Issue 99 (January 2021)
Inside Issue 99 of The Stag, you can find beautifully designed articles on everything from coverage on important issues, handy tips to get through socially distanced learning, sustainable content and so much more!
All Articles
Top 5 Audiobooks for the Insomniac
Hannah Gravett lists her top audiobooks to help you sleep, from childhood favourites to a political biography
Find Your Fire, Just Don’t Get Burned Out On The Way
Gigi Bushell describes her recent experience of burnout and offers her tips for dealing with it in the future.
AS I SEE IT – LGBTQ+ Rights in a Post-Brexit Britain
Harry Moreby analyses the risk to LGBTQ+ rights from Brexit in light of the anti LGBTQ+ comments from the Prime Minister and members of the Government.
This Is Just The Veganning: I did Veganuary this Year and Here’s What I Found
Gigi Bushell reflects on her experience eating a vegan diet throughout the month of January and debunks the mistruths about being vegan on a student budget.
A Collection of Poems by Luana Vasconcelos
Poet Luana Vasconcelos shares a collection of Haiku style poems touching on themes of the beauty of nature and the comfort found within poetry.
AS I SEE IT – Debating ‘Beanz on Bix’ in the House of Commons Isn’t Cute: It’s an Embarrassing Insult to the Thousands Lost to the Virus
Following Weetabix’s viral tweet last Wednesday, Hannah Gravett argues that the politicians’ engagement with the debate is inappropriate following their repeated mistakes during the pandemic.
Dreams: Making Sense of the Nonsense
Isobel Kavanagh discusses the significant meanings of our dreams
AS I SEE IT – Why Taylor Swift is a 21st Century Feminist Icon
Betsy Goodfellow argues that, by using her platform to discuss issues of politics and misogyny, Taylor Swift becomes an important feminist icon.
It’s Lockdown 3 and I Think We’re Scared of Hope
Following the dominantly negative discourse surrounding the pandemic, Charlotte West offers some reasons why we shouldn’t let go of hope.
Generation Z and 2021: A Chance to Change
Kasia Ozorowska discusses why she believes Gen Z struggle so much with their mental health compared with previous generations
AS I SEE IT – The Golden Age of Children’s TV and Why it Means So Much to the Older Generation
Rachel Quick takes a deep dive into the Golden Age of children’s television and reflects on why it resonates so deeply with the older generations.
The Masters I Had Never Planned on Doing and Why You Should Consider One Too
Gigi Bushell opens up about her decision to return to university for a postgraduate course and gives her advice on retraining in a different field.
AS I SEE IT – Why Influencers in Dubai are a Problem
Following the discussion on ‘This Morning’, Maisie Holcombe contributes to the debate surrounding influencers ‘essential’ trips to Dubai, arguing that it is an insult to workers on the frontline.
AS I SEE IT – Why Giving Vulnerable Families an Additional £20 Shouldn’t Be Up For Debate
Hannah Gravett argues that the government’s resistance to extend the temporary £20 weekly rise in Universal Credit is a disgrace, and insists that for many across the country £20 is a lifeline.
AS I SEE IT – Are OBE’s Outdated? The Celebratory Remains of Britain’s Colonial Past and the Celebrities Who Decline Them
Hannah Gravett looks at past celebrities who have earned OBEs, arguing that Britain’s imperial past affects the reception of this prestigious award.
AS I SEE IT – Why You Should Befriend Your Nearest Racist
Laura Gainor argues that we must rethink how we engage with racists and better seek to deradicalise them through conversation.
AS I SEE IT – Twitter Locks Trump’s Account: Why Social Media Defying the President is Too Little Too Late
Following Twitter’s suspension of Donald Trump’s account last week, Hannah Gravett argues that the decision comes too late, as the damage has already been done.
AS I SEE IT – Understanding the Fallout of Confronting a Family Political Division
Amber Penter shares how recent political events in the US strained her relationship with members of her family.
COVID-19: the Virus Undermining Attenborough’s Sustainability Efforts
After watching Sir David Attenborough’s latest documentary “A Life on Our Planet”, Alice Brooks reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic is reversing global sustainability efforts
AS I SEE IT – Don’t Be Scared to Visit a Hospital During the Pandemic
Leon Lynn recounts his recent experience in a hospital and reassures that they are taking sufficient precautions during the pandemic.
Why The Muppets is the best version of A Christmas Carol
This festive season, Betsy Goodfellow articulates why she believes The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved novel.
Just Relax and Accept the Crazy: Job Hunting Advice to Help You Hustle in the COVID Era
Gigi Bushell gives her top tips for students and graduates job hunting during the pandemic.
AS I SEE IT – The Impact of COVID-19 on Women in STEM
Neelam Bhohi reveals the factors that have disproportionately effected women during the pandemic and argues for there to be an investment of support.
