clubs and Venues Guide
PROJECT HOUSE
The new indoor-outdoor events space located just fifteen minutes from the city centre, Project House boasts arguably the nicest toilets of any venue in Leeds. Aside from that important fact, the 1,000-capacity space hosts regular gigs, themed club nights, art markets, and Sunday yoga sessions.
Opened as the result of a collaboration between Brudenell Social Club, Leeds promoter Super Friendz and local business Welcome Skate Store, Project House has hosted many anight to remember, with upcoming gigs including Brooklyn’s own rising stars, Geese, and English punk rockers Lambrini Girls.
Can you visit them all?
WHARF CHAMBERS
Wharf is the institution I wish I had known about when I started at Leeds, but once I finally made my way into its walls, I’ve loved it ever since. It’s run as a workers’ co-op, so to enter you need membership for the year or to be with someone who is - luckily for us students, it’s only a couple of quid and worth every penny. A social
BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB
‘The Brudenell Social Club’. ‘Brudes’. ‘Brude’. Whichever name you prefer, Brudenell is the perfect place in Leeds for a pint with friends, a game of pool, or a gig in one of its two venue rooms. Established in 1913, Bruddies (OK, I made that one up), is HUGE. Once an active working men’s club, Brude now attracts a vibrant mix of locals and students to its spacious outdoor area (get a table with a heater if you can!) and its
HOPE HOUSE
Gallery space by day and pillar of Leeds clubbing by night, Hope House is an intimate space buzzing with creativity.
Home to a no-phones-on-the-dancefloor policy and popular club nights such as ‘Cosmic Slop’ and ‘PleasureMaxxx’, its the place to experience great recordspinning in a special venue, and dance like you’re at a house party with the friends of your coolest mate. ‘Cosmic Slop’ is my personal favourite night out where all proceeds go to MAP Charity, a
LEEDS IRISH CENTRE
Similar in vibe to Brudenell, this longstanding, independent venue and social club is a great place for gigs. Located a bit of a way out, it’s worth the trek for the uniquely homely interior (I personally love the Christmas decor) that transports you to a 70s living room, complete with a patterned carpet.
creative education project, whilst the quality of past DJs (including Four Tet and Caribou) mean that tickets sell out quick (I’m talking 10 minutes).
classic-pub interior. If that’s not enough, the legacy of its musical history sets Brudenell as the centrepiece of Leeds’ independent music scene. So, go with your new flat, your coursemates, a date - anyone really! - just not on an Otley run.
community centre, events venue, and bar, Wharf holds everything from queer book fairs to heavy all-night DJs. Wharf is non-profit and is a known safe space and celebrant of trans, queer and minority people artists, authors, and musicians. We’ve discovered incredible music here, so be sure to check out what’s coming up.
HEADROW HOUSE
The best thing fresh2death happened to createFull Fat. After being heart-achingly wrenched from its former home in the groove chapel that was Old Red Bus Station, Full Fat found its home on the rooftop of Headrow House. With 2 for 1 cocktails, cheesy tunes, and a downstairs club room - it has everything your smoker friends and two-steppers could wish for. Expect to see everyone on your course you awkwardly nod at in lectures, dance-offs with maniac 20-year-olds, and free doughnuts - but get in quickly, it sells out weeks in advance.
OPORTO
The infamous Call Lane. During your time at Leeds, you’re highly likely to have a memorable* night or two down this street. However, tucked away opposite the bar, Oporto hosts a hidden live room where 120 music lovers can pack in and enjoy some incredible live music. With the motto ‘go hard or go home’, it’s bound to be sweaty, but the perfect place to let your hair down. Watch out for the swinging lights in the bar and dance the night away under the neon lights.
*Degree of memorability may be seriously affected by the number of cocktails or craft beers consumed from one or all of the gorgeous bars down this street. This is definitely not talking from the experience of this writer.
Words and Images by
Arabella Wright,
Millie Cain, Francesca Lynes and Daniel Brown
Addison Rae Live in Manchester
Walking into the venue, there was chitter chatter of ‘I wonder how she sounds live’ (guilty, don’t hate me). The people were curious, but after the hour-long wait that was accompanied by music from the Gods, Lana Del Rey and Fleetwood Mac, our questions were answered. The gates opened, and the crowd was welcomed into the world of glitz, glam, and sexy realness.
Rae kicked off the show with arguably her best single, ‘Fame is a Gun’ (my opinion and, quite frankly, the only right answer) off of her debut album Addison (2025). She was accompanied by 4 dancers, stunning the stage with theatrical choreography inspired by @jessicatoatoa on Instagram (unreal talent beeteedubs). We visited her EP Obsessed (2023) with an alternative version of ‘I got it bad’ featuring elements of ‘…Baby One More Time’ by Queen Britney, naturally.
The strobe lights were working overtime when ‘Von Dutch’ came on.Rae then brought two lucky fans from the crowd on stage (they were literally standing next to me and my friends), and they had the honour of doing the Addison ‘Von Dutch’ Scream on stage with her and the dancers. Fueled with envy, the crowd screamed
and I think we genuinely threw Addison off. She did say at the start of the show that she was warned about the Manchester crowds as we go all out. She was proven right to say the least.
her overflowing bank account, and realises “actually, fuck that, I wanna have fun and I don’t care if that’s gonna cost me a bit, I’ve got it all!” To end the song, she even had confetti million-dollar bills with her face on it falling from the ceiling. We love a woman who meticulously plans.
“So can’t a girl just have fun?” we all shout in unison as Addison introduces ‘Money Is Everything’. Bejewelled and bedazzled, she looks like a natural-born performer. This song is up there with my favourites from Addison due to the unreal irony which gives it that pop girl edge and sting. Rae compares her emptiness in life and
To end her set, she casually tied her hair up in a messy bun (Addison’s y/n moment) and performed the album’s first single, ‘Diet Pepsi’. She was majestic, crawling across the stage in her poofy little tutu, so on brand. Her vocals were unnatural during this song. She surpassed all expectations. The crowd was smiling so much, singing along, wishing it wouldn’t end. But alas, she said her goodbyes, took her bows, and the dancers closed the gates and there we all were in the sweatiest room in Manchester. Before I knew it, I was on the floor crawling and grabbing those dollar bills I mentioned (embarrassing I know), but I am now the proud owner of three.
Rae proved that she’s not just ‘that girl from TikTok’ but rather a glittering embodiment of a pop girl powerhouse, and I am honoured to have been infected by the curse!
Emma-Jane Bennett
In The Middle
A lineup that’s scrutinised repeatedly, year after year, is Leeds Festival. Keyboard warriors take to the internet to complain that their favourite artist hasn’t made the cut or that the festival has become ‘too mainstream’ for the diehard rock purists. This year, the organisers announced a joint headliner for Saturday night, Irish folk legend Hozier and pop princess Chappell Roan, whose growth in popularity in the past year has been unprecedented. Initially, people rejoiced. These artists balanced out the festival from the hip-hop and rock headliners on the other two days. But when the schedule showed that Roan would be performing before Hozier, people were outraged. Streaming-wise, she slightly pips Hozier on the number of monthly listeners on Spotify. Experience-wise, however, Hozier has been releasing music for a lot longer. But is the running order a worthy thing for people to get annoyed over? I don’t think so. If they were clashing? Then potentially, maybe. The Gryphon danced, cried and sang the night away in both crowds, and here’s what our writers had to say about each performance.
The stage is set. Gothic architecture drapes its way from the floor to the scaffolds, as two turrets tower above the expectant gathered crowd. Green lights and smoke pour through the arches and spires, casting eerie shadows onto the outstretched hands below, as gargoyles watch over from their stony perches. The air is filled with unearthly synths and dissonant horns, as repetitive, haunting motifs are layered one on top of the other, as if pulled from an eighties horror film. If the gates to the fantastical castle weren’t inscribed with the infamous ‘CR’, the tension in the arena would be expected to be that of dread and fear, rather than the buzz of excitement and anticipation. As the band flow seamlessly into a dramatised version of ‘Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl’, a figure rises. In an outfit that could only be described as gothic glam’s take on Elizabethan England styling, Chappell Roan has finally arrived.
Hits from her 2023 debut, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, are transformed for the live audience by an incredible all-female band, which at times resembles more of a fully-fledged rock performance than a pop Hidden
affair. The response to the new single ‘The Subway’ is electric, with the star herself commenting that Leeds is “the loudest crowd” she’s performed the tale of heartbreak to so far. ‘Hot To Go’ sees thousands upon thousands of fans performing the now infamous dance routine in time with Chappell, before she descends into an intoxicatingly gorgeous cover of Heart’s ‘Barracuda’. ‘Red Wine Supernova’ is not only a celebration of queer love in any form it comes, but an ode to embracing sexuality and newfound discoveries.
Having walked around the rest of the grounds earlier in the day, this year the festival has certainly felt like a more inclusive affair. While the stereotypes of Reading and Leeds being the place to go after finishing GCSEs remain, the restructured camping sites, new stages, and increased sales of day tickets make the crowd more varied. Parents with young children on their shoulders now dance to the Midwest Princess, and queer couples of all ages hold each other in their arms. Some attendees are adorned head to toe in the drag-inspired fashion of Chappell herself, while many supportive partners wear a more casual pink neckerchief to show their appreciation. It truly is a marvel to behold.
At the set’s crescendo, ‘Pink Pony Club’ echoes for miles around as Roan’s guitarist concludes the set with an electrifying solo. Bramham Park has transformed into a celebration for the era-defining artist, with arguably the weekend’s biggest and loudest crowd. She’s bold and she’s exceptional. The Midwest Princess is here to stay, and if her debut album and live performances are anything to go by, Chappell Roan’s future is crowned in stardom.
