Latest print edition
Revised Music Tripos to begin in Michaelmas
Contribute to Varsity in Michaelmas Term
Cambridge University launches roadmap to remain ‘global leader in health technology’
The changes address the issues raised in the Teaching and Learning Review published in 2016
Varsity is recruiting. Through writing, photography, videography, art, or more, there are many ways to share your story!
Support Varsity
Varsity is the independent newspaper for the University of Cambridge, established in its current form in 1947. In order to maintain our editorial independence, our print newspaper and news website receives no funding from the University of Cambridge or its constituent Colleges.
Read more ...
The roadmap outlines plans to bridge the gap between biomedical research and cutting-edge technology
The financial shortfall is due to a lack of pandemic-related funding from the government, a report has found
Randall was invited to write for Varsity by editor Jeremy Paxman
The number of procedures carried out on animals increased by over 50,000 on last year’s figure
The new programmes will offer research experience to undergraduate students from underrepresented groups
The petition, which calls for the University to scrap the initiative, highlights the UAE’s ‘shocking record of human rights abuses’
The scholarship is part of Formula 1’s $1 million commitment to creating employment and education opportunities for underrepresented groups
Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope said there will be a ‘transitional phase’ while the University carries out a risk assessment to minimise the transmission of Covid-19
Malala and the pressure on Pakistani women to marry
Not Bi Enough?
A word or two before I go
Perspectives from home
Sandy Qasier discusses the backlash against Malala’s comments on marriage and the pressure on Pakistani women to marry
An argument for the recognition of sexuality beyond relationships and pride month memorabilia
Deputy Features Editor Inès Magré takes us away on her spontaneous backpacking adventure to Guatemala
Claudia Chan reflects on a first year at Cambridge experienced mostly from the other side of the world
Through the lens of the English tripos Tragedy paper, Kuan-Chun Chen discusses his journey of resilience and self reflection through a pandemic ridden third year
As we venture into Pride Month, an anonymous student reflects on their journey with the intricate meaning of names in the context of the transgender and gender non conforming community
From Tchaikovsky to railway infrastructure, Mashal Aamir explores the meaning of alignment
In a conversation with his 18-year-old self, Jake Rose reflects on his time at Cambridge with regard to his degree, existential crises and the purpose of education
Eleanor Medcalf discusses the poeticism and significance of Christine Miserando’s ‘spoon theory’ for sufferers of chronic illness
Digital Editor Alex Oxford recounts watching Eurovision for the first time while in her university accommodation and shares her initial reactions
Cambridge Alumna Daria Koren recounts the not so best years of her life in the confines of the Cambridge bubble, in this moving account of isolation, mental health issues and trauma
Kuan-Chun Chen explores his newfound knowledge of the natural world through a college wildflower planting project
Commercial Feature
Commercial Feature
It’s time we hold colleges accountable: Islamophobia at Downing
Red star to black sun: China’s descent into fascism
Cambridge University’s Identity Crisis
Samira Abukar
Samira Abukar argues that Downing College has failed its duty of care to her following a series of Islamophobic incidents throughout her first year
Frankie Richards
Through her own experiences, Frankie Richards argues that the University’s Harassment and Sexual Misconduct procedure is underpinned by slut-shaming and misogynistic ideology
LONG READ
Reflecting on his own experiences at secondary school, Toby Mayhew examines the failings of secondary schools in addressing the sexual harassment experienced by students
LONG READ
Eszter Brandt explores the impacts of fighting COVID-19 via the reallocation of defence and homeland security budgets
Opinion
In the wake of recent discourse surrounding Cambridge’s admission of private school students, Imran Mulla and Harman Tutt reflect on Cambridge University’s admissions problem and the harsh realities facing state school applicants
Riannon Chaplin
Reflecting on her own experiences as a fresher, Senior Opinion Editor Riannon Chaplin argues that there is more to be done to accommodate the needs of disabled students within the University ― and progress that must not be lost
Amy Howell
As we look towards a world without the pandemic, Amy Howell argues that our current trajectory out of Covid is insufficient
