‘During longer days I’ll spend more time gardening and on the beach’

Dennis Relojo-Howell, 38, PhD student, University of Edinburgh

Dennis Relojo-Howell, 38, is studying for a PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Originally from the Philippines, he now lives in Essex with his husband. The clocks changing is “one of those things that make living beyond the equator more exciting,” he says.

Moving to England from a sunnier climate gave Relojo-Howell a vitamin D deficiency, so he says the extra daylight will benefit him physically as well as psychologically. During the longer days, he plans to spend more time gardening and on his local beach.

The changing of the clocks, Relojo-Howell observes, will help other

PhD students too. Because their work can be solitary, the lighter evenings, coupled with the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, will facilitate outdoor socialising.

“It really feels good,” Relojo-Howell adds. “Of course you can go out during winter and late autumn, but who wants to go out if it’s really cold?”