Arabella Wright
The crowds parted and the dust settled, becoming grit in my hair and sand on my skin. Our rough hands clasped as we stood, revered and waiting. Faded giddiness became awe, and Andrew Hozier-Byrne graced an empty stage. Not alone with his circle of humbly wonderful talent, he thanked every individual in his band. Opening with a different set than the night before, he started with punchy, singalong tracks, the recently skyrocketed ‘Nobody’s Soldier’ set the tone for a politically motivated evening, backed with statistics on screen simply tracking the wealth of major corporations, politicians and defence companies. This rolled into long-time crowd favourites ‘Jackie and Wilson’, and ‘Angel of Codeine…’, to the absolute delight of the crowd. Hozier’s gentle reminders of his previous work, and lightly tying in his newer albums, was a delicately, wellbalanced joy. He spoke quickly between songs, detailing the raw emotion of each track, and pulling influences from Dante’s Inferno to mould the structure of his most recent record.
A gut wrenching 20 minutes awaited, leading with the ebb and flow of ‘Like Real People Do’ in front of a softly Waving woodland backdrop, before Hozier dropped, away from the stage and arose in the middle of the crowd, for acoustic spotlit versions of ‘Cherry Wine’ and ‘Unknown/Nth’ - we felt spoilt, for him to treat our hearts so tenderly (we cried, a lot). The second half of the set held many favourites, had the crowd singing, swaying, in a communal lament - but there were moments of fierce joy as he spoke softly, quickly between songs, and we clung to each other for ‘Francesca’, and lifted our feet for ‘Too Sweet’. After massive TikTok success this year, Hozier’s platform has only grown further, but his genuine talent, which has always defined his art, is the root of his fanbase. As this has grown, though, he has become more vocal, speaking out for his passions and making a point to be transparent and educational with his audience.
As the setlist dwindled, Hozier only became more riled up, and he began to speak, articulating thoughtfully about the genocide in Palestine and the need for action, change, and reeducation. He honoured the great artists before him who spoke out, and used their music for change, one of which being Mavis Staples, who he collaborated with for ‘Nina Cried Power’, which was welcomed by the young crowd with outrageous applause and screams of support. Flashing names of artists from the last 75 years who carried these qualities flooded the stage, and there was a real sense of genuine community, respect and a fight for change. After such an affecting moment, he simply said his goodbyes and thank yous to both the audience and every single member of his band before drawing the show to a close with fireworks. ‘Take Me To Church’ led a singalong that spanned the length of the field, but the message of Hozier’s set lingered long after, gentle but ferociously poignant and righteous.
Millie Cain
LEEDS HAS CULTURE, NOT JUST CLUBS!
“The
human race is filled with passion…Poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” - Dead Poets’ Society
Stop One: Art is in the Heart.
Leeds Art Gallery
Leeds isn't short on art. Especially not with the gallery in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by the town hall and cathedral, it’s hard to miss if you’re a fan of gothic-style architecture. The art ranges from classical renaissance to modern, more abstract pieces which provides an experience for all kinds of art lovers. They also host several exhibitions, free for entry, across the year; currently showcasing To Improvise a Mountain and Portrayals of Women.
The Street Art Trail
You don’t just have to go inside to witness art. Paintings, sketches and murals decorate the city itself. Some of these are by the likes of Cornucopia installed on the walls of buildings before street art was hyper popularised as it is today. Some of the pieces depict famed athletes like the Josh Warrington Mural and others play with light and perspective, as does Washing Marine by the Brewery Wharf. By following the trail, which can be found online, you will be touring the city with art at the forefront.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
As the Street Art Trail combines art and urban landscape, you can also find art embedded in nature too. For just under £10, you can find yourself in an outdoorsy haven of sculptures, just below the town of Wakefield (South of Leeds.) The pieces are larger than life and work with the land to create a feeling of left behind ruins, or some fantastical land outside of reality.
Stop Two: Watch
Out!
Hyde Park Picture House
landmarks. This one is for all those movie lovers!
Emmerdale Film Studio
Now this next stop is really special. The beloved soap of the North has its filming studio in the ITV television centre on Burley Road, Woodhouse, around Hyde Park area. Even better, the film set is on the Harewood Estate in Leeds. This might be a place to take your soap-frenzy mother or to take a wander down yourself.
Leeds Playhouse
Theatre. Live performance. Nothing beats the rush of feeling close enough to reach out and touch the story. The Playhouse is host to popular and up and coming plays and musicals, including Harper Lee’s iconic To Kill a Mockingbird. (Showing until 4th Oct). The space also includes a wonderful community for young people to get creative themselves, the Playhouse is located on Quarry Hill.
Stop Three: History not mysteries... Harewood House
A little more on the pricey side, this country house is just north of Leeds. With wonderful gardens, huge majestic rooms and artefacts stretching back to the 1750s, this is a museum that won’t disappoint. If you want to feel like a character stepping off of the set of Bridgerton or Downtown Abbey this is the location to visit!
Royal Armouries
fifteen minutes for three pounds a person!
Stop Four: Shop til you drop?
Corn Exchange
This would be an incomplete hot spots list, if I didn’t rave about the Corn Exchange. One can only describe this as the boutique beauty, domed in shape and sitting at the back end of the city near Call Lane. It features a triple layer circle of independent shops with tattoos, jewellery, trinkets, clothes and much more. The Corn Exchange hosts a market on its lower level on the weekends, and has an open plan cafe in the centre to sit down and enjoy a coffee and cake.
Kirkstall Market
Right by the Corn Exchange, is the Kirkstall Market for street food and thrifted clothes, alongside deli meats, fish and foods. It’s a large space to sit down for lunch, to try something new, or to shop around casually for something different but affordable.
Victoria Quarter, Victoria Gate
Our final stop on the list. The designer section of Leeds Shopping District. The Victoria Arcade of shops is host to a mega sized John Lewis and high end shops by the likes of Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Harvey Nichols. If you’re someone with more expensive taste or just likes windowshopping you won’t be disappointed by the luxuries here.
Besides the canal, sits a museum stocked full of armour and weaponry from olden times. Completely free for visit, History buffs will be able to set their eyes on armour from Henry VIII and even the armour of huge Indian war elephants and Japanese samurais.
Water Taxi on the Canal
Picture this. A movie theatre frozen in time, with the classic red plush seats and a timeless entrance with pretty white pillars stood outside. This cinema will transport you back in time and provide you with an eclectic movie schedule that would be hard to find anywhere else.The films are artistic and gritty, and often showings feature re-run movies, philosophical masterpieces and culture
You’ll find that culture is all around... if you look for it.
Sincerely,
Lucky for you, the famed Water taxi is right beside the Armouries Museum and will take you back to the city and along the route of the canal that crosses from Leeds to Liverpool. The taxi has both and inside and outside seating area and takes an amazing scenic route, with several iconic spots in Leeds along the way. The best part is…. Its available every
Image Credits: Bethany Dunn
To See in the City: Current Exhibitions
Sun bright on St Mary’s Street as autumn makes its way in. On the side of East Street Arts’ Convention House in Mabgate is a chalk board offering a space to let your regrets unfold. It’s part of Annabel McCourt’s I’m Sorry exhibition, on display until the 16th October. McCourt’s exhibition is focused on the “unburdening of guilt” and the “reclaiming of accountability”, stemming from McCourt’s regrets about not being able to say goodbye to her dad before she died. McCourt’s apology is omnipresent throughout the old convent building; hung photographs of strangers holding a neon ‘I’m Sorry’, the same sign backwards in front of a mirror in a darkened room, the letters enlarged, hanging from the ceiling at the back of the house. The incessant repetition of the exhibition allows its power to build as you move through the building, creating an atmosphere of peace and relief within a safe, anonymous world.
McCourt’s exhibition is slightly out of town, past the Playhouse and looking across York Road to Quarry House. It’s a good reason to explore to wander the suburbs and familiarise yourself with the wider city. But, if you’re too busy with Freshers Week to make the venture or feeling overwhelmed with all that’s on your doorstep, Leeds Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute in the city centre always have plenty of art, photography, and sculpture to get stuck into.
To Improvise A Mountain is a curation by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye in the Gallery until the 5th October. The title comes from her poem of the same name. “To Improvise a Mountain / Is to see freedom as that which is seldom given / Is to see freedom as that which must offtimes be taken”. The exhibition brings Yiadom-Boakye’s work into context with works instrumental to her thinking, including photographs, poems, and collages by Zoe Leonard and David Wojnarowicz. Leonard’s Untitled is a thought-provoking collection of photographs of birds in flight which speaks as a study on migration. Wojnarowicz’s Sex Series tells a deeply personal and intimate story of “living on the margins of society” as a gay man living with AIDS in the 1970s and 1980s. Both Leonard’s ‘I Want a President’ and Wojnarowicz’s ‘Untitled (One day this kid)’ are well worth a read, both being rallying poems advocating acceptance and representation.
Upstairs until the 5th April next year is Portrayals of a Woman, an exhibition showing how women have been depicted in art from 1450 to the present day. As displayed, women have been represented in male-produced art via essential types: Eve (the woman responsible for man’s downfall), Mary (the only woman worthy enough to carry the Son of God due to her Immaculate Conception), the witch (a devil-obeying, God-rejecting source of evil), the mother, responsible for the next generation of man, and queens and goddesses, women revered because of their bloodline and virtues. That’s on the left of the room.
The right wall sees female artists reclaim the portrayal of their sex. A standout is Lesley Sanderson’s panelled drawings of her face, interspersed with her feet, torso, and crotch. She challenges “the way women are exoticised” by briefly showing the parts of women’s body which are disproportionately concentrated on but ultimately focusing on the face, the site of expression.
Image Credit: Rosie Nowosielski
Image Credit: Rosie Nowosielski
The Archive Gallery exhibits material from the Archive of Sculptors’ Papers and the Leeds Sculpture Collections. It captures the working lives of artists and allows us to view the inspiration behind famous collections and their different iterations. Until the 2nd November, the Gallery is displaying the archive of Helen Chadwick. The installation includes family photographs, letters from family, and collages of Greek landscapes, Chadwick’s “spiritual home” and her mother’s home country, which was celebrated in her 1989 work Anatoli.
