Hidden Archives

The University of Cambridge has unveiled the long-concealed personal archive of Amy Levy, a Victorian-era writer praised by Oscar Wilde as “a girl of genius”. The collection includes letters, manuscripts, photographs, and diaries. It offers new insight into Levy’s pioneering explorations of women’s independence, Jewish identity, and same-sex desire. Born in 1861, Levy was one of Cambridge’s earliest female Jewish students and went on to publish collections of poetry, novels, and essays before her death by suicide at 27. Scholars have said the newly accessible material also illuminates the writer’s literary circle, including both Vernon Lee and Wilde himself.

Cambridge’s Care Commitment

The University of Cambridge has received new recognition for its commitment to supporting students who have been in care or who are estranged. The University received the NNECL Quality Mark, which recognises the University’s improving support systems in place, including financial support of over £8,000 a year and guaranteed year-round accommodation. Staff say the process highlighted strengths but also areas for further action. NNECL praised Cambridge’s whole-university approach despite the challenges of a devolved college model. Around 38 care-experienced students joined courses in 2025. Homerton College’s Lord Woolley commented that the recognition affirms ongoing efforts to build consistent, inclusive support for all students involved today.

Bright for Bridgemas

The festive season has officially kicked off in Cambridge, with streets glowing merrily, as the annual Christmas lights switch on happened last Sunday (16/11). Crowds gathered around the newly set-up stage in Market Square as a series of various local acts took to the floor all afternoon to build excitement for the final switch on, from local choirs, performing arts, and dance groups. The event featured the ADC’s student panto troupe joining arms with Mayor Dinah Pounds to officially switch the lights on.

Cat-astrophic Climbs

An emergency mission by Peterhouse College gardeners has been conducted to save stranded cat Rory, beloved pet of the Peterhouse College Chaplain. After being startled by the Pembroke master’s two dogs, Rory rocketed up a tree in neighbouring Pembroke College and was left stranded. The five-year-old tabby cat, unofficial “student welfare support cat,” frequently visits both Pembroke and Downing College. He is featured on his own Instagram account, where he is warmly depicted as the students’ “feline chaplain”. The gardeners quickly brought Rory down to safety, and a spokesperson for Pembroke College said: “Rory’s a much-loved visitor to Pembroke’s grounds… so our gardeners were more than happy to assist him when he got stuck up a tree. We hope to see him back in Pembroke soon.”