Sam Hudson
Against the backdrop of Umberto Eco’s “Ur-Fascism.” Sam Hudson explores how China, under Xi Jinping, has become a fascist state
Emaan Ullah
Emaan Ullah responds to an article on Bill Gates, arguing that technology is in fact necessary in the battle against climate change
Frank Hermann: “seeing other people with smiling faces just makes me happy”
Jan-Werner Müller on democracy and its institutions
In Conversation with Wolf Alice
“I definitely do have responsibility; the level of that responsibility I don’t know yet.” Max Fosh at The Cambridge Union
Ming Kit Wong sits down with Frank Hermann from Selwyn catering to talk about his Hungarian background and life in Cambridge
Sandaleen Qaiser discusses the connective powers of poetry in the pandemic year with Homerton’s first Poet-in-Residence, Dr Mariah Whelan
Ming Kit Wong speaks to Professor Jan-Werner Müller about his upcoming book, Democracy Rules
Olivia Millard speaks to the CEO of London Politica about leadership, the political risk industry and making your voice heard
Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Haigh speaks to Homerton Principal, Professor Geoffrey Ward ahead of his retirement in September about Homerton, diversity and poetry
Interview
Tilly Palmer talks to the mysterious Cambridge icon about how it all started, funny reactions and the busking lifestyle
Tom Bullivant discusses running for London Mayor, ‘Poshness’ and YouTube with Max Fosh, following his talk at the Union
Tilda Butterworth interviews Theo Ellis and Joff Oddie of Wolf Alice about their third album, Blue Weekend, released today (04/06)
Ming Kit Wong speaks to Dr. Daisy Dixon, Research Fellow in Philosophy and Art at Peterhouse, about her career and work in the philosophy of art
Robbie Kalus speaks to the newly appointed Master of Magdalene College, Sir Christopher Greenwood GBE CMG QC, about his time at Cambridge and career as a former judge at the International Court of Justice
Putting a price on CO2
Affan Iqbal explains how carbon markets work and where they still fall short
Cambridge Spotlight
Emily Sissons explores how researchers at the University of Cambridge are searching for new drugs to treat Covid-19
Izavel Lee explains how inadequate funding is forcing conservationists to make tough choices about which species to save – and which to leave behind
Cambridge Spotlight
Anthropologist David Graeber previously hypothesised up to 60% of the workforce have jobs that are completely useless.
Cambridge Spotlight
In this Cambridge Spotlight, Izavel Lee explains new research from the Cambridge Graphene Centre on ultra-high storage density hard disk drives
Rory Cockshaw explains the recent controversy on vaccine patents and examines currently proposed alternatives
In this article, Rory Cockshaw tackles the difficult issue of anti-vaccination beliefs, arguing that ultimately, we all have the same end goal
Tungsten Tang explores whether it is possible to be a scientifically optimal consumer
Emma Bryan argues for the power of the individual in addressing climate change, and talks about how the Cascade app can get all of us involved
Cambridge Spotlight
Emily Sissons explains how insects and algae might soon be part of our everyday diets
Contraception testimonies
Varsity Reviews: The Orator – Cambridge Union’s New Bar and Brasserie 
Varsity is publishing a collection of anonymous submissions on students experiences and struggles with contraceptives.
After a long haitus from instagram, Anna Trowby writes on re-joining the digital platform and her struggles with finding the balance between honesty and oversharing online.
Small Comforts
Ewan Martin looks at the petty victory of haggling and tries to understand why it makes people feel so good.
With exam term coming to a close, Uma Suri reflects on some of her speediest and yummiest lunch time recipes to whip up mid-exam.
Advice
With June 21st seemingly just around the corner, AskVulture gives some advice on managing the overwhelming prospect of post-pandemic life.
After having decided to give meditation a go, Joe Bray reports the benefits he’s experienced. From being more present, to having a better control over his thought process, the results are extensive
Small Comforts
In his ‘Small Comforts’ column, Ewan Martin gets introspective about his favourite constellation: the Plough.
Advice
This week, AskVulture is daydreaming about a post-exam summer in Cambridge and gives some ideas and tips on how to make the most of it.
With easing Covid-19 restrictions on the horizon, Meret Hansen reflects on her relationship with dating apps during the pandemic and questions whether “swiping right” has become a thing of the past
‘Cat Person’ and the I who is not me 
Opinion
Martha French investigates ‘Cat Person’s use of ‘biographical details’.