Also displayed are photographs of Chadwick manipulating embryos for Unnatural Selection and the plans for Viral Landscapes, a series of photographs of the Pembrokeshire Coast overlaid with images of cells from Chadwick’s cervix and vagina, a response to the criticism of her use of her naked body in her art.
The Henry Moore Institute is a gallery dedicated to sculpture, named after esteemed sculptor from Castleford and former student at Leeds Arts University. In the Study Gallery until the 2nd November is Passing Strange: British Land Art Through Time. It is a dedication to the British branch of Land Art, an approach to sculpture that began in the 1960s, inspired by minimalist art movements, mass trespass protests, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. It led to artists working with nature and preserving the temporary materials of the outdoors. Andy Goldsworthy’s sculptures made from leaves and fixed with thorns epitomises this perfectly. It “invites touch but threatens to crumble”.
The concept of the sculpture is compromised by the ephemeral nature of the leaf. Hamish Fulton’s Arran Hilltops photographs are reminiscent of vintage travel posters and space race propaganda, but they also act as a log of his walks which were central to his work.
The archive of Richard Long demonstrates how personal exploring nature can be. His maps with typeface and his concertina of photographs turn his adventures into diary entries. His correspondence with Roger Ackling shows how a love of nature can connect people and sustain relationships (“the goggles were a great present. Both for the glaciers and the salt desert. Looking forward to a drink and roast chestnut with you sometime soon.”), but also give us a glimpse into the artist’s sense of humour (“no, no Nurse Nicklag, I said prick his boil!”).
A visit to the galleries is a perfect escape from the Freshers madness. A place to calm your mind, immerse yourself in creation, and learn about previously unknown artists and movements. An ideal cure for the Sunday Scaries.
Words by Rosie Nowosielski
Image Credit: Rosie Nowosielski
Image Credit: Rosie Nowosielski
Performance Societies Spotlight
As fresher’s approaches, so do all the events: fairs, give it a go’s, club nights. One of the top pieces of advice incoming students will get is to join a society, you’ll meet some fantastic people and make some great memories. For the fan of the theatre, whether that’s onstage or off, we’ve got you covered with this guide to all things performing arts at the University of Leeds.
TEALIGHTS
If you’re a comedy fan, then tealights is the place for you. Tealights is Leeds’s comedy sketch society, recently competing (and winning!) the student sketch-off at Edinburgh Fringe this summer: they’re the society to join if you want to get your acting on and have a lot of laughs while doing it. To catch a glimpse of their Fringe show, head to the Alec Clegg theatre on auditions will be held a short time later on the 7th and
Give it a go: 24th September, collaborative with TG, in Clothworkers G11b
Follow them on Instagram: @leedstealights
MUSICAL THEATRE
Musical Theatre Society is, as guessed by the name, for all those interested in musicals. An auditioned society, MT has six performance opportunities across the year for people passionate about performing, being part of a pro duction team, and even being in show bands. Known as a very social society, there’s a plethora of roles to get involved with, whether that’s musical directing, assistant producing, or even rehearsal keys. In addition, shadow roles are available for the production process. Their next show is running from 25th-26th September, and 27th.
Give it a go: 7-9pm, 24th September
Follow them on Instagram: @luumusi caltheatre
LAMMPS
LAMMPS, Leeds Amateur Medics Music and Performance Society, is for all the busy bees out there. Tailored to healthcare students and students with high course loads, LAMMPS is a society open to all abilities and members. The society has three strands: show, dance and choir, and within these classes provide teaching opportunities like assistant show roles and dance choreography workshops. Above all this, LAMMPS also won the best music and performance society at the Riley Smith Awards last year. For the new starters with busy schedules, healthcare related or not, LAMMPS is the society for you.
Give it a go: tbc
Follow them on Instagram: @lammps.luu
SMS
Stage Musicals Society is for the musical fans
Aiming to stage two full length musicals and a cabaret, SMS works collaboratively with Backstage society throughout the year. An auditioned society, SMS rehearses three times a week, with cast selection on the more competitive side, resulting in high-quality productions. Alongside producing these shows, SMS is known for its sociable side, hosting many socials in conjunction with productions. Their upcoming show is Twelfth Night, with auditions running from 5th to 7th Oc- tober, and callbacks on the 8th and 9th.
Give it a go: 3rd October
Follow them on Instagram: @luusms
Image Credit: Ash Mallen
Image Credit: Ash Mallen
Image Credit: Ash Mallen
Theatre Group
Open Theatre
If you’re into writing and experimental theatre, Open Theatre is the society for you. Centred around stu dent-written works, open theatre is rooted in creativity. Whether its writing, directing, producing, designing or acting, OT has a space for you. As an open society, it’s inclusive to all abilities. The committee themselves recommend this society to anyone who wants to give theatre a go for the first time, saying they would be welcomed with open arms.
Give it a go: tbc
Follow them on Instagram:
Pantomime
If you’re into the wonderfully whacky world of Pantomimes – or even just have a curious interest – then Pantomime Society is for you. Welcom ing those with and without experience, it offers two opportunities to perform in a show, one per semester. Each show is entirely student-written and produced, auditions are open to everyone, and whoever auditions is guaranteed a part. In addition to this, socials are plentiful and scattered across the year. Proposals and show planning are currently un derway, meaning official announcements will be on their way soon – keep an eye on their social media for any further developments.
Give it a go: tbc
Follow them on Instagram: @pantosocleeds
Theatre Group is one of the oldest performance societies at the University, initially formed in 1919. If you’re interested in all aspects of theatre, this society is the one for you. There are opportunities to perform in eight shows across both semesters, and a chance to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. Specialising in pre-published scripted plays, TG offers the chance to perform in both contemporary and classical works. Semester 1 show proposals have just closed, with the first show expected to be performed in the Aleg Clegg theatre, keep an eye out on their social media for confirmed
24th September, collaborative with Tealights, in Clothworkers G11b
Follow them on Instagram: @tgleeds
Performing Arts is a non-auditioned, all-inclusive society for those interested in all things theatre. Offering a range of weekly singing, dancing and acting classes, Performing Arts operates in a relaxed and supportive environment. Throughout the year, skills are developed to work towards an annual showcase at the end of the year. Prep work for this showcase begins in Semester 2, allowing semester 1 to be all about finding your feet and enjoying yourself. Performing Arts welcomes all experience and ability levels.
Follow them on Instagram: @luuperformingarts
Image Credit: Isobel’s Lens
Image Credit: Ash Mallen
Words by Sophie Fowler
Freshers’ Film Guide: Exploring Cinema in the City
Whether you’re a dedicated film lover or just looking for a fun night away from your studies, you’re in luck! Leeds has a unique and varied cinema scene waiting to be explored – check out the highlights below:
Hyde Park Picture House and Cottage Road Cin-
ema
Hyde Park Picture house is the best place to go on a quiet winter night after uni. Just a short walk from campus and you can visit one of the UK’s last remaining gas-lit cinemas. HPPH was recently renovated, combining its 20th century charm into a beautifully modern space that is perfect for students. Its programme features new releases but also indie films, international cinema, documentaries, reruns of cult classics and occasional film workshops, making it an ideal spot for serious film lovers as well as casual viewers. Tickets for students range from £2.50£8.50 with concession tickets, 1525 memberships and pay what you can screenings available.
If you venture a bit further out into Headingley, you can visit Leeds’ oldest operating cinema.
With its retro interior and strong community atmosphere, Cottage Road Cinema is a must-visit. It mainly screens current films but also features classic throwbacks like Shaun of the Dead which is screening on the 28th September as part of Leeds Cinema Crawl. Cottage Road Cinema is great pick for an affordable night out in a gorgeous historic spot.
LUU Film Society
If you are looking to make friends with fellow film lovers, LUU Film Society for you! Once you have paid your £5 annual membership fee, you get access to 2x weekly film screenings, a lending library of over 350 films, exclusive events, socials and discounts. Their autumn events include pub quizzes, bowling, karaoke and a winter ball. If you’re still not fully convinced, check out their Give it a Go event – a free screening of Fantastic Mr Fox with themed snacks at Pyramid Theatre LUU on
The Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) kicks off on 9th October 2025, with screenings running November. It spans venues like HPPH, Vue, and Leeds Town Hall, offering everything from international cinema to student shorts. Don’t miss the fun pop-up and themed film nights across the city either! Belgrave Music Hall hosts rooftop screenings and movie marathons, whilst Rita’s runs a monthly movie club with free popcorn.
Whatever your interest, Leeds has the perfect cinema experience waiting for you.
Words by Jessica Hill
Leeds to a Lifetime: Building A University Wardrobe That Lasts
Creating outfits that can take you from that disgusting first-year kitchen to your final Fruity.
Ihave never experienced greater heatbreak in
my life than the weeks before I moved into my student accommodation last year and had to do the dreaded big closet clear-out. Any time a fashion student has to separate an item of clothing a fairy loses its wings. Eighteen years’ worth of memories and finding my style was sent away in a charity collection van, and I arrived in Leeds with a suitcase worth of clothes and a dream.
Alas, if anywhere is the perfect place to be stranded without enough clothes, it’s Leeds. It isn’t the most fashionable, with its fair share of questionable style choices (I can never get behind the Uggs on campus), but Leeds is without a doubt a sustainable fashion hotspot. It has the only university course in the country in Sustainable Fashion and the city is littered with hundreds of vintage shops, charity shops, clothes swaps and upcycling workshops that it can feel overwhelming for a fresher fashion enjoyer. No fear, for your sustainable big sister is here to provide you with the comprehensive guide on building a university wardrobe from scratch that will take you from your first Fruity to graduation photos outside Parkinson steps. Trust me, it’s possible.
