Why not swap it for grazing cows in the rural fields of the Philippines? Or the dazzling lights of the Manhattan skyline? Or perhaps even the endless rooftops of a city centre in Budapest?
Travel may still be restricted, but a new video project is here to virtually transport you around the world, giving users the chance to watch the view from someone else’s window, and with millions of us having to settle into life amid tougher new restrictions once again, the lockdown wanderlust has never been stronger than it is right now.
The project was created by Sonali Ranjit and her husband Vaishnav Balasubramaniam – two advertising creatives based in Singapore – last summer, and between them, they’ve previously lived and worked in India, Shanghai, Singapore, San Francisco and Stockholm.
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Naturally, they spent the first lockdown wondering how their friends abroad were getting on, and so, WindowSwap was born.
Some of the viewpoints on WindowSwap offer expansive scenes or slightly-abstract yet immersive shots with a silhouetted window frame, others really lean into the window part, offering balcony corners, fluttering curtains, and plant-lined windowsills.
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Most come with background noise too, with everything from distant traffic or local kids playing, to faint music and household chatter in various languages.
WindowSwapWindowSwap
Now while you may be perfectly willing to admit you find it a little repetitive to look at the same view outside of your window everyday, that doesn’t mean everyone else with think the same, which is why WindowSwap is a brilliant two-way street that also allows you to submit your own view for others all across the world to enjoy.
It couldn’t be easier to get your window featured either, because all WindowSwap requires you to do is:
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1. Record a 10 minute, horizontal HD video of your view with part of your window frame in the shot.
2. Make sure not to shake or move while recording.
3. Rename the video with your name and location for credits (if possible).
And that’s it.
WindowSwap also provides you with some additional filming tips and tricks should you require them to get the best shot possible, and also makes those who submit their window aware that it has thousands of submissions to go through on a regular basis, so your view will likely take some time to appear, but you will be contacted once it’s live.
This not only means you get the opportunity to virtually travel the world right from the comfort of your own home, but you can also show the world life from your unique perspective too and spread the word of Greater Manchester to the masses.
You can head on over to WindowSwap to get started here.
Happy travels.
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Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 30% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK
Emily Sergeant
The UK’s most challenging driving locations have been revealed, according to new data… and isn’t good news for Manchester.
No matter whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, some roads can test even the most confident of motorists.
From congestion and poor road conditions, to limited parking and higher incident rates, it’s fair to say that some areas make driving more stressful.
But which parts of the UK are the hardest to drive in?
Well, in a bid to answer that question, MoneySuperMarket has analysed a whole host of data – such as road infrastructure, road safety, road conditions, vehicle crime concerns, and insurance-related trends – for 58 UK cities, boroughs, and local authorities to create a drivability score and discover the locations that drivers find most stressful.
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK / Credit: Manchester City Council | pxfuel
Manchester, unfortunately, claimed third place on the list of top 10 most challenging locations for drivers – with an overall drivability score of 25 out of 100.
Other northern cities and towns like Leeds, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham have founded themselves in the top 10 too, meaning the North West is sadly the most-represented area.
Top 10 Most Challenging Locations For Drivers
Croydon
Derby
Manchester
Leeds
Preston
Birmingham
Blackpool
Bradford
Wakefield
Oldham
The findings also reflect some of the concerns drivers experience on the road, with more than a third of motorists (34%) saying they have avoided driving because they were travelling in an unfamiliar area, while almost a third (32%) have chosen not to drive due to heavy traffic or congestion.
Dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers was the most commonly cited source of stress, with almost two-thirds of motorists (65%) saying they find situations such as tailgating and beeping stressful.
“Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring,” commented Alicia Hempsted, who is a Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.
“Particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads.”
Emily Sergeant -
5th January 2021 