Discovering a likeness between contemporary photographs and century old paintings, Isabel Sebode delves into the world of the ‘accidental Renaissance’ phenomenon
Famke Veenstra-Ashmore explores her changing attitudes to reading autobiographies.
Review
Arts Editor Margherita Volpato reviews this year’s The Mays, and reflects on how words create intimacy.
In the third instalment in her poetry series, Delilah Dennett muses over time, and its elusive yet constant presence in our lives.
Book Review
In her latest review columnist Emma Hulse discusses what it might mean to not finish a novel.
Exhibition Review
Anna Piper-Thompson discusses human touch and its importance in our lives.
Talia Foster gives a moving account of her experiences with sleep paralysis and how she found comfort in Francis Bacon’s anthropomorphic creatures.
Fiction
Delilah Dennett muses over the difficulty of making choices.
Victoria’s Secret: Rebranding Masculine Fantasies
Celine: Minimalism to Saint Laurent Replica?
Versace VS Armani: Mistress and the Wife?
OPINION
Magdalena Gabrysiak examines how the recent rejuvenation of Victoria’s Secret rejects its male-tailored origins, seeking to create a lingerie brand inclusive for all
Opinion
Fashion Editor Holly Sewell argues the case for the end of seasonality
OPINION
Fashion columnist Eva Morris interrogates how Anna Wintour’s famous assertion ‘Versace dresses the mistress, Armani dresses the wife’ is deeply rooted in historically enshrined misogynistic tropes
PHOTOSHOOT
Varsity collaborates with Cambridge School Of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) for a dreamily evocative shoot on Castle Mound. Photography by Tilda Butterworth and Rosie Poser
INVESTIGATION
Olivia Rhodes explores how Molly Goddard’s presentation of prettiness through elaborately frilled designs subverts traditional femininity and promotes confidence above all
Columnist Anna Chan tells the story of the underground ball scene in 20th century New York
INTERVIEW PROFILES
As part of a two piece series ‘Digital Disruptors’, Fashion Editor Lily Maguire speaks to influencers and models about digital self-expression, taking control of content and challenging the stronghold of traditional magazines. Featuring Sophia & Cinzia, Dazhané Leah, Mathilde Mellor, Joyce Cisse, Ayron Irving and Jessicah Davies
INTERVIEW PROFILES
As part of a two piece series ‘Digital Disruptors’, Fashion Editor Lily Maguire speaks to TikTokers about the importance of fashion in exploring your identity and how TikTok aesthetics are steering trends more than runways. Featuring TikTokers Olivia Neill, Lola Clark, Luiza Cordery, Janice Glimmer and ‘GlamByFlo’
Interviews
Fashion Editor Holly Sewell talks to some of her favourite designers from Fashion Week Istanbul about the importance of sustainability, inspiration and empowerment in their work
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is a franchise film only a fan could love
Shadow and Bone: a fantasy fan’s dream 
Review
Jillian Hong reviews the record breaking movie sequel to the hit anime.
Review
Anna Mahtani reviews Netflix’s latest venture into the world of TV fantasy series — a perfect balm for exam term.
Columnist Jonty Taylor reflects on his reviewing of this stylistic and rhythmic documentary feature.
Aatqa Arham looks at The House is Black, a powerful documentary by Persian poet Forough Farrokhzad.
Kieran Holder explores the little-known cult-classic film Cube from a post-lockdown perspective.
Review
Film and TV Editor Emily Moss reviews Emma Seligman’s debut feature film — a wild, unpredictable and unnerving ride from beginning to end.
Anna Trowby takes a close look at how autistic characters have been portrayed in Film and TV.
Nadia Lines explores her personal connection with Booksmart, and explains why she couldn’t watch it during this winter’s lockdown.
Review
Miruna Tiberiu reviews Chloe Zhao’s Academy Award winning drama about a woman living a nomadic life around the American West.
Review
Columnist Arianna Muñoz reviews Argyris Papadimitropoulos’ ‘Monday’, starring Sebastian Stan and Denise Gogh as Americans swept up in a whirlwind romance in Greece.