#1: Build a daily “uniform”
No, I’m not asking you to put a shirt and tie again and develop teenage mood-swings. Building a “uniform” can be explained as you are creating an outfit formula for yourself; a formula that makes you feel comfortable, confident and can take you from a 9am lecture to a 6pm pub trip. Steve Jobs is the most famous example, who is always in the same turtleneck and jeans, but your uniform doesn’t have to be that boring. If I’m struggling for an outfit, I always know that a good pair of jeans, some boots, a big jumper and a leather jacket is bound to make me feel put-together. Having a daily uniform makes shopping so much easier because you know exactly what pieces you need for your own outfit formula and will mean you wear the clothes you love more and for longer. Maybe don’t bring out the school blazer though.
least one football shirt, and even those of us who didn’t were able to borrow one from another person. It was easy, free and meant that it stopped another ridiculous costume from entering landfill. Now, I am by no means telling anybody to take inspiration from this story and start picking absolutely rubbish Otley Run themes, however I am saying that you should not pick outlandish themes where you buy one costume, spill a pint of cider down you and throw it away in a hungover haze the next morning. Try and pick costumes that you can build from your existing wardrobe, with one or two accessories picked up from a charity shop. If you do buy a costume, make sure it’s one that can be repurposed for every kind of fancy dress or masquerade party. As funny as a walking genitalia costume may be, I highly doubt you will wear it at your auntie’s 50th costume party.
#3: Want new clothes but have no cash? Swap your stuff around I know that Vinted will start calling to you like a needy ex at three in the morning when you don’t have anything else to do and you can’t fall asleep, but Vinted overspending is the downfall of every student’s bank account. The deals seem cheap, but the price adds up after item 43 (yes, I unfortunately know from experience). What if I told you there’s a way you can get a whole new wardrobe for as little as £3.50? That’s the equivalent of an overpriced Shein top on Vinted. Head over to Woodhouse Community Centre on the 4th Saturday of every month, pay £3.50 on the door and you can swap up to 20 items for anything they have! Make it a weekend day out with your new flatmates and grab some fun new pieces for that tiny student accommodation wardrobe. Swapping clothes is the best way to sustainably switch up your style, by using existing clothes and extending their lifespan!
#5: Get creative and take advantage of Leeds’ unique sustainable fashion scene
Experiment with your personal style, wear things upside down, mismatch your shoes and wear a tie as a belt. Leeds’ students are known for outof-the-box, quirky styles so remember that if you think your outfit looks mental, there is somebody in the lecture theatre below you who is dressed even crazier. If you want to make your clothes, feel more individual and different, there is always some sort of upcycling workshop or class happening somewhere in the city. Keep your eye on the Leeds RAG Fashion Show socials as they normally host sustainability and upcycling workshops for everybody to attend; Left Bank also hosts creative workshops so look out for any textile or clothing related ones! You are in one of the best cities for sustainable and second-hand fashion, so take advantage of it!
The small print of this article is that I, Jess Cooper, canot guarantee that all of these tips will mean that you will go from freshers week until dissertation season without having indulged in a sneaky Zara late-night spree, or a casual trip to Primark with friends. However, I can only hope that it even slightly reminds you that you can have freedom in fashion without spending cash and buying new every single time. And who knows, maybe that dress you bring in freshers week will be the one that you take your graduation pictures in!
#2: You do not need a new costume for every Otley Run
This is a controversial statement for a woman who went on one Otley Run, made it to pub six with the theme of ‘football shirts’. Unrelated tip, don’t go on a pub crawl with boring men. But those boring men did have a surprising stroke of genius: nobody had to buy a costume. Why? Everybody owned at
#4: Headingley charity shops = your new BFF If you are a fellow shopping addict and love to part with your money, at least go looking for bargains whilst you do it. The charity shops in Headingley are the best way to do this. Walk straight down the Otley Rd and you will be able to throw your cash about in Oxfam, Cats Protection, Mind, British Heart Foundation and the list goes on. Headingley’s charity shops are a great mix of new and trending pieces, vintage as well as some clas sic basics; a mix of students and pensioners in the surrounding areas make for some amazing finds at relatively cheap prices. Oh, and always ask for student discount!
Jess Cooper
This is you how you will feel on your graduation day. I swear.
Forget Star Signs: Heres Your Outfit Based
on Your Degree
The Leeds Chic: She wore a tie as a belt? Lifechanging.
Fashion and Identity: Finding yourself in a new city.
Before moving to Leeds, I would have never considered using my dad’s tie as a belt. But as I was packing to return for my final year, I raided my dad’s drawer for ties; some checked, striped and a silk navy one with polka dots.
There is something both exhilarating yet nerve-wracking about moving to your university city. It feels like taking off those home-comfort stabilisers and now you’re riding independently into the traffic of adulthood whilst trying to navigate your way around a new city.
Saying a momentary goodbye to your childhood friends who are moving to every corner of the country. Packing up beloved corners of your bedroom, hoping to transfer a sense of familiarity to an unfamiliar boxroom in halls. Perhaps the closing of your childhood bedroom door is symbollic of moving onto the next chapter into young adulthood.
I cannot think of a better place than Leeds! The creative scene in Leeds awakens your soul to a new world; the live music, photography, theatre, poetry, but most notably for me – the fashion. To me, Leeds is incredibly underrated in its importance of being a scene for young people to cultivate their own personal style.
A couple of years ago, I vividly remember walking through the doors of the Riley Smith Theatre to visit the Freshers Fair. I had my eye on a few societies but I was unaware of the sheer scope of style and self-expression that the University of Leeds students displayed through their clothing choices.
I felt like I had stepped into my Pinterest board, seeing all of the outfits that I wanted to wear but lacked the confidence to in my small town in Lincolnshire.
However, in Leeds, the abundance of fashion-forward, experimental self-expression through personal style feels intoxicating and encouraging.
The Media girls in lace skirts over tailored pin-striped trousers. An English Literature student wearing navy blue adidas trackies paired with a vintage striped shirt, asymmetrically tied together with a cerulean ribbon. Or a Law student wearing a tie as a belt.
The art form of fashion being a mechanism for the exploration of who we are as people not only exists in Leeds, but it is deeply encouraged amongst the students and for that, my soul is alight. I think the idea of blending in can feel appealing when you want to make friends in a new city, new environment and new era of your life.
But, I wholeheartedly believe that the diverse breadth of creativity in Leeds allows for everyone to develop their own style in order to gain a greater knowledge of who they truly feel like at their core as they enter adulthood.
So, wear whatever your heart desires – if you’re going to do it anywhere, it may as well be Leeds. The city boasts a multitude of aesthetics providing inspiration for everyone and anyone.
Since my first introduction to fashion print publications (specifically Edward Enninful’s editorial work at British Vogue from 2017-2018), I have always sought solace in fashion and the freedom to explore all of my styling dreams in Leeds has allowed me to understand who I am becoming as a young woman.
If I’m conducting an interview with a musician (yes, you can casually meet amazing artists in Leeds, it’s very cool), I’ll wear something that makes me feel fierce. Immediately, my demeanour changes and I embody the clothes with confidence.
Now I’ll wear whatever I want to my small town market because if I’m being honest I want everyday to feel like Andie Sachs’ outfit montage to ‘Vogue’ in The Devil Wears Prada Still, my dad will say to me:
Life is not a fashion show! What are you dressing up for?’
But do I need any other answer than ‘I’m dressing up for myself’?
Leeds has taught me that. A city positively bursting at the seams with creative courage and confidence.
Artists can found on every corner, emerging and established. You can spot them from a distance (and I am short-sighted, so that’s saying something). There is an air of ambition in Leeds, which often is first detected through fashion. A perfect place to begin adulthood.
The clothes we choose can help us find out who we are in these more challenging times of our lives – because let’s face it, our early twenties are just trial and error!
And you never know, a meet-cute in a lift where a blonde curly haired girl who admires the cohesive pinkness of your outfit could lead to one of the greatest friendships of your 23 years.
Finding your own style can direct you to who you are. But it can also lead you to people who speak the same language as your stylish soul. Welcome to Leeds - let the fun begin!
Amba Tilney
Doing good while having fun
How societies change
the culture around sex and consent
Freshers’ Week is sold as freedom on tap. You get a chance to reinvent yourself, meet hundreds of people in a week, and experience the version of uni you’ve been promised in films. But behind the glitter of club wristbands and unlimited mixers lies a more complicated reality. When everything is new, students are left to figure out their own boundaries. That makes the first term one of the most vulnerable points in university life.
When you’re still learning how to balance intimacy, alcohol, and independence all at once, it can be difficult to distinguish between what you want and what feels expected when you’re under peer pressure. It’s no surprise that safety and respect often get drowned out by the louder soundtrack of freshers’ week. Yet this is exactly when those issues matter most, as habits are forming and identities are still taking shape.
Student groups at the University are taking action to ensure that safety doesn’t have to be sacrificed for the enjoyment of nights out. Societies like SASHA (Students Against Sexual Harassment and Assault) and Sexpression are helping reframe the conversation around sex, consent, and boundaries, shifting it from fear and awkwardness to openness and respect.
Finding Boundaries in the Blur
For Sebastian Glasper, President of SASHA, a key challenge for freshers can be simple yet daunting: “You don’t really know where your boundaries lie yet, and you might not have thought about other people’s either.” Freshers are juggling new cities, people, and a pace of living all at once. It’s no wonder consent doesn’t always make it into the conversation.
Saanvi Purkayastha, a committee member of SASHA, recognises how quickly vulnerability creeps in: “Many freshers struggle with loneliness, homesickness, and mental health challenges, even while surrounded by people. While freedom and fun are definitely part of the experience, there’s also a lot of vulnerability and adjustment that gets hidden beneath the surface.”
Sexpression sees a different kind of pressure playing out: the rush to “catch up” with flatmates or friends when it comes to sex. “Students can feel pressure to have sex at the same pace as their friends,” Hana Ortiz, President of Sexpression, explains. “Sex and relationships are different for everybody. Let things happen when they feel right. There’s no need to rush over sex FOMO.”
Beyond “Yes” and “No”
Consent is often misunderstood as a simple binary, but reality is rarely that clear-cut. “It’s not as black and white as ‘yes’ and ‘no,’” says Hana. Sexpression’s Confident with Consent campaign breaks it down into something easier to hold onto: FRIES – Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific.
