The ‘Pollock bubble’ is a thing and this is how to get out of it

We’ve all fallen victim to it

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You wake up. Eat your body weight in JMCC potato wedges. Rock up to lectures five minutes late in your Canada Goose jacket with your slightly too small but stylish denim backpack and Adidas Superstar or Nike Air black trainers. The day rolls by in a blur of cigarette smoke outside the library and naps and before you know it, you’re back in the JMCC stuffing yourself with raw rice and either hitting Cream Soda or Netflix (and ‘chill’ 75 per cent of the time).

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Pollock bubble.

It’s not necessarily ‘bad’ but it is 2017. When is a better time to burst the bubble and truly explore everything Daddy is providing for?

Branch out 

You can only deal with the same people for so long. Don’t be afraid to meet new people. The unexplored realms of Sciennes and Abbeyhill, to name a few, await you. Join a sports team – it’s never too early to work on that summer bod. Indulge your unabashed nerdiness and join the Harry Potter society. If the sesh is more up your alley, stray away from getting with the same guy from Holland at WhyNot and go to Garibaldi’s. Go forth and find the blue-haired guitarist of your dreams.

National Museum of Scotland

Situated right around the corner of the Old College, the National Museum of Scotland is perfect for an hour-long escape between your History of Art and Criminal Justice lectures or an afternoon long excursion. Live out your ‘La La Land’ fantasies and hold the hand of that greasy-haired, but awkwardly endearing, boy from your tutorial as you stare at the constellations in their ‘Earth in Space’ exhibition.

Art Galleries

Some of the world’s greatest art can be found in the heart of Edinburgh, right at your fingertips. After a cheeky stroll through TopShop, wander over to the Scottish National Gallery for the aesthetically pleasing red walls, gorgeous fine art and the inconveniently placed loo in the middle. Visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery where selfies take on a dynamic significance and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art for quirkier stuff.

Coffee shops

The least you can do is cram for your psychology tutorial in a more pleasant setting. Cult Espresso is located on Buccleuch Street, minutes away from George Square, and offers some of the best coffee and latte art around. Expect constant bangers on the speakers and excellent cake. Press Coffee is nearby and has a lovely Parisian coffee vibe. Peter’s Yard is situated near the Quartermile, sporting lovely large windows and rather stunning Swedish pastries.

Bedlam Theatre

Converted form an old church, the Bedlam Theatre is a haven of creativity and a slice of the Fringe in the gloomy Scottish winter. With concession tickets from four quid, catch a student performance that ranges from, and I quote, “giant alien vaginas” to exploring the “psyche of villainy”. With the Bedlam in the midst of a week-long festival with productions on every evening, just save the white girl melodrama for the theatre.

Cameo Picturehouse

Take your greasy-haired awkwardly-endearing fella to a film at one of the most stunning, retro picturehouses that Edinburgh has to offer. The Cameo boasts golden curtains and reclinable seats. Perfect for making out, or whatever it is you actually do in a cinema.

Calton Hill

Don’t kid yourself. You’re only wearing your sportswear as motivation to hike all the way to the Pleasance gym. This never happens. By 4pm, you’ll be in your room in the dark, scoffing Tesco 75p jam donuts. You deserve better. Keep the sportswear on and take a trip to Carlton Hill. It’s the one in all the Edinburgh postcards. Instagram is calling.