We recently revamped our weekly email newsletter, where we share the latest student news, opportunities, and giveaways. We will turn the email newsletter  into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

Virtual Freshers Festival, Giveaways, and Caterpillars

Welcome back to our weekly student newsletter, a chance to stay up to date with the latest student news, discounts, opportunities, and memes. 

This week we have an exciting announcement: Virtual Freshers Festival is coming this September!

What is Virtual Freshers? It is just like any other Freshers Festival event, but online! There will be freebies, video content, games, networking, job opportunities, and much more. 

VIsit our website and stay tuned to our Instagram for more information. 

News & Opportunities

4th July Reopenings

Freedom! (sort of)… As many of you will know, this Saturday sees a significant change in the Covid-19 restrictions, with restaurants, bars, and cinemas re-opening for the first time in months. You are also able to officially meet another family inside, and you are even able to travel within the UK and stay the night in hotels. 

For students, libraries are re-opening, and youth clubs and outdoor sports facilities will be accessible. For a full breakdown of all the new changes, please see the official government statement here. 

Student Influencers

Virtual Freshers Festival will offer the chance for student influencers / content creators (of any size) to share their content with the UKs student audience. In particular, we are looking for content creators who make videos (YouTube/Instagram/Tik Tok), although all influencers will be considered.

If you think you have some content you want to share, please get in touch with us via our form.

Deals & Giveaways

2kg Sweet Giveaway on Instagram

There is still time to enter the 2kg sweet hamper giveaway on our Instagram. We teamed up with @thatlondonduo to bring you a pretty sweet giveaway! Remember, we run giveaways on our Instagram every week, so be sure to follow us for your chance to win some great prizes

Best Deals Right Now

With the shops re-opening, brands are starting to launch huge deals for both their online and physical stores. We have compiled a list of some of the best student deals for clothes, restaurants, takeaways, and technology. Check out our guide here.

A Bit of Fun

Meme of the Week

Should have gone to Specsavers…

Follow Us On Instagram 

Funny News of the Week

The story of Tesco, caterpillars, and more caterpillars that we are sure will turn into a Netflix documentary one day…

Follow Us On Facebook 

Video of the Week

Ok, we might be a bit biased with this one, but we wanted you all to check out our Virtual Freshers Festival trailer!

Follow Us On YouTube 

We recently sent out the eighth of our series of weekly emails offering help, advice, messages of inspiration, deals, freebies and a chance to smile during this tough time. We will turn the email into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

The Antidote to Isolation | Free Beer & Funnies… Simple!

1.  Fun & Frivolous

Learn a Language for Free

Learn a new language for free with Duolingo through their fun, bite-sized lessons. You earn points for correct answers, race against the clock and level up. Duolingo features personalised learning, immediate grading and rewards. A study has shown that 34 hours of Duolingo are equal to 1 university semester of language courses. Plus, we’ll be ready for our next holiday when travel restrictions are eventually relaxed. Bonus!

Cards Against Humanity Online

Some pre-COVID-19 pastimes have transferred surprisingly well to lockdown (we loved our Couchella parties), whilst others just don’t. Playing card and board games with pals over zoom can be a bit of a struggle. TechRadar has come to the rescue to outline a few options to play Cards Against Humanity online. Just make sure to have a video call while playing, watching your pals cringe during the game is definitely the best part.

2.  You’ve Got This

45 Self-care Practices

Check out these 45 really quick and simple self-care practises for a healthy mind, body, and soul from Tiny Buddha. If you are struggling at the moment, small things can make all the difference. Try treating yourself to a small luxury or putting on your favourite song and having a dance. Here are a few of our favourites, we recommend you give them a go:

• Go cloud-watching. Lie on your back, relax, and watch the sky;
• Create a deliberate habit and routinise something small in your life by doing it in the same way each day;
• Take a home spa. Have a long bath or shower, sit around in your bathrobe, and read magazines.

3.  Show me the Money

Free Pint from Brewdog

Brewdog is giving us all something to look forward to post-lockdown. All you have to do is sign up and they will send on a voucher code for a free pint when their bars reopen. In the meantime, they ask us to stay home and stay safe… fair enough, we’d say that is great advice. You can sign up here. 

Free Spotify 3-Month Trial 

Music is real salvation at the moment so we were delighted to see Spotify are increasing their free trial for new users to a massive 3 months. Jump onto their site to find out more…

Meme that made us laugh

Quote that made us think

“Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and leads us from this world to another.” Plato.

There can be something quite comforting about looking into the sky, especially right now, to get a bit of cosmic perspective. 