Sebastian points out that safety isn’t always about obvious physical danger: “It could be an uncomfortable conversation that doesn’t cause physical harm, but still leaves you uneasy.”
These subtler red flags, such as jokes that push too far, the pressure to share more than you’re ready to, the assumption that intimacy automatically follows a night out, can be harder to name but just as damaging.
Another SASHA committee member draws attention to the role alcohol plays in muddying the waters. “A lot of Freshers’ Week revolves around socialising in unfamiliar settings. When alcohol is involved, those lines can become even blurrier, making it harder to assert yourself or recognise red flags.”
That’s why both societies argue that education around consent needs to acknowledge not just the headline cases, but the everyday moments where students feel stretched, pressured, or silenced.
Building a Peer-Led Culture
Neither society believes top-down solutions are enough. Freshers are far more likely to listen to their peers than to a university handbook. That’s why SASHA and Sexpression have put peer-led culture at the heart of their work. “Opening up discussions removes stigma and shame,” Hana says. “It’s important to celebrate pleasure and sexual reform, but also that nobody feels alone when dealing with difficult situations.”
Saanvi takes this further, imagining a shift in how students talk about sex. “I’d love to see consent treated as an active, ongoing part of every interaction, not just a box to tick. That means making conversations about boundaries normal, creating safer social spaces beyond heavy drinking, and encouraging bystander intervention.”
To get there, SASHA are piloting a structural change with their Accreditation Programme with the LUU, rolling out this October. It will train student societies on how to navigate consent
and harassment issues within their committees. Sexpression, equipping leaders to create safer environments from the inside out.
Sexpression, meanwhile, leans on creativity to spark conversation. From Doodle and Discuss art sessions to tote-bag making and their annual Sextravaganza pub quiz, the society uses humour and craft as entry points to heavy conversations. The idea is simple: serious change doesn’t have to come in serious packaging.
Advice for Freshers
Both groups agree that freshers should give themselves permission to slow down. “FOMO is real, but taking a night off won’t ruin your chances of making friends,” Sebastian reminds us. Hana puts it simply: “Be kind to yourselves. Allow pleasure and joy, because sex is supposed to be fun. But if someone can’t respect your timeline, they’re not the right person to be with, and that’s okay.”
The thread through all of this is care for yourself, friends, and the community you’re building together.
Changing the Culture
Freshers’ Week will always be a mix of late nights, inside jokes, and stories you’ll tell for years. But there’s also room to do good amidst the chaos. Look out for your friends, respect boundaries, and foster an environment where everyone is comfortable.
Fun and activism don’t have to be on opposite sides of the dance floors, as shown by SASHA and Sexpression. They can coexist in a social setting that inspires both laughter and change, and be made better by knowing your friends have your back.
As Sebastian puts it: “We want people to enjoy themselves, have fun, and explore new things. But also to know that consent is at the heart of it all. Doing good and having fun should go hand in hand.”
After all, uni isn’t just about finding freedom, but forming the kind of freedom you wish to share with others.
Jacqueline Wong
The Quiet After Freshers: Why the Blues Aren’t a Bad Thing
The first few weeks at university are a blur: neon wristbands cutting into your skin, the thud of bass through club walls, and endless conversations starting with “So, what are you studying?” shouted over cheap pints. Every day feels like a festival strung together by hangovers and half-remembered names. Suddenly, it slows down. The group chat that once buzzed with plans goes silent. Your flatmates swap nights out for early lectures. You find yourself sitting on your bed with a half-written to-do list, scrolling through photos of Freshers’ nights that already feel like a lifetime ago. That dizzy excitement has dimmed.
If, reading the above, you feel like you’re being spied on, you might be experiencing post-Freshers blues! But why does it happen? When you’re constantly meeting new people and trying new things during Freshers’ Week, dopamine, the feel-good chemical, is released in your brain. That stimulation stops when the whirlwind is over, temporarily flattening your mood. It’s difficult not to feel overwhelmed by the sudden workload of
Reconnect with people intentionally
A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Mental Health shows that the quality of your support matters more than the number of connections for long-term well-being.
Imagine this: Instead of a one-off drunken chat in a club, you sit across from someone in a quiet cafe, or you drag a coursemate along for a walk around the Roger Stevens pond, then hit Eddy B for a study session. These are the moments that shift acquaintances into friends. Repeated social contact strengthens relationships and releases oxytocin (the bonding hormone), which naturally boosts mood.
lectures, work, and adjusting to a new place.
Don’t mistake it for a crisis, it’s more of a comedown that happens after any big high! Psychologists see the same trend following weddings, Christmas, music festivals, and even marathons. Our brains flood with dopamine in anticipation and excitement, then fall when things return to normal. Your body is readjusting to a different speed.
The trick isn’t to avoid the blues, but to see them as a signal: the fireworks are over, and now it’s time to work with that transition so it becomes a foundation rather than a freefall.
Re-establish routines for stability
Neuroscientific studies prove that routines aren’t just boring structures, they regulate cortisol (the stress hormone) and stabilise your circadian rhythm, which in turn sharpens focus and lifts mood.
Picture this: Stick to consistent sleep and wake-up times, plan balanced meals with protein and complex carbs, and include at least 20-30 minutes of daily movement, walking to campus counts! Your brain will reward you with better concentration and mood. In the chaos of early university life, creating routines is more about giving you a sense of security in a new place than being strictly disciplined.
Set micro-goals to regain momentum
The leap from icebreakers to full-blown academic assignments can feel like standing at the base of a mountain. Cognitive psychology shows that dividing work into small chunks improves focus and reduces stress. So, when you cross off a small step like “read one article” or “write one paragraph,” your brain rewards you with a dopamine hit, fuelling motivation to keep going.
Think of it this way: Each tick brings a small boost. You don’t scale a peak in one leap, you take it step by step. Each micro-goal is a foothold, and before you know it, the climb feels less daunting.
Post-Freshers blues are the tide pulling back, creating space for you to regain balance. The rush of those first weeks was meant to fade, what comes next is the steadier pace of student life and a growing sense of belonging. By building intentional connections, establishing daily routines, and setting micro-goals, you’re building the foundations for a uni experience that will last long after the memory of your Freshers wristband has faded.
Jacqueline Wong
Campus Cooking
A Recipe Kit for Quick and Easy Meals at Uni
Romilly Anderson
One of the most important challenges you face after leaving home is learning how to cook. It’s completely possible to make good meals on a student budget, and being able to cook for yourself won’t only improve your health, but your confidence too. We promise it’s worth it!
To give you ideas about what to buy and make, I’ve compiled a list of the staple ingredients you’ll need to make a whole host of super easy meals, as well as some of mine and my housemates’ trustiest recipes.
Tip: Cooking with flatmates makes shopping far cheaper and mealtimes much better!
Cupboard Staples
Carbohydrates:
Rice
Noodles
Pasta (treat yourself to something other than penne)
Aromatics:
White onions
Garlic
5 Easy Recipes
Dry seasoning:
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika
Oregano
Thyme
Basil
Cajun
Garlic powder
Chilli flakes
Chicken/ veg stock cubes
Now that you’ve got the basics, it’s simply a question of what you’ll buy for the week. Here I’ve provided 5 recipes with recurring ingredients, to make shopping easier and cheaper. If you make less than the serving
Teriyaki Chicken and Rice With Veg
Serves: 4
To buy:
Chicken thighs or breasts
Cornflour
Vegetables of choice
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Serves: 2
To buy:
Mushrooms
Double cream
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serves: 4
To buy:
Chopped tomatoes
Chicken
Double cream
Liquid ingredients:
Olive or vegetable oil
Light soy sauce
Dark soy sauce
Hoisin sauce
Honey
White wine vinegar
Dairy: Butter
Parmesan
sizes I’ve given, you can use the same shopping for multiple meals.
Note: I’ve used chicken as the recurring meat in some of these meals simply for ease and to avoid waste, because meat is expensive!
Recipe:
1. With 2 tsp cornflour in a bowl, add 100ml soy sauce gradually, whisking until there are no lumps.
3. Fry 650g of chicken in oil, cut into chunks, for 10-15 mins until cooked. When this is
Recipe:
1. Add some oil to a pan, fry 300g of sliced mushrooms, cook until they start to sweat and then add salt and pepper.
2. Boil water for pasta and extra for stock.
3. Make 125ml of stock. Put pasta on.
almost done you can put your rice on.
4. Add 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add the teriyaki sauce to the chicken and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
6. While cooking the sauce, add vegetables of your choice to a pan and fry on a medium - high heat for a few minutes, add some soy sauce, honey and pepper to taste. Serve!
4. Once mushrooms are golden, add 2 finely chopped cloves of garlic and cook until golden.
Recipe:
1. Chop chicken into chunks, add oil, seasoning to taste and mix until well coated.
2. Fry until cooked, take out of the pan and shred using 2 forks.
3. In the same pan add more oil and cook 3 cloves of chopped garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add ¾ of a tin of chopped tomatoes and cook for a few minutes. Put pasta on.
5. Add the stock and cook off until sauce is thickened and not super watery.
6. Add 185ml of cream, grated parmesan to taste and more salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add pasta and splash of pasta water to sauce, serve with more parmesan and pepper!
5. Add one pot of double cream, or less.
6. Season the sauce with all dry seasonings (not stock).
7. Salt and pepper to taste, and add a handful of grated parmesan.
8. Add the shredded chicken back to the sauce, simmering on a low heat, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken.
9. Add pasta and a little pasta water, stir, and
Serves: 6
To buy:
3 aubergines
Tinned plum tomatoes
Breadcrumbs (easily made)
Ball of mozzarella
Kidney beans (optional)
Serves: 2
To buy:
Vegetables of choice
Eggs Spring onions
Red chilli
Recipe:
1. In a mug, mix together 2 tbsp light soy sauce and 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin, 1 tsp of sesame oil (optional), 1 clove of finely
Recipe:
1. Slice aubergine into 1cm thick slices. Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic and 1 big onion.
2. In a pan on medium heat, add oil and fry the onion, garlic and dried oregano until soft and starting to look golden.
3. Add 2 tins of plum tomatoes, stir and break up the tomatoes, (if using beans stir a tin in here) then put a lid on and simmer until reduced and thickened (about 15 mins).
