FEATURED
Reform UK’s Rise: From Populist Sideshow to Political Power
“For now, the winds are at Reform UK’s back. It has momentum, a media presence, and a political opening. But movements built on populism often face a paradox: the anger that fuels them can be volatile, and, if not carefully channelled, can turn inward. Whether Reform UK becomes a real governing force or another angry…
WHAT’S NEW
All in a Weekend
Isabelle Winter and Julie Urban take us through a weekend of sports action from Varsities various to the Town and Gown 10k. Image by Jed Leicester.
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Vocatio:Responsio and Rethinking the ‘Other Options’
“An excellent performance […but] ultimately, Leipzig’s Other Options: Graupner & Bach fell short of fulfilling Vocatio:Responsio’s artistic aim of creating a unique concert-going experience.” George Finney reviews Vocatio:Responsio’s most recent…
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Life as a Visiting Student
‘Sometimes, I question whether it’s worth it. What if my family has some issues that I can’t share or help them with? And where would my life go after spending…
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Cowley Flavors: Real Kungfu Noodle
A bowl of silky, hand-pulled noodles in fragrant beef broth, crafted with centuries-old technique, brings Northwestern China to the heart of Oxford. Carol Zhao explores how Real Kungfu Noodle became…
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Ovary It: Of Course I’m Angry
In the first installment of her new column, Issi Marklew discusses her experiences with menstruation and PMDD on her adolescence and student life at Oxford.
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Agenda Released for Oxford Student Union’s First Conference of Common Rooms
Esther Boon reports on the recent announcement of the agenda for Oxford SU’s first Conference of Common Rooms. Image by Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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Oxford
‘Women in Film’ Event Set to Host Simone Ashley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Amongst Others
Esther Boon reports on the announcement of speakers for Oxford’s upcoming ‘Women in Film’ event. Image of Simon Ashley by France RC – Roster Con, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), image of Gugu Mbatha-Raw by Ross, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), pictures remixed by Esther Boon into one image
Assisted Dying Campaigners Gather in Cowley
Content Warning: this article contains mentions of death, assisted dying, and suicide. On Saturday 3 May, a group of campaigners for Dignity in Dying gathered at Manzil Way Gardens in Cowley to raise awareness of the progress of Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. The bill, which would legalise assisted dying for…
‘Oxford for Trans Rights’ Protestors Parade the City
The Oxford Blue reports on the recent protest by the recently established ‘Oxford for Trans Rights’ group, following the recent Supreme Court decision
opinion
Politics Sells Sex
“Acknowledging that who we become is shaped far more by external forces than by innate traits—as de Beauvoir made clear in 1949—is a painful realisation. It forces us to wonder who we might be without society and whether we can ever truly be ourselves. Yet this insight can also empower us to challenge societal authority—a…
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How to Hijack Feminism: A Space Odyssey
“On April 14, 2025, the patriarchy wasn’t dismantled. It shook hands with capitalism.” Isolde Sellin discusses the implications of Katy Perry’s trip to space – and what our reactions to it tell us about the necessity of feminism today. Image by Kassian Köck, used with permission.
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Labour’s new welfare cuts: why you should care
Sofia Mollona explains her problems with the new welfare cuts implemented by the Labour government, and why you should care. Image by StockSnap from Pixabay, image is free to use.
Keep readingGlobal Affairs
Outside OX1 Week 2 – South Korea, Mali, Kashmir and Gaza
The Global Affairs team explore the biggest news from this week, including the upcoming South Korean elections, Malian leader Goïta’s suspension of political parties, the recent conflict in Kashmir and Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Image Credit by Evie Fairclough-Kay.
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The Invisible Ones: Student Protests in Serbia
Lola Dunton-Milenkovic discusses the recent student protests in Serbia and the context around them. “What remains to be seen is whether the protests will symbolise merely an episode of discontent in history or whether they will pave the way for social reform. Regardless, what is certain is that this generation of students has…
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Germany Needed Stability, Not This
“Friedrich Merz became chancellor today, but in neither the conventional nor the ideal way.” Isolde Sellin discusses how Friedrich Merz faced a troubled start as chancellor after failing the first parliamentary vote. Image credit by Steffen Prößdorf.
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COLUMNS
Love Letters: Grey Hair
‘Thinking about the future won’t ever stop terrifying me. And yet… there’s a certain comfort in it.’ Lucy Pollock explores her thoughts on ageing and the future, and the feelings that come with growing older.
Ugly Feelings: The Sting and The Shove
The difference between what men say and what they mean has never ceased to baffle me. In his bed, I’m a goddess, a muse, a Galatea for all the times his hands have traced over me. I’m not a religious person but I do sometimes think God made you for me. Sally Rooney, save me. …
Your College Auntie: End of Term
Your College Auntie returns for one last time as Hilary draws to a close to round off the term by answering your most pressing Oxfesses. Illustration by Victor Eero
CULTURES
Books under 150 pages to get back into reading
‘If you are the type to overthink and worry about grades, especially near the end of the academic year, I highly recommend sitting down at your favourite reading spot in…
113 at the Burton Taylor Studio: Reviewed
“113’s plot threads are aptly interwoven: the characters fulfill the play’s title just as the true nature of their rooms is revealed, and the play seamlessly switches focus from these…
The Tate Bod-ern (or Exhibition 004: Reviewed)
“An extensive mélange of media” – Mia Harrison reviews the opening night of must-see “Exhibition 004” at Worcester College, sharing insights into the exhibition’s concept and curation and delving into…
LIfestyle
A Guide to Surviving Oxford If You Don’t Drink (Much)
Ngoc Diep (Alice) shares her advice on navigating college life as a sober student. Image by Ngoc Diep.
Making Friends at Oxford for The Socially Inept
“The fact of my loneliness in college was staring me in the face.” Ruby Sampson gives advice for anyone struggling to find their crowd. Image by Ruby Sampson.
“Google, how do I revise?”: A guide to vac revision
“I am going to provide a crash course on turning your revision around. This is not a warm bath, I warn you, but it will get the job done.” Niamh…
Identity
‘One size does not fit all’: Not Just A Stereotype
‘Everyone is different, and that’s what makes life so fascinating.’ Dhillon Lalji explores his experiences with neurodiversity in Oxford. Image Credit: Prosa via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 4.0
‘Is it better to speak or to die?’: Diaries of a Thought Son
‘When I’m away from the four walls that raised me, I am my most authentic queer self’. Jaami Al-Choudhury explores their experiences with queerness, safety, and the freedom to express…
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We are the Oxford Blue, an Oxford University award-winning online newspaper. | A new voice for a new decade. | Est. 2020. We want journalism to be an inclusive space, open to all, no experience needed. If you are interested in writing, editing, illustrating, or want to learn more, please get in touch.