Music that made us dance

Moments that made us smile

We don’t need any excuses to drop in a dog story so we were loving the coverage that trials are underway to confirm if sniffer dogs are able to detect Coronavirus in humans.

It should be known by September of this year if trials are successful.

Check out the full story here or watch the video below:

 So be sure to say hello

We recently sent out the seventh of our series of weekly emails offering help, advice, messages of inspiration, deals, freebies and a chance to smile during this tough time. We will turn the email into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

The Antidote to Isolation | Fakeaways, Freebies and Food Boxes

1.  Fun & Frivolous

#MondayNightFakeaway

Are you missing your usual trips to Nando’s or a pizza with pals? Professor Green is on hand to help create takeway delights from home through Instagram Live. He has already tackled donner kebabs, Big Macs, chicken katsu curry and a few more. Tonight he’s having a go at Domino’s stuffed crust pizza. Check out his Instagram account at 7pm sharp. 


Harry Potter Virtual Escape Room

Created by American librarian Sydney Krawiec, this is the perfect lockdown boredom buster. Experience the life of a Hogwarts student from your sofa. Solve puzzles and riddles based on the famous books. You can play as a group or on your own. Why not compete against a group of friends and see who can escape first. The game begins with you starting your first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You have a team-building activity where you all lock yourselves in rooms and have to answer puzzles to get out – no magic at all! Next thing you know, the room is completely dark and you hear a door slam… Check it out here.

2.  You’ve Got This

30 Days Free with Peleton

We miss going to the gym, it can be hard to keep the momentum going when you’re working out alone in your bedroom. So if you’re feeling that you need a bit of support, Peleton are offering 30 days free on their app. Access thousands of live and on-demand classes from your phone, tablet, TV and more and the community aspect might just give you the boost you need. Have a peek on their website for more info.

In the Right Headspace

On the subject of free, we love Headspace, especially as they have a lot of content which you can access at no cost. The free “Weathering the Storm” collection includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling.  Have a look-see…

3.  Show me the Money

Tea-riffic

Do you like tea? Do you like freebies? Well, be sure to sign up for The Pukka Collective to receive 8 free tea sachets, a chance to discover your unique Ayurvedic mind-body type with their dosha quiz as well as weekly personalised emails based on your wellbeing goals. You can sign up here. 🧘

£30 Food Boxes

Asda has announced the launch of a food box featuring a selection of cupboard filling favourites and essential items to help people obtain important everyday items during these unprecedented times. Available now on foodboxes.asda.com the box will typically contain 31 store cupboard staples for just £30 (price includes delivery).

Meme that made us laugh

See you on the other side…

Quote that made us think

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day…” A. A. Milne.

We can relate.

Music that made us dance

Moments that made us smile

Britain’s largest bird of prey has returned to UK skies for the first time in 240 years. White-tailed eagles, which have a wingspan up to 2.5 metres, were once a common sight across southern England until the 18th century when they were wiped out by illegal killing.

But thanks to Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation this lost species is making a comeback. 

Check out the full story here.

Don’t forget, we want to share your inspirational stories. So send in your suggestion with a bit of info and your mate’s/family member’s Instagram or TikTok username and we’ll try to include. 

 So be sure to say hello

We recently sent out the sixth of our series of weekly emails offering help, advice, messages of inspiration, deals, freebies and a chance to smile during this tough time. We will turn the email into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

The Antidote to Isolation | Star Wars, Savings & Stoicism

1.  Fun & Frivolous

May the 4th Be With You

We couldn’t kick this off without mentioning May the 4th, a day when Star Wars fans across the globe celebrate Lucas’ famous franchise. There’s no denying that the Star Wars Universe has led to some amazing content. For a full Force fix, be sure to subscribe to Disney+ to watch The Mandalorian and the recently released The Rise of Skywalker. A couple of our favourite pieces of Star Wars content can actually be seen for free though, made by fans. Two of our favourites include Darth Maul: Apprentice and Vader vs Kenobi: Reimagined.
 

Things to do at Home During Lockdown

You might be stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun! From cooking and redecorating to meditating and playing with your pooch, here are 7 of the best new gadgets that can help get you through the lockdown.

2.  You’ve Got This

Five sayings from the Stoics for Enduring Hardship

We feel there is a lot to be learned from Stoicism, especially right now. Check out these 5 sayings on enduring hardships. Here is our favourite:

‘Love of bustle is not industry — it is only the restlessness of a hunted mind.’ Seneca

The pressure we feel to be productive is often the result of anxiety. We’re seeking to distract ourselves from our unexamined worries. Idleness can be useful; it allows us the space to explore and soothe our troubled mind.