4. While this is simmering, fry aubergines (ideally on a griddled pan) until slightly charred on both sides.
chopped garlic and a little bit of finely chopped ginger or ginger paste (optional), and a little bit of cornflour slurry (optional).
2. Scramble 2 eggs in a mug.
3. Melt a knob of butter in a big frying pan or wok, and once the pan is hot pour the eggs in and scramble on high heat, stirring fast, until the egg is cooked and fine.
4. Remove the egg and put in a bowl. Put 2 nests of noodles in boiling water with lots of salt (they only take a few minutes so keep an eye on them!)
5. Season sauce with salt, pepper, basil and a splash of wine vinegar.
6. Layer sauce, then grated parmesan, then a single layer of aubergines in a baking dish, and keep layering these 3 components. Finish with sauce and parmesan on the top.
7. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top, add a dash of olive oil, lots of parmesan and tear the mozzarella over the top.
8. Bake until crispy and golden (around half an hour) on 180*C. Et voilà!
5. Stir continuously from now on! Add vegetable oil to the pan on high heat, add half of a very finely chopped onion and stir fast.
6. Once the onion starts to brown add 4 chopped cloves of garlic, a chopped chilli, the white parts of a few spring onions.
7. Add chopped veg of choice and stir on high heat until cooked but crunchy.
8. Add eggs back in, sauce and stir fry together until coated in sauce, cook for a minute, turn off the heat, and garnish with green parts of spring onions! Enjoy!
The A - Z of Your First Year at Leeds!
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
A
- Arrival! Moving into a new accom, meeting your flatmates and finding out what your city has to offer.
B
- Bakery 164 - you’ll feel a whole new world open up in front of you.
C - Call Lane - a magical place that you’ll hate in your first year but LOVE when you get a bit older!
D - Dancing away the week!
E
- Eddy B - our 24 hour library where you’ll be during deadline week until 4am!
F
- Fruity Fridays - a freshers classic.
G
- Getting lost - happens to the best of us, don’t be afraid to google maps your way around uni!
H
- Hyde Park - a place you’ll become very familiar with in your second and third years.
I
- Icebreakers - A necessary evil.
J
- Jostling your way through the drunks to get a drink at whatever bar you go to.
K - Karaoke at Dry Dock - a mortifying rite of passage.
L - Leeds Leeds Leeds! A chant you’ll hear too much.
M
- Memories - it’s a great time to make these! Make the most of it!
N
- Needing your student finance for more than a week! Be careful people!
O - Otley run - a Leeds uni staple.
P
- People watching in LUU.
Q
- Questioning how your flatmates survive on a diet of pesto pasta and vodka and squash.
R - Roger Stevens - a concrete behemoth.
S - Skipping your lectures even though you said you wouldn’t.
T
- Tripping over with food from Flames (it’s happened to me more than I care to admit).
U - Underestimating the workload until you’re 3000 words deep in the library.
V- Varsity - something to come later in the year!
W - Where are you from? A question you’ll hear approximately 10,000 times this week!
X - Rated ideas - we’re all adults, have fun and be safe!
Y - Not? Becomes your saying this weekembrace it!
Z - ZZZzzzs - you’ll need this, trust us. 29
Aubergine Parmigiana
Stir Fry Vegetable Noodles
In The Middle
Drinks, Dancing or Darts
The Best Student Date Spots in Leeds
Romilly Anderson
Dating
as a student marks a significant leap into adulthood. Sure, there’s the atrocity that is Hinge, and the awkwardness of seeing someone you kissed in Freshers’ week in the library, but it’s a delightfully grown-up experience to go on a proper date in a big
East Village
East Village is a very popular date spot for students living in and around Hyde Park, and for good reason. An ambient, cosy and intimate but lively space, they serve delicious 2-for-1 cocktails for around £10, the taste-testing and rating of which has proven to be a reliable icebreaker amidst understandably nervous conversation. Perfect for first dates, you can sit on the tables outside for some quality conversation, or enjoy the music inside, which is just about loud enough that you’ll have to sit very, very close to your date if you want to hear anything they have to say. I fondly recall a time in third year when two of my housemates and I all had dates here on the same night.
Sela Bar
If you fancy a similarly ambient space with a bit more opportunity for dancing, Sela Bar is the perfect spot to let loose and test whether your dates’ moves will make you feel nauseous. Serving beer, pizzas and cocktails in a warmly-lit underground space, they host romantic live music like Jazz and Blues, music quizzes and resident DJs playing every Friday and Saturday. Relax at a table and enjoy the music while chatting to your date, or hop up onto the dance stage and impress them with a boogie! (Proceed with caution).
Bottle Chop
Located in Headingley, hidden away near the start of the Otley Run, Bottle Chop is a personal favourite of mine. A small and mellow space, with only a few tables, they serve many types of natural, biodynamic wine and small plates of high-quality cheeses, olives and focaccia. The staff are lovely and the wine is affordable, all around making this a charming and comfortable spot for a more relaxing date. Also, grab a tin of Perello Gordal olives to go and thank me later.
The Domino Club
Perhaps one for special occasions, The Domino Club is the place to go if you really want to impress your date. Even the entrance is exciting, as the live music bar is a speakeasy hidden in a barbers. Once you’ve entered, you’re greeted by skilled mixologists wearing turtlenecks, serving delicious cocktails which you can sultrily sip on while you listen to Soul, Jazz, Blues or Funk music in a dimly lit, luxurious booth.
city. Leeds has a lot to offer in terms of date spots, and whether it’s a first date or a celebration with a long-term partner, there’s sure to be a place that’ll suit the occasion. I present to you: and largely affordable dates.
Sous Le Nez
If you want to go out for dinner, Sous Le Nez is a French restaurant located underneath Quebecs Hotel in the city centre that provides the perfect combination of comfortability, sophistication and delicious french onion soup. Their Menu de Soir offers three courses alongside half a bottle of wine each, for £45 per person or £36 without wine. Enjoy a classy meal in a simple and authentic-feeling interior. (I cannot stress this enough, get the french onion soup!)
LIVIN’ Italy
Located on Granary Wharf, LIVIN’ Italy allows you and your date to step out of Leeds (metaphorically) and enjoy the romance of high-quality Italian food, cocktails and live music in a pretty restaurant and bar setting.
Roxy Lanes The Light
Sometimes a sit down date isn’t quite what you’re after. Activities are some of the best ways to relieve tension, get to know your date and most importantly, have fun! Roxy Lanes offers all sorts of classic date activities, like bowling, darts, pool and shuffleboard, alongside a range of food and drink deals. A bit of good-natured competition always makes for an exciting date! Bonus points if you win and can gloat for the rest of the night.
Meanwood Park
One for the warmer months, Meanwood Park is a great place for a picturesque picnic or a romantic stroll. Choose one of its beautiful routes and grab an ice cream or a hot drink. A perk of this is you can talk to your date while walking, which is much less daunting than sitting down face to face.
Royal Armouries Museum
Maybe a bit of a strange one, but if you love museums and fancy a trip, why not go on a date? It’s interesting, you’ll learn something new, and it’s a great way to alleviate the pressure of conversations always being about yourself or your date. Think of it like an educational art gallery date, just with less art gallery and more museum.
A Photographic Guide To Leeds
Welcome to the photography section, a space that celebrates the photographers of Leeds Uni through showcasing unique and creative photos taken by students. If you’re a fellow photographer or are just thinking of getting started, Leeds is the perfect place to be thanks to its diverse range of photographic areas, ranging from old historic buildings to quiet green spaces. There’s always something happening in Leeds that’s worth documenting; however, with so many places to choose from you might be unsure of where to start. This article aims to solve that issue by providing you with some noteworthy photographic locations within the local area to encourage you to take photos as well as how you can submit your own articles featuring the photos you have taken.
Hyde Park:
Hyde Park is a residential area located North of Leeds Uni where many of you may decide to live next year or are already living in. This area is a great place for anyone interested in street or urban photography, thanks to the area being full of long, straight roads alongside many of the houses being decorated in unique street art and murals. There are also many notable venues here that not only are great for spending free time but have interesting and varied architecture that make for incredible photos.
However, if nature photography is more your thing, then head down to Woodhouse Moor (LS6 1SJ), a green space located between the Uni and Hyde Park. This area is great if you want to escape the city and connect to nature, with there being many photo opportunities for outdoor lovers such as the long rows of trees which follow the paths or the steep hills which provide beautiful sunsets.
Leeds City Centre:
Leeds City Centre, offers a variety of interesting photographic locations thanks to its mix of older and newer architecture. For instance, Leeds Town Hall (LS1 3AD) is one of the most famed buildings in Leeds, mainly thanks to its clock tower being constantly used for promotional material of the city. Opening all the way back in 1858, this striking Grade I listed building is a great subject for photos of the city, especially during the sunset when the sun reflects onto the clock tower, giving it a warm glow.
For movie lovers, be sure to check out Hyde Park Picturehouse (LS6 1JD), an independent cinema that opened all the way back in 1914 which constantly shows a wide selection of films, ranging from beloved classics to more obscure indie releases. The grade II listed Edwardian building is excellent for anyone who loves taking photos of old historical buildings. If you’re looking for something less traditional, visit Hyde Park Book Club (LS6 1BL), a bar and arts venue that hosts a wide range of events including gigs, poetry readings, and casual social events. The building has a very postmodern aesthetic, being converted from an old petrol station meaning you can take some very out there and distinctive photos.
Jack Norris
For your shopping needs, head to Leeds Corn Exchange (LS1 7BR). This enormous building hosts a wide variety of independent shops including fashion, antiques, books and florists, alongside plenty of places to eat and drink. The grade I listed building is perfect for any form of photography from its beautiful interior to its grand exterior.
