Orla McAndrew

Crumbling walls, damp and hospital visits are not the first things that come to mind when you think about university. However, for an increasing number of students this is becoming the norm around what is, for many, their first experience living away from home.
A quick search of student accommodation on TikTok brings up thousands of videos, and the majority of them are less than positive. From broken windows to exposed wires, holes in the ceilings, and mould, these videos are exposing pitiful...

As cliche as it sounds, books are glimpses into new worlds. Gateways to explore, get to know, and fall in love with characters. So if books are glimpses into new worlds, entering a bookshop is like pushing that door wide open. Standing in a bookshop you are standing on the precipice of all these worlds.
What is it like then when you don’t see yourself represented in these worlds, and then when you walk into a bookshop you have to hunt through the shelves to find the odd book which may represe...

With 1 in 12 people in the UK being treated for asthma, it’s clear that loads of us need to find a way to move while protecting our respiratory health. Writer Orla McAndrew explores the anxieties around exercising with asthma and how to overcome them.
Not everyone who has asthma has lived with it since childhood. I didn’t – my diagnosis came at the beginning of the pandemic, just as the noise about a dangerous new respiratory disease was reaching a crescendo. In that new reality, I found myse...

Orla McAndrew speaks to students about their fears for the future as the Government once again turns a blind eye to young people
Students are often stereotyped as carefree partygoers, staying in education to avoid entering the ‘real world’. This isn’t the case for most students, who spend far more time studying and working than drinking. But, even if the stereotype was true, could you blame us for wanting to avoid the current realities of post-university life?
The current cost of living crisi...

A short film about period poverty in Leeds

Aryan Ashory, a filmmaker activist living under refugee status in Europe, spoke to Dila and Orla about her journey from her homeland Afghanistan to Europe. We spoke about her life in Afghanistan, achievements in Greece and the uncertainties of life in Germany.

Derry Girls has been on my watch list for months, and after finally getting round to watching it, I can’t stop – it’s my new obsession. Created by Lisa McGee, Derry Girls follows Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), Orla (Louisa Harland), Clare (Nicola Coughlan), and James (Dylan Llewellyn) as they grow up in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 90s. Packed full of comedy, great music and touching family moments, Derry Girls has made me think about how much (or how lit...

Endometriosis is a chronic health condition, affecting one in 10 women in the UK, where tissue similar to womb lining starts growing in other places.
This month is Endometriosis Awareness Month.
I spoke to Ruth Wootton, a student at Leeds University, and Dr. Lafina Diamandis, a GP and lifestyle doctor.
Ruth’s journey to a diagnosis began when she was 12; during her periods she would bleed for up to three weeks.
The next three years were spent going back and forth to the doctor.
Aged 15, Ruth ...

Orla McAndrew (she/her) gives an update on the Longboi memorial statue

From journalist to author Orla spoke to Masuma Ahuja about all things Girlhood ahead of the release of her debut book ‘Girlhood: Teens Around the World in their Own Voices’.
I’d like to start by asking you about your career before Girlhood. You’ve worked for The Washington Post and CNN, do you think that prepared you for writing the book?
“I like to tell stories and it’s what I’m good at.”
It’s prepared me for everything that I’ve done. I started my career at The Washington Post. I worked the...

TW: This article will content references to sexual assault and violence.
This year Roses will be shining a light on sexual violence within sports. Sexual violence is different from domestic abuse, and defined as there is no legal definition for domestic abuse as it is so hard to define. Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act that took place without consent.
Roses is partnering with local charity Survive, who work within the community to provide s...