Morning Pages

We’re always on the lookout for tips and techniques to make our days more productive and fulfilling. Morning pages are a great way to empty out the noise from your head allowing you to start your day with the right mindset. As Julia Cameron states on her website, “Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages – they are not high art.” The video is only 2 and a half minutes long so persevere, for many people this can be an extremely helpful exercise in clearing the mind and setting yourself up for the day ahead.

3.  Show me the Money

20% Off GLOSSYBOX

Our lovely friends at GLOSSYBOX are offering our readers an exclusive 20% off your first box. Subscribe to one of their plans and use the code GLOSSYFRESHER to redeem the discount. Check out the Ts&Cs below* Enjoy!

www.glossybox.co.uk

A Month of Free Magazines

If you are missing your favourite magazines why not download Readly. You can get unlimited access to 4923 magazine titles including top UK titles (newest and previous issues included). You can download and read offline on any devices. You also get 5 user profiles so you can share with flatmates and split the cost. Another positive is that there is no contract so you can cancel anytime. Readly are offering one month free (£7.99/month thereafter)

Meme that made us laugh

Quote that made us think

“Your focus determines your reality.”

Qui Gon Jinn. We couldn’t help ourselves 🤣

Music that made us dance

Moments that made us smile

It’s an old one but a good one. Last Star Wars reference, we promise 🙂

We recently sent out the fifth of our series of weekly emails offering help, advice, messages of inspiration, deals, freebies and a chance to smile during this tough time. We will turn the email into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

The Antidote to Isolation

We thought we would kick off with the wise words of Anna Kendrick…

 Say hello

1.  Fun & Frivolous

Things to do at Home During Lockdown

Whilst in lockdown, it can be tough to think of things to do. However, thanks to the wonderful powers of t’internet, there are so many things you can be getting on with whilst under quarantine. Here are some of our favourite things you can do whilst in lockdown. 

2.  You’ve Got This

Getahead Festival Goes Virtual

The Getahead Festival has gone virtual. Follow their team of experts for a day of fitness and fun along with some great advice and tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Choose from sessions such as a ‘Mindful drink cocktail masterclass’ and ‘How to build your mental resilience with diet and lifestyle’. Check out their Instagram page for a link to the event @getaheadlife.

Notes on a Nervous Planet

A few of our team have read and raved about the book ‘Notes on a Nervous Planet’. Rates of stress and anxiety are rising. We are more connected, yet feel more alone and we are now programmed to worry about everything from world politics to our body mass index. After experiencing years of anxiety and panic attacks, these questions became urgent matters of life and death for author Matt Haig. Notes on a Nervous Planet is a personal and vital look at how to feel happy, human and whole in the 21st century. Well worth reading!  

You can also sign up for a free trial of Audible here if you prefer the audio version.

3.  Show me the Money

Tips to Grow your Instagram in 2020
 

That London Duo are a foodie YouTube and Instagram couple based in London. They create food videos on YouTube, and have recently moved to Instagram to share their food adventures. In this interview, we discuss why they started their Instagram, and what tips they have for students wanting to grow their channel in 2020 and maybe even turn it into a lucrative side hustle.

IKEA Meatballs at Home

There’s no getting our in-person IKEA fix at the moment so we’re delighted to hear that they’ve released recipes for their famous meatballs. They are seriously simple to make and IKEA have even included the sauce recipe. Something to do and it will save you a few quid as well.

Meme that made us laugh

Think we’ll give that song a miss!

Quote that made us think

“Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”  

Vincent Van Gogh

Music that made us dance

Moments that made us smile

‘nough said 

We recently sent out the fourth of our series of weekly emails offering help, advice, messages of inspiration, deals, freebies and a chance to smile during this tough time. We will turn the email into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

The Antidote to Isolation

Welcome to our weekly antidote to isolation, this week we have a few suggestions on keeping mentally and physically fit, cracking music and of course a few laughs. Enjoy!  

 Say hello

1.  Fun & Frivolous

One World: Together at Home

If you missed this fantastic broadcast or just want more, be sure to jump onto iPlayer to check out the One World: Together at Home virtual concert. Featuring Billie Eilish, Rolling Stones, George the Poet, Little Mix and many, many more this is well worth a watch.

Cooking During Lockdown

As well as keeping your health in check, cooking is a way to bring some routine to your days. There is also great pleasure to be gained from cooking something from scratch. The folks at Bon Appetit have loads of recipes, cooking resources and a wealth of advice on cooking at home during lockdown. Choose from resources such as  ‘89 recipes with 5 ingredients or fewer’  and  ‘37 recipes that freeze really well.’ 