Leeds Canal:
After a busy day of exploring and shopping then it’s definitely time to find somewhere to relax and eat, and where better to go than Belgrave Music Hall (LS2 8JP). Not only does Belgrave serve great food, such as pizzas and burgers but they’re constantly hosting gigs, free movie nights, listening parties, club nights and other social events making it a great place to socialise and make friends. The main entrance is also very photogenic, with its bright neon lights making it decent for atmospheric night time photographs.
Towards the South of Leeds, you’ll find a section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, a 127-mile-long canal that was once a vital connection for shipping goods between the two cities. The canal is an amazing place to walk about and explore with many photo opportunities including the old canal boats that still roam the route, the many birds you’ll find such as ducks or herons and the old buildings which once used the canal for trading. This is a great place to go, if you want to escape the hectic city centre and take photos in a more classical, historic environment.
Also be sure to check out Leeds Dock, a redeveloped area that’s home to many old relics of the canal as well as new modernised developments. There’s plenty to do here such as visiting Hold Fast Bookshop (LS10 1JB), a great bookshop housed in an old canal boat or going to The Tetley (LS10 1JQ), an iconic art deco brewery that’s also home to an art gallery and pub with its neon signage allowing for some incredibly striking photos during the night.
How to get involved:
Whether you’re a newer or older student, anyone can contribute to the photography section of The Gryphon. Articles can be about anything to do with photography. For instance, you may want to document an event that’s happening in your local area, write about a photographer you admire or just simply share photos you’re proud of. In order for us to get your articles you must be a member of The Gryphon and you should send them to thegryphonphotos@gmail.com. Each issue will have a section called “The Focal Point” where we showcase a student's photography work we think is great alongside a statement about it written by said photographer. This article has barely scratched the surface of all the photographic locations in Leeds so be sure to send in any photos you’ve taken so that you can be featured.
Corn Exchange photo by Jess Hill Parkinsons Building photo by Jiaya (Laurence) Du
Food sustainability: combating the issues we face
It’s no secret that the UK’s soil is not ideal. With overfarming and rising cases of flooding caused by climate change, the quality of the UK’s soils is decreasing at an alarming rate. Whilst this may cause concern regarding food security for the future, there are also more prominent concerns about the deterioration of nutrition in the food we eat now.
Over the last 80 years, the levels of certain minerals such as Sodium, Iron and Copper have decreased by approximately 50% in UK crops due to poor soil quality and higher levels of carbon dioxide. This indicates that our food is now much less nutritious than it used to be, contributing to the now-recognised ‘major public health issue’ of malnourishment in the UK.
With both levels of obesity and malnutrition increasing over the last few years, whilst the cost of living crisis may hold some responsibility, we may need to rethink how we approach food as a society. In addition to this, over 1.25
million people in the UK are affected by eating disorders, with the diagnosis of these conditions increasing at a rate that the NHS is struggling to deal with. While these are not all new problems, the extent of these issues surrounding food and nutrition urgently demands to be tackled. As shown in reports earlier this year from MPs regarding concerns with current healthcare systems, this aspect of health cannot continue to be overlooked and must be prioritised.
In response, a new initiative announced by the government this July bearing the name “Good Food Cycle” aims to tackle issues related to food including its main outcomes of; an improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales; access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options; and conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains. In the press release for this
framework, Daniel Zeichner, the Minister for Food Security, stated that “Food security is national security – we need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food.” Additionally, Minister for Health Ashley Dalton expressed her hope that this would “be good for the health of our communities and help us curb the rising tide of cost and demand on the NHS.”
Leeds is no stranger to initiatives aiming to tackle nutritional poverty and food sustainability, with many organisations currently working hard within the community to address these problems. Some of these include Foodwise Leeds, Feed Leeds, and REAP (Roundhay Environmental Action Project). If you are interested in how you can eat more sustainably or help to tackle these issues, their websites have plenty of information about local community action that you can contribute to.
AI: useful tool or tricky trap for Freshers?
Landing at university feels like stepping into a storm of new experiences. Lectures, societies, flatmates, independence. On top of that, you’ll probably hear a lot of talk about artificial intelligence. Some hail it as the future of education and creativity, while others see it as a threat to jobs, art, even truth itself. The reality is more complicated, and as a fresher you’ll almost certainly come across AI tools in your time here. So how should you think about them?
At its core, AI isn’t as magical as it looks. Tools like ChatGPT don’t “understand” the way humans do. In a paper titled “Theory is all you need: AI, Human Cognition and Casual Reasoning”, University of Oxford researchers put it bluntly: large language models are not actually thinking, they’re just very good at faking it. Their thought experiment makes the point. Imagine giving today’s most advanced AI to scholars in 1633, just as Galileo was arguing that the Earth orbited the sun. Trained on every scientific text of the time, the AI would have confidently declared Galileo delusional. After all, 99.9% of sources insisted Earth was the centre of the universe, and the maths available then supported it. The AI would have crushed new ideas because, unlike humans, it doesn’t search for truth, but rather counts patterns in data. The same applies to the Wright brothers in 1903. Every expert, even the New York Times, claimed flight was impossible. But the Wrights believed otherwise and designed experiments to prove it. Oxford researchers call this “belief asymmetry”: humans can hold a conviction that contradicts all the data and then create new evidence
to back it up. AI simply can’t. It can remix what’s already there, but it can’t imagine a future that doesn’t fit current patterns.
This matters for you because it shapes how you might use AI at university. It can be a helpful assistant in summarising readings, generating practice questions or polishing your CV. It can suggest recipes, help draft society posters, or tidy up your essays. But it cannot replace your own critical thinking. Rely on it too heavily, and you risk short-circuiting the very skills you’re here to develop. Worse, you risk swallowing its mistakes wholesale. Moreover, AI is infamous for “hallucinating”: inventing sources, misquoting facts, or generating convincing nonsense. The bigger picture is just as important. University is not only about producing polished essays or passing exams,
but about developing the habits of mind that let you question, test, and create. If you let AI do all the heavy lifting, you risk missing out on the messy, challenging process of discovery that shapes real learning. Struggling through a dense reading, forming your own argument, or piecing together evidence might feel harder than copying an AI’s response, but those are the very skills that set you apart. AI may be able to remix the past, but only you can imagine the future.
So where does that leave freshers? Somewhere in the middle. AI is here, and you’ll almost certainly use it during your degree. The key is balance. Let it lighten the load, but don’t let it dull your ability to think. Let it support your process but not become your product. Treat it as a tool, not a crutch. Because in the end, university is about more than getting tasks done. It’s about learning how to imagine, to question, and to see beyond the patterns of the present. That’s something no algorithm can do for you.
Longoae Tembwa
Cassia Bennett
How to beat a hangover using science
Nine tips to keep you feeling fresh during Freshers Week
Ruby Smith
For many of us, the physiological symptoms of a hangover are all too familiar. A miserable mixture of nausea, headache, diarrhea, fatigue, and shaking can make us question whether all that fun last night was really worth it. Symptoms vary from person to person: some people become sensitive to light and sound, some experience increased blood pressure and heart rate, and others suffer from vertigo.
Similarly the causes of our hangovers differ between each individual. Most commonly, hangovers are due to the diuretic effect of alcohol, which means it promotes urination. Alcohol reduces the production of a hormone called vasopressin, which plays an important role in the regulation of water excretion by telling your kidneys when to reabsorb water back into the body instead of releasing it as urine. Alcohol interferes with this process and causes more frequent urination, resulting in dehydration.
Another key cause of hangovers is sleep deprivation. Heavy drinking changes brain activity during sleep - it disrupts the rapid eye movement (REM) part of your sleep cycle, resulting in poor-quality sleep that leaves you feeling groggy in the morning. Alcohol can also trigger migraines and unsettle the hormones that regulate our biological clocks.
So what can you do to combat your hangover?
Obviously, the best way to avoid a hangover is not to drink alcohol, or to drink drastically less. However this is unrealistic for many people, especially students during Freshers Week! So here are nine science-backed tips to try that might ease hangover symptoms.
On the night out
1. Drink on a full stomach - most alcohol is absorbed by the small intestine, and eating before drinking slows the rate at which alcohol reaches the small intestine. This reduces the rate of alcohol absorption to a level easier for your body to manage.
2. Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink - this will help you drink less alcohol overall and reduce symptoms of dehydration.
The morning after
3. Drink lots of water - to relieve dehydration.
4. Drink tea or coffee - the stimulant properties of caffeine can counteract the grogginess and fatigue caused by hangovers.
5. Eat some carbohydrates - alcohol can lower your
blood sugar levels, so some fatigue and headaches may be caused by a lack of sugar. Restocking with a starchy snack can be effective.
6. Take ibuprofen but not paracetamol - ibuprofen can relieve the pain of a headache, but paracetamol can have a toxic effect on the liver if combined with alcohol.
7. Get some fresh air - some studies suggest that the oxygen in fresh air helps your liver break down alcohol’s toxins. Other studies find that gentle exercise can improve the symptoms of a hangover, so going for a short walk outside is likely to leave you feeling much better.
8. The hair of the dog - drinking more alcohol can ease hangover symptoms and is referred to as ‘taking the hair of the dog that bit you’. However it is not actually solving the problem, instead simply delaying it.
9. Don’t rely on quick fixes - there are many popular myths surrounding superfoods as instantaneous hangover cures. Several studies have tried to validate these claims however with weak results. These studies rely on participants’ self-reporting which is shown to be unreliable, and too many variables mean it is difficult to attribute causes to effects. Additionally, the fact that everyone experiences hangovers differently means that what works for some does not necessarily work for others.
Why sustainability is the ultimate university life hack
Greener choices helping students save money and build community.
Lucile Dudrey-Harvey
“It’s
too late to do anything now” or “what difference can I make when mass corporations are destroying the planet’ are valid concerns in response to climate change, I often hear around me. It seems to me that climate has become a tired conversation and a hopeless one at that, but I hope to change this with help from you.
