Research

http://www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/retrieve/d2343bc1358b3983a89d916f6a988935
I used this website to give me an example of a college magazine as I wanted to see what they used on their front cover and how they set up their contents page. I also wanted to see what works and what doesn't so that it can help me when i come to doing my own attempt this.

Front cover analysis
The magazine uses a photograph from a college trip on the front cover which is a good idea as it immediately makes it more interesting. It uses the name 'Student Life' which tells you straight away who the magazine is aimed at and what types of articles are going to be in it. It also has the colleges logo on the front so that you know the institution. The background of the front page is black and the logo and all the text is white, so it stands out well. Also, it tells you that it is free.
   However, it does not catch your attention as it looks a bit bland and boring because of the black and white theme. The cover lines are not clearly presented and are wrote in a small text near the bottom of the page so they do not stand out. It is also not made clear which are the cover lines and which is the tag line as they are in the same text and position on the page. There are no other pictures on the front cover either, which does not let you know what other issues may be in the magazine.

Contents page analysis
The contents page of the magazine is brighter than the front cover. It has photographs on it of the students, artwork or college activities. It is clear and well layed out with the different articles and their page numbers in a green box to one side so that they stand out. I think that the contents page is well presented and interesting enough to make you want to see more.
   However, it could improve by linking the pages to the pictures or write what the picture is of underneath it. Also, use more colours to make it more eye-catching to teenagers.