The Grunge Revolution
Review: Simone Eringfeld – Please Hold 
Columnist Rose Green reviews Cambridge postgraduate student and spoken word artist Simone Eringfeld’s lockdown-inspired EP
Genevieve Badia-Aylin explores the debt owed by modern music to the short-lived but hugely influential rock subgenre
Music editor Rishi Sharma picks 15 songs that he feels sum up the last 12 months
Jamie Robertson discusses how the industrial musicians have adapted their sound for the big screen
Music Editor Rishi Sharma talks to the band’s lead guitarist ahead of their latest album, All the Colours of You, which is out on the 4th of June
Music editor Rishi Sharma reviews the latest album from the London rock group
Maddy Fisher reviews St. Vincent’s newest album, which is her first since 2017′s MASSEDUCTION
Columnist Faiz Ghaffar explores how rap subgenres can deepen our understanding of a wide-ranging category of music
With exams looming, what have Varsity’s team members been listening to? Music Editor Rishi Sharma finds out.
Hugo Lloyd-Williams discusses the cultural impact of NPR’s unique concert series
Emma Robinson interviews Georgie Deri and Becca Mayer about their new company Sandcastle Theatre
Anna Trowby calls upon Cambridge Theatre to address ‘strident racist attitudes’
Review
Emma Robinson reviews Sean O’Neill’s The Parnassus Players
Review
Jasmine Regan Feldman reviews the experimental ADC lateshow, The Trouble With Today’s Women 3.5 stars
Preview
Suchitra Sebastian previews Bread Theatre and Film Company’s The Trouble With Today’s Women
An anonymous student reflects on their experiences as a survivor in Cambridge theatre
Theatre Editor Stanley Lawson reviews The Way to San Francisco
Review
Jasmine Regan Feldman reviews Memento Mori, a piece of new student writing
Tom Chandler continues their column on playwriting by discussing planning, and coping in the face of unexpected events
Review
Theatre Editor Stanley Lawson reviews the new student written play ‘Lost Boy’
Anna Kiesenhofer, former Cambridge student, cycles to gold in Women’s Road Race
Premier League Kits 2021/22 – Report Card
“I’m in the shape of my life”: In Conversation with Olympic Athlete Louise Shanahan
Rowing their way to Tokyo: Meet Cambridge’s Olympic rowers
The victory marks Austria’s first gold medal from a Summer Olympics since 2004
LONG READ
Shanahan’s eleventh-hour journey to the Olympics has seen her travel to the Czech Republic, Switzerland and home to Ireland to secure the all-important qualifying time
One month on from the renowned event, Liam Kline considers whether influencer fights are a blessing in disguise for the future of professional boxing
Amidst increased calls for a biennial World Cup, Jack Wadding questions the impact of continuously changing formats
After a tournament somewhat overshadowed by the Euros, Damola Odeyemi reviews the Copa América and what the result means for Lionel Messi
As fans wait Amazon’s all-access glimpse into Arsenal, Zakariyya Ali explores the implications that this documentary may have on the North London side
Varsity Sport goes sartorial as Staff Writer and kit enthusiast Joseph Hill takes a look at some of the best and worst of the kits that have been released so far for 2021/22
Staff Writer Liam Kline reflects on his experience with strength training and the process of forming a healthy attachment to the gym
Juliet Thornton considers the dark side of football culture
Izzy and her guest host Ted discuss Pride Month and how students and their colleges are celebrating the period this Easter term.
Izzy and her guest host Inika discuss the Indian Covid Crisis and the effect that it has had on students across Cambridge University.
Izzy and her guest host Nora Redmond discuss spirituality and faith at university, and explore what these communities look like for students across Cambridge.
Izzy and her guest host Libby Warr discuss student mental health in honour of Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme this year is ‘Nature and the Environment.’
This week, new host Isabella Todini and guest host Theola Ojo open the season with a discussion about different experiences of this year’s Lent term
Varsity spoke to Cambridge students Alex, Lotte and Polly to find out how they’re coping under a third national lockdown. Sharing a day in the life, these are their Lockdown Diaries.
Hosts Amber and Eliza talk to guests about the importance of physical and mental fitness during a remote Lent term, while also speaking to RAG and Pink Week to discuss their plans for the term.
Hosts Amber and Eliza chat to Vice-Chancellor Stephen Toope on everything from safety net provision to the new Foundation Year to how Cambridge is preparing for another online term.
Podcast
Hosts Amber and Eliza open the season with a discussion of colleges’ response to the new lockdown, recent controversies at Homerton, and the Cambridge Rent Strike.
Sponsored Links
Partner Links
