Summer always feels like a reset. Longer days, lighter moods, and a bit more space to fi gure things out. This issue of the Student Pocket Guide is all about making the most of it.
We’re kicking things off with a strong lineup of interviews, led by Miss Monique, one of the most exciting names in global electronic music right now. With her signature melodic sound and a packed summer ahead, she talks about staying true to her identity, navigating a fast moving industry, and the energy of playing to crowds around the world.
We also catch up with Xyla Foxlin, whose work blends engineering and creativity in a way that’s inspiring a whole new audience to get hands on and try something different.
Alongside that, we sit down with Holly Humberstone, whose raw songwriting continues to resonate with fans across the world, as she opens up about creativity, growth and navigating the industry on her own terms.
Beyond the interviews, this issue is packed with summer essentials, from festival fashion and garden party ideas to cocktails and UK beach inspiration. You’ll also fi nd tips on staying healthy, picking up summer work, and making the most of the season without overspending.
Whether you’re working, travelling or just taking a breather, this issue is here to give you a bit of inspiration and help you enjoy the moment.
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Because building a better world deserves lasting support.
We offer two scholarships to help you move forward:
– For engineering students, apprentices and degree apprentices overcoming challenges.
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The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). Futures Place, Kings Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2UA, United Kingdom.
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE STARTS WITH A CLU
♥ Solve 18 clues to crack a Challenge
♥ Learn weird and wonderful facts as you go
♥ Walking and Virtual Challenges, both different
♥ Retro charm with modern convenience
♥ Supporting animal and eco charities
♥ Be in to win epic prize packages
♥ New locations dropped every month
♥ 18 Clues—endless discoveries
WALKING CHALLENGES
A walk with a twist! Get those steps in by grabbing some friends and hitting the streets, parks, and hidden gems of your chosen city with a Walking Challenge. Turn your walk into a fun adventure by hunting down and solving clues as you discover new spots and uncover interesting stories. Most people who buy the Walking Challenge also buy the Virtual one for double the fun, double the knowledge accrued, double the impact, and double the chances of winning the prize package!
A Challenge you can do in your pyjamas! Tackle a Virtual Challenge from your screen, using what3words, Google Maps, and some sharp sleuthing. Perfect for students who love a mix of tech, travel, and trial. Solve in the comfort of your home or student digs. Taking up to two hours to complete, they are perfect as a solo activity and great for flatmate bonding. Even if you live far from a location, you can explore it with a Virtual Challenge. You never know where you ’ll pop up next!
You know, the beauty of human-made music is that it ’s never perfectand that ’s exactly what makes it powerful. It always evokes emoson, whether good or bad, but it makes you feel something.
When I receive demos for my label, it ’s actually quite easy to recognise it tracks that are heavily AI-generated. They sound almost too perfectlike they ’ve analyzed all the data of what works and what doesn’t, and built something technically flawless. But for me, they ooen lack real emoson. They ’re good, but they feel… standard. I think AI can be a great tool and assistant in the process, but I would never give it full creasve control.
I think it ’s the sense of freedom and honesty in it. I’ve always loved being acnve, but I get bored easily if I stay in one place for too long. For example, training in the gym can feel repennve to me - especially if feel nnve to I’m on my own. But with cycling, it ’s completely different. You’re constantly moving, the scenery keeps changing, and it feels much more alive. It ’s not just about the physical side - it ’s also about the experience and the journey. It really helps me reset mentally, switch off, and just enjoy everything around me. That ’s what truly inspires me.
I think technology is an amazing tool and it definitely opens up new creanve possibilines. It can inspire you in different ways and allow you to experiment more during your sets. But at the same nme, I believe the essence of DJing stays the same - it ’s all about music selecnon, taste, and the connecnon with the crowd. Technology should support the arnst, not replace the arnstry. So in the end, it really depends on how you use it.