2.  You’ve Got This

Our Guide to Coping and Thriving During Lockdown

The coronavirus has completed turned many of our lives upside down. From having to leave University, to cancelling exams, to being away from our family, friends and partners for an extended period of time, it is an extremely difficult time for sure! In this guide, we hope to spread some positivity, as well as giving you some tips on how to deal with different aspects of the lockdown. Have a read and please let us know if there is anything we can add, edit or even if you feel we have just missed the mark on something.

Stephen Fry’s Tips on Managing Anxiety

We love Stephen Fry. So when we saw his video for the BBC on managing anxiety we had to share it with you. Have a watch, there are certainly a few tips we have taken from it.

3.  Show me the Money

Run for Heroes 

The Run For Heroes campaign is asking people to do three things: run 5k (remember social distancing), donate £5 and nominate 5 people on your social media to do the same (tag @Run.For.Heroes). All proceeds got to NHS workers fighting Covid-19. Their new target is an amazing £5 million! Check out the Instagram page here.

Last Call – £50 Amazon Vouchers

There’s a few hours left on our Amazon voucher giveaway (competition closes today at 8pm). All you need to do is sign up for a free 6-month account here and email us ([email protected]) using subject Amazon to be in with the chance of winning £50. One lucky winner will be picked at random.

Meme that made us laugh

We have to 🤣 or we’ll 🙁 

Quote that made us think

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  

Dr Suess. This has never been so apt.

Music that made us dance

Interested in hearing Kris’ tips on getting into the music industry? Read our interview with him here. Oh and be sure to check out his new single Naïve, out June 5th.

Moments that made us smile

This group was formed after identifying a shortage in supply for scrubs to frontline NHS staff. If you have sweet sewing skills, this facebook group is for those who would like to contribute towards making and supplying local hospitals with desperately needed scrubs for front line workers.

We recently sent out the third of our series of weekly emails offering help, advice, messages of inspiration, deals, freebies and a chance to smile during this tough time. We will turn the email into a blog post each week for those people who prefer blog content.

The Antidote to Isolation

Welcome to our weekly antidote to isolation, some fun, a sweet giveaway, laughs and a few things to ponder. 

Oh and next week we’ll be dropping an announcement on this year’s biggest virtual student event so be sure to stay tuned for Early Bird tickets.

 Say hello

1.  Fun & Frivolous

#Couchella

This would have been the first weekend at Coachella so why not have your friends get together and play favourite festival songs over a Zoom call, sit back on your couch and enjoy the music. Dress up in the festival clothes that you bought for your cancelled holidays and festivals #stayathome. Sign up for a free zoom account here and check out #Couchella for some inspiration.

A Tiger is for Life, Not Just for Lockdown

You can now have the pet you always wanted, easily bringing wildlife into your living room using Google’s in-search AR. Bring a lion, bear, wolf, hedgehog, snake and many other cute and terrifying animals into your home. So get creative and have fun. Find out more here.

2.  You’ve Got This

Notes from the Universe

Brighten your day with Notes from the Universe. What started in 1998 as an email sent out weekly to 38 addresses has since blossomed into today’s daily Notes from the Universe, sent to over 800,000 subscribers in 185 countries! These Notes are brief passages written by “The Universe,” personalised with your name and designed to remind you that you have, indeed, been given dominion over all things – https://www.tut.com/account/quicksignup

The Iceman

Wim Hof, total legend, is running a 40-day quarantine challenge (check it out here). By doing his daily WHM breathing and cold showers, he suggests you can help boost your health and reduce stress. There is also a mini-course you can try out for free.

3.  Show me the Money

Once Upon a Prime

Get 6 months free Amazon Prime. Students can get free Amazon Prime for six months which includes next day deliveries plus access to their music and video streaming services, Kindle lending library and photo storage (usually £7.99 per month for non-students). To get the offer sign up here. You must be a UK student aged 18+

Competition Time

To help you get started with your new Amazon Prime account we’re giving away a £50 Amazon voucher. All you need to do is sign up for a free 6-month account here and email us ([email protected]) using subject Amazon. One lucky winner will be picked at random on 20th April 2020.

Meme that made us laugh

Reality of lockdown…

Quote that made us think

“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”  

A.A. Milne/Christopher Robin.

Music that made us dance

Moments that made us smile

It has been beautiful to see images on social media from residents in Northern India who can see the Himalayas for the first time after pollution levels drop due to lockdown.