FEATURED
Conference of Common Rooms meets for the first time this term
The Conference of Common Rooms met in the HB Allen Centre on the night of Tuesday 28 October to discuss the next round of Oxford SU motions. Luke Erly reports from the conference and explores the motions.
WHAT’S NEW
Return of the Saracens – Oxford hosts Premiership side for the first time in 15 years
“I was just as confused as you all when I saw who the opponents were for this fixture, but yes, this is indeed correct.” Genesis Nsenga reports on the face…
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Wytham Woods: Oxford’s natural laboratory
Oxford’s woodlands provide a refuge from academic life, but also function as a resource for scientific study. Hannah Smith explores how Wytham Woods, Oxford’s most unusual science lab, engages members…
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LIVER ACHE
‘Smoking someone else’s straight, now they want my secrets in exchange.’ Anna Stibbe’s poem about hazy nights out.
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s “Iron Lady”?
Melissa Eddon After weeks of political upheaval in Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has become the new Prime Minister. The resignation of former PM Shigeru Ishiba after less than a year…
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Luddite Renaissance: A Case for Limiting Laptops in the Classroom
“Laptops are Janus-faced things. They are at once enhancers and detractors of learning.” Noah Petts argues for the limiting of laptops in the classroom. Image taken by Noah Petts, used…
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Outside OX1 Week 2: Ireland, Bolivia and China
The Editor’s Note Welcome back to another issue of Outside OX1! As the crisp chill of Michaelmas settles over Oxford and the term gathers momentum, we turn our gaze outward:…
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Oxford
Skyrocketing Safety: The Power of Above Ground Storage Tanks
Understanding Above Ground Storage Tanks Above ground storage tanks are robust containers designed to hold liquids such as oil, fuel, chemicals, or water at ground level, offering a practical alternative to underground systems. Widely used in industries, agriculture, commercial facilities, and even residential settings, these tanks range from compact 275-gallon units for home heating to…
The effect of a no-confidence vote: crisis at the Union
One month and eight days after the fatal shooting of conservative media personality and influencer Charlie Kirk, the President-Elect of the Oxford Union faced a vote of no-confidence on his presidency following comments he made in the aftermath of the shooting.
Everything You Need to Know about the Schwarzman Centre
Lucy Pollock reports on the Schwarzman Centre that is set to open imminently. Image by Esther Boon, used with permission.
opinion
What Do You Want To Do With Your Language Degree?
Not too rarely, I’m asked the question, “What do you want to do with your degree?” As any humanities student at Oxford knows, there is never really an answer. I could decide to follow the linear career path for someone in my position and pursue translation or teaching, but I would rather not. Studying a…
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Is Reading Still Relevant?
“At a university built on reading, in an age where machines can do it for us, do we still believe reading matters?” Ngoc Diep (Alice) explores the impact of AI on our academic approach, questioning whether reading has lost its relevancy. Image by Vincenzo Malagoli via Pexels
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The Peace Dividend is over
“There is no help on the way. No one is going to save us this time. There is no arsenal of democracy across some vast sea, ready and waiting to rush Europe’s defence as the United States did in 1917 and 1941. Europe is alone. It must prepare for the worst.” Arun Lewis discusses how…
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Peru: Protests and Impeachment, Disorder and Disillusionment
Image description: a child at the 15 October protest in Peru, holding a sign that says “To study is the biggest act of ‘rebellion’ against a state that wants you to remain ignorant”.
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Outside OX1 Week 1: Uruguay, Iran and Cape Verde
The Editor’s Note Welcome to Oxford, to all the Freshers and a warm welcome back to everyone else. Michaelmas First Week is always a delight, with the hustle and bustle of excited faces getting ready for what promises to be a fun academic year. Global Affairs is back and better than ever, after…
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Will the Israel/Iran war really stop at 12 days of conflict?
Elana Roberts explores the build-up to and events during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict. Through evaluating global response to the conflict, the article also considers whether the ceasefire is likely to be maintained in the coming months. Image credit by Tasnim News Agency.
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COLUMNS
Ovary It – Losing my Cycle, Losing Myself
‘My menstrual cycle hates me and, honestly, the feeling is mutual.’
Love Letters: The Last One
‘Perhaps I’m hoping that this column had that effect on someone: the same effect as a kind conversation during an essay crisis. ‘
Cowley Flavors: Mario’s
‘Arrive hungry, order quickly, savor slowly, and have a small chat over espresso with the staff.’
CULTURES
The Last Five Years at the Michael Pilch Studio: Reviewed
“Every aspect of this production, from the costume, to the live band, to the acting and vocal performances, is continually firing on all cylinders.” Oliver Martin reviews Manor Road Productions’…
“I could drink a case of you, and still be on my feet” – Hejira at the Oxford Playhouse: Reviewed
“Championing the charming lightness and churning depth of Mitchell’s music, the band captures the simultaneous free fall and soft land of her jazz journeys so mesmerizingly that the songs unfold…
So Bad, it’s Good: Give yourself over to absolute pleasure with Rocky Horror
“When you treat a film as a bonding experience with your community, come up with unique ways to interact with it, and lean into the terrible-ness of it all…it’ll be…
LIfestyle
10 Health Tips to Survive and Thrive this Michaelmas
“Among certain circles, I’ve become known as Oxford’s unofficial health-guru, so it was no surprise when The Oxford Blue reached out to me for a piece answering your burning lifestyle…
Breakups and Burnout: A guide to term-time heartbreak
“The college environment might seem the worst place possible to go through a breakup.” Judith Hamilton tells her story of heartbreak, and offers advice to others going through the same…
Celebrity Wine – The Good, the Bad, and the Pricey
From offerings by Gordon Ramsey to Snoop Dogg, Jack Wharton shares a humorous review of the celebrity wines on the market.
Identity
Diaries of a Thought Son: “I’m (almost) feeling 22”
“I think first and foremost, in the last year I’ve really come to understand the true meaning of friendship” – Jaami Al-Choudhury reflects on some life lessons ahead of turning…
From Oxford to Spain: “Finding myself” on my Year Abroad
“I wonder if it would matter though, had I not chosen to learn Spanish.” – Juliana Pamiloza explores the impact of her year abroad on her identity.
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