You’ve officially made it halfway through the term whilst braving the dreary Hilary weather and slogging through essay after essay or problem sheet after problem sheet. It’s time to treat yourself to an interesting lecture, chill event, or a night out. Find events this week and tackle those fifth week blues.

Monday, 17 February

Informative: Transformative Theory of Justice, 1:15 pm, Faculty of Law Seminar Room L

Roman David, professor at Lingnan University in Hong Kong, discusses his experiences in Hong Kong and his research on democracy, totalitarianism, and how Communism informs theories of justice.

Chill: Feminist and LGBTQ+ Films, 4:30 pm, Auditorium at St. Johns

As part of LGBTQ+ history month, three short films will be screened that feature LGBTQ+ relationships and feminism: Thriller (1979), The Royal Road (2015), and Nectar (2014). The screening will conclude with a discussion with Professor Nikolaj Lübecker and Dr Emilija Talijan.

Night out: The Cure vs. The Smiths- The Beef Series, 10:30 pm, Plush Lounge

Plush is going back to the 80s and celebrating two iconic bands. Tickets £5 here.

Tuesday, 18 February

Informative: Rocking the Cradle: Radio Galaxies and Black Holes, 5:00 pm, Martin Wood Lecture Theatre

Listen to Dr. James Allison discuss the sounds of space and the mysterious black holes that absorb radio signals. Free wine to sip on whilst contemplating the universe.

Chill: Oxford University Historical Society Pub Quiz, 7:30 pm, King’s Arms

All the days spent writing history essays and shivering in the Rad Cam have led to this pub quiz. Test your knowledge of history whether it’s your area of study or not. £2 for members of OUHS, £5 for non-members.  

Night out: Catz Music Society Presents: Music Night, 8:30 pm, Freud

Free evening of alternative pop, funk and all the eclectic favourites DJed and performed by students.

Wednesday, 19 February

Informative: Hate Crime Presentation with the Crown Prosecution Service, 2:00 pm, Britton Room, Trinity College

103,379 offences were motivated by hate according to a recent Parliamentary report in 2018-2019. This lecture will discuss how to identify hate crimes and their legal implications. Register here.

Chill: Turl Street Arts Fest Poetry and Painting/ Drink and Draw 6:00 pm, Oakshotte Room, Lincoln College

Inspiration and drawing materials will be provided at this drawing night. Thought-provoking poetry and images will be set up and accompanied by wine and live music to make for a truly creative and relaxing evening.

Night out: Park End 00’s Party, 10:00 pm, Park End

Jam out to the best music the 2000s had to offer. Tickets £5 here.

Thursday, 20 February

Informative: Is There an Extinction Crisis in the Ocean? 7:30 pm, Queen’s College, Lecture Room B

Professor Alex Rogers discusses his research on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems and how humans have impacted them through deep-sea fishing and climate change. Free with Bod Card.

Chill: Fat Thursday: How May Pączki Can You Eat? 7:30 pm, St John’s College

Hosted by the Oxford Polish Society, this event celebrates the Pączki: a traditional Polish doughnot filled with jelly and glazed with sugar and orange peel. You won’t be able to eat just one. First Pączki free, then £1 each. Entrance free for members of Polish Society, £3 for non-members.

Night out: What’s a Pound? 10:00 pm, Bridge

The usual excitement Bridge has to offer plus donations to charity. This night is a collab with “What’s a Pound,” an organisation that gets colleges to donate £1 from each ball or event ticket to charity. £6-£8 on FIXR, £8 at the door (cash only).

Friday, 21 February

Informative: Feminist Engagement with Women in China, 2:00 pm, Radcliffe Humanities

Maria Jaschok, Senior Research Associate of the Contemporary China Studies in the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, Ling Tang, LGBT activists in Hong Kong, and Yunyun Zhou, doctoral candidate in Contemporary Chinese Studies at Oxford, discuss their own fascinating research and experiences of feminism in China.

Chill: Down 2 Frack?: Comedy vs. Climate Change, 7:00 pm, Common Ground

Comedians discuss climate change to shed some light and laughter on to a topic. £6 at the door.

Night out: Kool Thing at the Mad Hatter: 20th Century Alternative, 9:00 pm, Mad Hatter

Enjoy music latter-half of the 20th century: Radiohead, The Cure, The Clash, The Ramones and other iconic bands of the century. Tickets £2-£3 here.

Saturday, 22 February

Informative: City as Studio: Creative Careers, 1:00 pm, Modern Art Oxford

Hear from arts professionals and others working in creative industries about their experiences in finding a job after school. Pre-register here,

Chill: Lángos & Láger with the Hungarian Society, 7:00 pm, St Giles Church

Who could say no to more fried dough, this time a savoury version served with sour cream, cheese and garlic alongside unlimited beer and Hungarian music. £4 for members, £7 for non-members.

Night out: Lemonade Oxford #3, 9:00 pm, The Library

Club night at The Library features only the best: Beyoncé, the queen herself, Rihanna, Lizzo, and other favourite Pop, RnB, and Indie artists. Free entry.

Sunday, 23 February

Informative: Building Relationships in the Community, 5:30, Project SOUP

Local organisations will come together to talk about their mission for the broader Oxford community. Money and awareness will be raised for them through food and drinks served.

Chill: Turl Street Arts Fest Street Fair, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Brasenose Lane

Brasenose Lane will come alive with art and live music to make your Sunday scaries a bit better.

Night out: Music Quiz! 7:00 pm, The Bullingdon

Enjoy a free night of music quiz questions hosted by local comedians with prizes up for grabs, like free tickets to a gig or club night of your choice.