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This issue kicks off with our cover star Yungblud, who gets brutally honest about his fourth album Idols. It is a raw, rebellious love letter to rock music, self-reclamation and life in all its glorious chaos. It is loud, unapologetic and exactly the energy we are taking into a new term.
We also shine a spotlight on Dai Time, the 18-year-old journalist, creator and entrepreneur who has already worked with Netfl ix and Disney while balancing student life. Recognised by the White House, she is proof that ambition does not wait and her story is as inspiring as it is relatable.
From there, we turn up the volume with Big Special, the Brummie duo whose honesty, grit and sharp lyricism have pushed them from lockdown jams to headline shows. And if that is not enough energy, Sam Thompson is here to remind us why fun, friendship and a little chaos can take you further than you think, from reality TV to podcast arenas.
Freshers is all about fi nding your rhythm, whether that is in lectures, at a gig or somewhere in between. Inside, you will fi nd stories to inspire, laughs to keep you going and discounts to make student life that little bit easier.
Here is to fresh starts, unforgettable nights and a term full of stories worth telling.




























Living away from home for the first time?
The majority of fires we attend at student accomodation start in the kitchen. By following these top safety tips, you can help make sure that your student experience is a safe one:
- Don’t leave cooking unattended and take extra care when frying oil
- Don’t cook if you’ve been drinking alcohol, especially late at night
- Test smoke alarms regularly and act quickly to get out when you hear them going off
- In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999
For more safety tips: www.essex-fire.gov.uk
You can now find us on TikTok - search ‘Essex Fire’ to follow us!





For young people in Essex aged 16 to 24




































































iTunes and Apple Music char t success. With new music like Be Honest, his star is set to rise even higher in 2025.








a deeply personal way to share music. Meanwhile, 8-track tapes, though short-lived, made road trips bearable, providing endless loops of favorite albums.







What are e ree best ings about your life?




































Turning it down by just 1°C can cut your heating costs by up to 10%.
Wear warm layers and use blankets instead of raising the heat.

Only heat rooms you use often. Set timers to avoid running the heating longer than needed (consider a smart thermostat).
Prevent heat loss with draught excluders, thermal curtains, and weatherproof strips. Insulating your home can boost efficiency.
Take shorter showers, use water-efficient showerheads, and wash clothes at lower temperatures. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
Service your boiler regularly and bleed radiators to ensure even heating.

