Sunday, March 9, 2025

Lifestyle

Reflections on the perils of overthinking

here is a lot to be said for blind positivity. On a good day, I’m a manifester, a big believer in my ability to speak things into existence. During my English A-Level, I had complete confidence that the crystals hidden in my bra would provide enough luck to snag me an A*. Today, I put great faith in words, relying on the same ‘I can do it’ that gets Olympic athletes across the finish line, to help me through difficult situations.

The fourth year: Oxford after your year abroad

I’m now in my fourth year, and as such, must grapple with the reality of my Oxford days drawing to a close. Granted, this is something that every student must contend with, and I watched on as most of my friends bade a fond farewell to this city where our friendships began when they graduated last summer. Yet there is something about the fourth year that I’m certain makes the final year even more strange: a sense of something already lost, of living in a moment that has already passed.

An evening at Pierre Victoire: French bistro dining at its best

Pierre Victoire has been here on Little Clarendon Street for decades – one of...

Being Cupid isn’t easy: What I learned from a term of running Cherpse

Now, having exhausted myself with these relentless pursuits, the job has been passed on to a new bright-eyed Cupid, and in my retirement I’ve become fondly reflective, and decided to curate my insights into this list: 

Make Love Not Porn

Eleanor Bley Griffiths talks hardcore porn, younger men and self-promotion with Cindy Gallop

The Bridget Jones of Oxford: The Elusive Zen

Oxford's own Bridget Jones reflects on the sweat, blood and tears that is Bikram Yoga

Interview: Sophie Hulme

Imogen Beecroft talks to Sophie Hulme, a young designer causing quite a stir

Three’s not a crowd

Max McGenity meets Ian Mucklejohn, the first single man in the UK to have surrogate children.

Do me if you’ve ‘done’ India

Oxford's own Bridget Jones reflects on gap yah guys

The Joys of Teaching: A Year Abroad Perspective

Gruffudd Owen on life without Oxford - and the weird and wonderful ways of her students

The nudist life laid bare

Alexia Millett ponders why nudism is still so unpopular in Britain, and whether she’ll ever be converted

Review: Byron

George Street's newest chain combines gastronomy with a uniquely authentic feel

Homage to Fromage: Fondue

Anthony Collins explores the pleasures and pitfalls of melted cheese

Is he a Saint or a Sinha?

Nastassia Dahnraj talks to Paul Sinha about quizzing, failure, and finding your voice

The Post-Christmas Blues

If you're spending the last days of your Vac procrastinating and making unachievable resolutions, you're not alone

NYE: Do’s and Do Not’s

Jess Bird gives the run-down on how to have a Really Good Time

Too old for Christmas? Grow up!

Laura French on why Christmas never loses its magic - even if that magic now revolves around food and alcohol...

Christmas dinner for under a fiver

From Tesco's Turkey Sandwich to LIDL's (luxury?) Turkey Platter, Nastassia Dhanraj raids the spectrum of supermarkets in an attempt to find the best value Christmas dinner

Top 3 Christmas Classics

Bethan Tabram explores the nation's festive favourites - and why we have a lot to learn from Love Actually

Travel Blog: Viva la Vienna

Nastassia Dhanraj visits Vienna's Christmas markets - and enjoys a 13-course dinner

Been there, done that, got the offer

(Real-life Oxford student) Max McGenity gives his top tips to all those young and naive interviewees

Showing up Santa

3 Jaegerbombs, 2 Blackwell's books and an overdraft that makes you feel faint. Cherwell's guide to what to get your friends this Christmas

Stop the Press: Kate needs a BIGGER wardrobe

What's that, Kate's having a baby? Ghoncheh Dolatshahi gives her side of the royal story

Ten Varsity alternatives

It's ninth week of Michaelmas, and that can only mean one thing: most of your friends have buggered off to get pissed with Tabs at the Folie Douce. For those of us left behind, Cherwell has compiled a list of things to do instead of twiddling your thumbs, or, indeed, skiing.

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