Seasons of Change
How Unique Magazines is inspiring the next generation.
September always brings a sense of transition. The air turns cooler, the nights grow longer, and students across the country begin a brand-new chapter as they move from school to university. It’s a time filled with excitement and uncertainty, and at Unique Magazines, we wanted to offer something that helps make that transition a little easier: inspiration through print.
This month, our team took part in Freshers’ events across North East universities to introduce new students to the world of magazines and creative publishing. Our aim was simple: to show that inspiration doesn’t just live online. It can be found in the pages of a beautifully designed print magazine.
We spoke with students from all kinds of degree paths, from art and design to media, business, and psychology, about how magazines can fuel learning and creativity. Many were surprised by the variety of independent titles available and by how specific and niche the world of print can be. For us, those conversations were a reminder that print still has a special role to play in sparking curiosity.
And it isn’t always inspiration for their degree; sometimes it’s for their own interests and hobbies. With Vogue getting a lot of attention and many students proudly sharing that they collect it, we were reminded that print has a place beyond academia. These magazines might not link to their coursework, but they mean something personal. They’re timeless keepsakes that people hold onto for many reasons, whether that’s nostalgia, passion, or simply the joy of print itself.
We also introduced students to what we offer locally in Newcastle. Our Mag Room is filled with hundreds of titles from around the world, a space designed to inspire projects, essays, and creative thinking. Our Mag Lounge provides a calm, welcoming environment for anyone needing a quiet place to study or simply recharge, surrounded by creativity.
Students left our stand with magazines, merch, and bookmarks, but also with something far more meaningful: a sense of encouragement. Starting university can feel overwhelming, and knowing there’s a supportive, creative community nearby can make all the difference.
Our involvement in Freshers’ events marks another step in our ongoing commitment to nurture the next generation of readers, designers, and makers. We’re passionate about connecting people with print, not just as readers but as future creators.
And we’re not stopping there. November marks our Student Publishing Event at Tapyard Studios, where we’ll bring together local publishers, designers, and students for an evening of talks, Q&As, and networking. It’s all part of our mission to keep creativity flowing and to show how print continues to evolve and inspire the next generation.
At Unique Magazines, we believe change is an opportunity, whether it’s a new season, a new course, or a new idea. Through every transition, print remains a constant source of inspiration.
We’re challenging the narrative that print is dead by keeping it alive through pop-ups, Freshers’ events, and real human conversations. Meeting students from across all courses and hearing about their goals and ambitions was genuinely inspiring, a reminder that curiosity and creativity are thriving.
A huge thank you to Hartlepool College of Further Education, Teesside University, Sunderland University, and Northumbria University for welcoming us onto your campuses and giving us the opportunity to connect with your students.
You can catch us at various pop-ups throughout the year, including regular slots at Teesside University, as we continue spreading the word about print, creativity, and community.
Because print isn’t fading, it’s evolving. And at Unique Magazines, we’re proud to be part of the movement keeping it alive.