One of the things I love about Leeds University is the dedication to facilitating eco-friendly living. We are currently undergoing the revamp of the community garden, situated next to Roger Stevens on campus. It is not only a calm place to gather your thoughts after an especially trying lab project, but also a hub for biodiversity and a place for students to plant their own vegetables and herbs. Get in touch with sustainability@leeds.ac.uk to learn more. Plenty of drinking points around campus, as well as a student kitchen on the lower floor of the SU are perfect for cutting costs with packed lunches and staying hydrated for free.
How sustainbilty fits in to the ‘student aesthetic’
There is a misconception that caring about the climate lands you in a ‘granola bar, outdoorsy, only-uses-soap-from-the-earth’ stereotype. And while there is nothing wrong with that, having spent this past summer camping I have some credentials on this particular vibe, it is simply not the case. There are numerous ways envionmentalism fits into student living, so I have take the liberty of naming a few:
- Buying second hand real cotton and leather, to guarantee your artsy, Leeds charity shop warrior, wardrobe lasts you well past graduation.
- While free heating is a dream come true, choosing your favourite hoodie and thick socks when possible gives the perfect setting for a cozy flat movie night in.
- Catching the bus to Call Lane over an expensive uber (that realistically no one will transfer you for) will probably be one of the better decisions you make that night.
- Attending your 9am with homemade coffee in a flask, gives a much more relaxed morning than spending £5 on the need for cafffine.
- The ability to contribute intellectual thoughts on current affairs, such as the Sustainability-Linked Bond issuance in 2024, since increasing green financing in Thailand - a good addition to your conversation arsenal when surviving the inevitable ‘gap year travel’ talks.
- Cooking a wholesome meal with fresh produce over a pricey takeaway. If your uni experience is anything like mine, Come Dine with Me’s, Bake Off’s and potlucks will become recurrent events, so get the practice in now unless you want to show up with cumin flavoured apple crumble everyone avoids - my housemate still swears it was exactly like his grandmother’s recipie.
See the world your saving with our incredible societies
A passion for the enviroment and climate often goes hand in hand with a desire to travel, after all there are so many beautiful landscapes to explore across the globe. Thankfully the University of Leeds has many opportunities which allow you to adventure with like minded people in an eco-concious way. You have the chance to walk through the hot springs of Iceland with hiking society, leaving no trace behind on the breathtaking mountains. Or, catch waves in Portugal and Morocco with surf society, and join campaigns for Surfers against Sewage or their Hyde park litter picks. If those don’t appeal there are countless others such as scuba and mountaineering society that you can get involved in.
There are also oppurtunities for summer school programmes and research projects for those in STEM, where you can truly experience the beauty of the places you learn more about while studying ways to aid the ecosystem, agriculture and more.
There is some discourse as to whether tourism can even fit into environmental consciousness, I myself believe David Attenborough put it best: “People must feel that the natural world is important and valuable and beautiful and wonderful and an amazement and a pleasure.” In an increasingly online world, it is a very valuable thing to expience first hand why you should care about our planet.
The real key is not to waste, humans are imperfect by nature, but if we can give wherever possible and only take what we need, it will allow such oppurtunities to carry on for generations of students.
So best of luck freshers, I hope to see you and your reusable water bottle making a difference around campus this year!
Lets catch up - BUCS is back
Your guide to fixtures and getting involved
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
Students from across the country are starting or returning to university, similarly sports are returning, especially BUCS. BUCS, an acronym for The British Universities and College Sports brings, and pits, together teams from across the country to compete and be crowned the best university sports team.
54 different sports compete against each other, with so many different kinds of sportthe Union has a place for anyone interested at trying their hand! Leeds is home to over 70 different sports clubs and societies, ranging from ultra-competitive sports such as rugby, to the more casual ultimate frisbee. The pinnacle of university sports for Leeds students can be seen at two key events, the Christie Cup and of course, Varsity in which the university of Leeds came out on top last year.
How to get involved
The University of Leeds holds its annual Freshers Fair this year between 22nd-24th September, with sports clubs and societies being found in The Edge where budding sports-people can sign up for trials, in hopes of making the team!
If you simply want to attend the fixtures - we’ve published the first months worth of home games - times are to be confirmed and dates are, of course, subject to change.
The Summer of Sport
So much happened over the summer, from national celebrations to individual heartbreaks, the highest of highs for some, and the lowest of lows for others. Without further ado 0 let’s discuss all that happened in the world of sport.
The World of Football
In Football, the Women’s Euro’s happened, with the Lionesses defending their crown by claiming a huge victory against the Spanish National Team on penalties after a close 1-1 game went the distance. The men’s team also lost to Senegal in an upset victory, raising questions around manager Thomas Tuchel’s likelihood of carrying the team to a World Cup victory; a chatter that would for the most part be silenced when the lions claimed a 5-0 victory over Serbia.
Elsewhere, the world of football saw Chelsea beat the french super-team PSG 3-0 in the Club World Cup final, in a tournament that saw sides such as Real Madrid, Bayern munich, Al-Hilal and more fall to the wayside.
Managers were sacked or replaced with characters such as Thomas Frank leaving Brentford to join Tottenham, Ange Postecoglu joining Nottingham Forest after being sacked by Spurs in a season with mixed results, and Xabi Alonso joining Real Madrid to name a few.
Departures were rife among players as well; particular-
ly with the troubled Manchester United, players such as Marcus Rashford and Antony left the club to try their luck in Spain, Liverpool spent over £400 million on players such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and more.
The World of Rugby
The Women’s Rugby World Cup kicked off this summer, with England leading its both its group, also consisting of Australia, Samoa and the United States, and the overall group stage with 191 points. A promising start to be sure.
The World of Cricket
Another national tournament was placed in our horizon this summer as the ICC announced the initial fixtures for the Women’s Cricket World cup.
The World of Tennis
Three Grand Slams graced us this summer, kicking off with the end of the Roland Garros. Carlos Alcaraz continued to shine by claiming the victory in a closely contested final against Italian Janick Sinner. Coco Gauff demonstrated her ability when beating Aryna Sabalenka in a dominant fashion after the first set. The pair of Granollers and Zeballos claimed victory in the men’s doubles and Italians Paolini and Erani were able to capture the Wom-
Varsity: A Layman’s Guide
en’s Doubles trophy.
July meant two things: summer was in full swing, and Wimbledon. This time, fortunes would be reversed as Sinner would beat Alcaraz on the grass to claim the Gentleman’s Singles trophy. Iga Swiatek would beat Amnda Anisimova in straight sets, winning the Ladies’ singles final, marking the first time that she has won the prestigious title. In doubles; Brits Cash and Glasspool would beat Hijkata and Pel, also in straight sets, to win the Gentlemen’s Doubles final. Mertens and Kudermetova would get the better of Hsieh and Ostapenko n the Ladies’ Doubles final.
Finally, there was the US Open. Once again, the Men’s Singles final came down to a showdown between Alcaraz and Sinner, with the Spaniard beating the Italian to claim his second US Open title. Anisimova would come up just for a second time this summer with the honour of the Women’s Singles trophy going to Sabalenka in straight sets. Granollers and Zeballos would prove themselves to again be a fantastic duo as they beat out Skupski and Salisbury in a fierce encounter to win the Men’s Doubles, whilst Routliffe and Dabrowski would claim the Women’s Doubles prize.
Curious about what this Varsity event you keep hearing about is? We’re here to explain it to you
As you progress throughout the year - you’ll consistently hear whispers and discussions of something called Varsity, even if you’re not in a sports society. Naturally, you’ll be inquisitive as to what it actually is and how one can go about attending, or if you even want to attend.
Varsity, for the uninitiated is when the University of Leeds’ Gryphons take on Leeds Beckett University in a multi-day sporting competition, events ranging from badminton, basketball and football to gymnastics to the main event. Rugby. This is the big one. Everyone you know and their flatmates will try and get a ticket to this event (I’ve heard that you can get press through The Gryphon), over 11,000 people pack themselves into the stands at Headingley Stadium for this event.
Now there is of course the question, is it worth it? Short answer: yes. Long answer: Varsity is a chance to engage with sports in a very unique way; there’s a greater sense of unity than there is in say football, you’re rallying around not only the players, but your very institution, in a light hearted way of course. There’s genuinely no better feeling than being adorned in your green varsity shirt, pint in hand, knowing nothing about rugby screaming and hollering and then heading into the Headingley area to mess around with friends.
Even if that somehow doesn’t appeal to you, there is one more thing associated with varsity: the Fruity. By this point in the year you’ll have been to your fair share of them, you’ll think you know it like the back of your hand, all the songs, the drinks, the queues for the loo. But the Varsity Fruity is an entirely different beast, take it from someone who worked it you will never experience anything quite like it; there’s a weird sort of electricity in the air, and it’s a sellout so it’s heaving!
All in all, varsity is an event that you simply have to go to in order to actually understand it, i could write a 10,000 word essay on why Varsity is one thing or the other but it wouldn’t do you any good. Go and support your most local team when the time comes around.
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
Gabriel Morrissey-Limb
The Gryphon Movies Crossword Horoscopes
Riddles Three
1. I’m not a blanket, yet I cover the ground; a crystal from heaven that doesn’t make a sound. What am I?
2. The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
3 What goes up, but never comes down?
Aquarius
You deserve it - go get a Bakery 164 sandwich!
Pisces
Check in with your parents, they miss you!
Aries
Don’t let your ideas cloud your understanding, trust us, Old Bar is decent.
Taurus
Sack it off and go to Terrace mate.
Gemini
You shouldn’t overly worry about making friends, let your charisma speak for itself.
Cancer
Don’t retreat into your shell, time is precious, you shouldn’t waste it.
Leo
Speak up in your seminars, your insight is more valuable than you think.
Virgo
Structure is important yes, but don’t sacrifice your social life for it.
Libra
Don’t avoid confrontation - if your flatmate used your tupperware, ask for it back!
