Caitlin’s Ins and Outs:

With our plethora of traditions and microcultures, Cambridge life is nothing short of overwhelming. Ultimately, you have to be cut-throat with your scheduling; term by term, some traditions take centre stage, while others don’t make the cut. And as the halfway mark of my time at Cambridge draws ever closer, I’ve been considering some of my ins and outs for the upcoming year.

In: Formal Swaps

It’s nearly every Cambridge student’s dream to attend as many of the college formals as possible, but how many of us achieve this feat? In spite of hearing glowing reviews of Emmanuel’s desserts and King’s majestic Hall, I’ve only managed formals at a meagre three colleges. However, Lent term is the perfect time to rectify this; with far more connections now, and fewer commitments, 2026 will see me making these dining dreams a reality.

Out: Repeated Study Spots

In previous terms, I’ve taken a Sheldon’s Spot approach to study locations, consistently residing at the same mezzanine desk at St John’s. 2026 will be the year I renounce this monotonous trend. Cambridge has a myriad of independent cafés, from the cosy and rustic top floor of the Indigo Café to all-new G’s Artisan on Bridge Street. Simply positioning yourself somewhere new can provide a much-needed change of scene as you lock in.

“Experiencing the world outside of our student bubble… can prove vitally refreshing during the chaos of term”

In: Exploring Cambridge (without the University)

Cambridge life often revolves around Cambridge University; however, there’s far more to Cambridgeshire than the academic institution. We’re surrounded by oft-forgotten rural scenery, such as the nearby nature reserves in Trumpington. It’s also easy to forget some of the social experiences available within local shops, like tea-tasting nights at iconic matcha chain Bird & Blend. Experiencing the world outside of our student bubble from time to time can prove vitally refreshing during the chaos of term.

Out: Faculty Butteries

It’s all too easy to become reliant on the Sidgwick buttery or Whale Cafe. However, as convenient as they are, the vegan sausage rolls have made a sizeable dent in my wallet. So, in a New Year’s haze of unsustainable ambition, I’m aiming to bring homemade sandwiches and salads to lectures. However, if all else fails, even a Mainsbury’s meal deal is a more economical option than daily buttery trips.

2026 may be the year for braving the University Library, or for choosing to let go of some of the more insidious elements of Cambridge culture, like Facebook. Whatever you get up to, I implore you to banish FOMO. Whether you’re living it up in Lola’s or the library, the most vital 2026 “in” of all is to prioritise whatever is authentic to you.

Decima’s Ins and Outs:

New Year’s Resolutions. Three words that fill half of us with new purpose and motivation, and the other half with dread at the inevitable fact that, come January 4th, we will have already slipped up. Many people associate resolutions with giving something up completely or starting something new; a far lower-effort, but equally effective, solution is to simply adapt pre-existing features of our lives.

In: The ‘Casual Hang’

“Did you ever see Rachel asking Monica if she was free next Tuesday evening?”

The change that will define my 2026 is the return of the ‘casual hang’. Did you ever see Rachel asking Monica if she was free next Tuesday evening? We’re all busy people, but friendships are built through spontaneity – not appointments in an already overflowing calendar.

Out: Romantic nonchalance

I hope my fellow singles will agree that talking stages and situationships have also had their time. While casual works for many, this is the year of asking people out in real life. Does it actually matter if the cute bartender says no? Admitting that you find someone attractive is not embarrassing, and I’m tired of pretending that it is. Nonchalance is OUT for 2026.

In: Individualism

It’s not for me to decide this year’s trends, but let’s aim for some variety. While the clean aesthetic has its place, I hope to see more smoky eyes and guyliner in Clare Cellars this term. Further yet, skip this year’s skinny jeans and tassels if they don’t spark joy! Trends should inspire, not determine.

Out: Doomscrolling

Finally, it’s time to replace doomscrolling with actual hobbies. Whether it’s origami, sport, or collecting a leaf from every college (though Caius might be a challenge nowadays), we all need something that defines us beyond our degree, career or relationship status. And don’t just sign up for football because your friends like it – if the lost art of chiromancy is calling you, let it be your next casual hang!

So, there you have it: small changes that could make all the difference. But remember, January 1st is a date arbitrarily chosen by Caesar in 45BC, not a personal deadline. If all we achieve this year is getting to the end of it, that’s something to celebrate.