Saturday 24th January 2026

Lifestyle

In defence of the default order: The Alternative Tuck Shop

There is no place in Oxford that my muscle memory takes me to more reliably than the Alternative Tuck Shop. This happens regardless of my state – still half-asleep, perhaps slightly hungover, or already late for class.

Why you don’t need a “winter arc”

This winter, social media encourages us to embark on the journey of the "winter arc": a self-optimisation quest which leaves little room for hibernation.

The ick factor

Not all icks are created equal, and of course, they shouldn't be treated as such. Either way, they undeniably speak volumes about the person you're with.

Discovering neurodivergence: late diagnosis at Oxford

I always knew I was a bit of a peculiar child. But I was deeply surprised when a friend seeking a diagnosis herself suggested that I might be autistic.

Hands or Cutlery? Resolving an Immigrant Identity Crisis

You are not merely what you eat, but, equally, how you eat.

Ode to a Waitress

‘I’d rather be doing anything, anything than this shit’, falls out between hysterical bouts of sobs – my Mum didn’t sign up for this....

Leaders of Tomorrow? It is Time to Practice Some Humility

At a recent job interview, I was asked whether I considered myself a follower or a leader. Later at lunch with some other candidates,...

Folding@Home: the virtual fight against a global pandemic

As we all isolate at home in the middle of this outbreak, it is difficult not to feel powerless. We are not medical professionals,...

Sleep is for the Rich

This may sound familiar. Five political prisoners are locked in a gas chamber in 1940s Russia. In a military-sanctioned experiment, the subjects are kept awake...

Oxford’s Best Chip Van: A Highly Scientific Study

It is high time for someone to put an end to this age-old dispute

Antisocial Media

Between digging the bunker in the back garden and foraging for loo roll, I’ve mostly been scrolling through Oxlove recently, becoming increasingly invested in...

Bread Making, Simplified

A new bread recipe that won't leave you with the usual sticky hands...

Rethinking Chocolate

When did you last eat chocolate? If you’re anything like the average Brit, your answer will likely fall within the last 48 hours. But...

Staying sex-positive during a global pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic, of which the far-reaching consequences will not be fully appreciated for many years, has seen a short-term shift from young people...

Editors’ picks – Life and Culture in the Time of Covid-19

Our CultCher and Life section editors have pooled their wide-ranging knowledge and have produced their picks for shows, albums, movies, books and lifestyle ideas...

The problem with home delivery – and how we solve it

Businesses must adapt, and consumers must play a greater role in their support

Mauritian Prawn Rougaille

Rougaille is at the heart of authentic Mauritian Creole cuisine. It is not only the easiest Mauritian dish to make, but its combination of...

Moving beyond meat: University proposes to halve meat consumption by 2025

These schemes could encourage colleges to follow suit

Pick up a Book! Rekindling a Love Affair

I will rekindle the love affair with reading that I left behind when I came to Oxford.

Making Your Home Space Your Own

The world around us is changing at an alarming rate, forcing many of us to rethink our plans for the next few months. With these changes...

Mother’s Day: showing you care with food

Nigella’s flourless chocolate cake and custard cream hearts are absolute game-changers, and have never failed to fool people into thinking I understand how to operate in a kitchen.

The Pandemic of Panic Buying

Stockpiling exposes the vulnerabilities of the food aid system

Katya’s grocery haul left-overs

Before being unexpectedly evicted from St. John's College, I did a big Tesco shop and got a whole load of incredible items in the...

Living with a Chronic Illness at University

There are loads of forms before you arrive at Oxford. Room agreements and library contracts to fill in, induction timetables to flick through and...

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