As I see it – Teachers deserve so much more support
Luka Dehnbostel writes about the lack of support for teachers and the options to better help them and students
I’ll Be Ho-Ho-Home for Christmas Markets This Year
Gigi Bushell shares six of the best virtual Christmas markets this year.
AS I SEE IT – Isolation: It’s Nothing New For Students
Isobel Kavanagh compares this year’s attempt at a traditional Christmas to students’ return to university, arguing that the negative impact of isolation was inevitable.
Talking COVID with Surrey Sports: An Interview with Surf Club
In her new series, Clarisse Fullerton chats to the President of Surf Club about how they’ve adapted to the pandemic this semester
AS I SEE IT – It’s Been a Year and I’m Still Mad about Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
A year after its release, Rosie Willoughby reflects on her disappointment after watching ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’.
The 93% Club, Fighting for Equal Opportunities in an Unequal System
Russell Sherrard-Smith talks with Emma Bowler from the 93% Club Surrey, discussing social mobility and how to change the playing field.
AS I SEE IT – The Absence of Exercise: Were the Government Right to Close Gyms?
Maisie Holcombe argues that the health benefits of keeping gyms open during lockdown largely outweigh the risks of catching the coronavirus.
AS I SEE IT – The People’s Princess Reborn: How ‘The Crown’ Introduced Diana to Generation Z
Hannah Gravett responds to the representation of Princess Diana in the newest series of The Crown, and explores why she’s become such an icon for Gen-Z
Unmuted: How I Found My Voice as a Student with a Stammer
James Tatam opens up about his experience of living with a stutter and how he has learnt to dealt with at university and beyond.
AS I SEE IT – How Good Grades Can Make You Dumb
Leon Lynn explains why he believes grades aren’t everything, and how taking up hobbies outside of your field can improve intelligence and aid in greater employability opportunities.
It’s All Zoom and Gloom Right Now: How to Stay and Slay at Home During Lockdown 2.0
Gigi Bushell offers her top tips for students on how to best survive lockdown 2.0
White Supremacist Posters Spotted at the University of Surrey and in Guildford
White Supremacist posters have been spotted around the University of Surrey and Guildford town centre, Peter Ferguson reports.
Guildford MP Votes Against Extending Free School Meals for Children
Irene García reports on Guildford MP’s vote against the expansion of free school meals.
The Arts Saved Us During Lockdown, But Now Who Will Save Them?
Hannah Gravett explores the importance of the arts and the financial neglect they have suffered from the government.
AS I SEE IT – Fake It ‘Till You Make It
Gigi Bushell discusses her experience of imposter syndrome and the best ways in which to tackle it.
Surrey’s Award-Winning Placement Year: Stories From the Students it Failed
Charlotte West discusses the potential failings of Surrey’s placement scheme and chats to other students about their experiences.
These Divided States of America: Trump vs. Biden
James Penny analyses the major issues at stake in the 2020 US election, exploring its importance and the candidates’ likely paths to success.
As I See It – Trump Wants to Ban WeChat (and TikTok) and That’s a Really Bad Idea
Russell Sherrard-Smith argues against the Trump administration plan to ban WeChat and the issues faced by Chinese Americans.
As I See It – Are Gymshark to Blame for Their Own Backlash to Body Positivity?
Isabel Rolfe looks back at the the controversy following Gymshark’s Instagram post of Nelly London in their activewear and discusses how much the brand are too blame for the negative response
As I See It – Lockdown Had Its Silver Linings
Betsy Goodfellow reflects on her experience on lockdown and considers the potential benefits of the extra time.
Centre Staged: Bastille
Charlotte West catches up with Bastille about their daring new singles, the future of live music, and frontman Dan Smith’s psychic abilities.
AS I SEE IT – The Tories Blame Game: Is the Conservative party Devoid of Owning Up to the Tragedy of COVID-19?
Hannah Gravett analyses how the conservative government dealt with COVID-19 and identifies how they’ve been shifting the blame to the electorate.
Losing My Dad: The Battle Between Grief and Guilt
As it approaches the year anniversary of her father’s death, Bea Costley opens up about her experience of dealing with grief, and the surprising guilt that accompanied it.
Overcoming Gym Intimidation and How to Begin Your Lifting Journey at Surrey University
Jolena Scholz explores the feeling of intimidation at the gym, felt particularly by women, and provides advice on how to combat this at Surrey
How COVID-19 has Altered Queer Expression
Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on the community, Karim Acolina explores why now more than ever LGBTQ+ people must come together and celebrate their identity.
CBD Oil: Does it Deserve the Hype?
Lydia Halsey uncovers the mystery surrounding CBD oil, exploring its positive impacts on anxiety; while dismantling the misconceptions that have surrounded CBD