Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Blog Page 44

Increasing tuition fees, increasing inequality

Anita Okunde
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Increasing tuition fees, increasing inequality

When writing this article, I logged in out of curiosity to see my student loan balance. I saw a pretty number: £44,644.18, with £1,463.44 in interest. The fact that two years of my household income would only just about cover my university loans thus far, and that I had spent the time missing lectures after ridiculous nights out, was humbling. 

However, fear not! Labour has a plan for more accountability, easing the burden on students, and making the university more accessible – a plan which somehow involves raising the undergraduate fee cap to £10,500. As a PPEist, I had learned not to derive hope from a politician’s promise: Bridget Phillipson’s insistence that she was not upping tuition fees was drowned out by many’s concerns that they needed to be increased. It seems like an easy choice, given that in the 2023-2024 academic year, 40% of British universities ran deficits, and we haven’t seen an increase in the cap since 2017. However, the implications of this increase in the tuition fee cap have a broader impact on social mobility, and the economic implications on students have not been discussed sufficiently to warrant such a drastic increase.

The rationale behind the proposed rise in tuition fees, as put forward by some policymakers, is cloaked in the language of necessity. The argument goes that universities are struggling to keep up with rising operational costs, from staff salaries to campus maintenance and, of course, funding world-class research. They point to their rankings, research output, and attractiveness to international students as reasons for every-bigger budgets. I understand their plight in needing to balance the books, and maintain quality and status. But is this hike truly necessary, or is it simply the most convenient option for those in power? Alternative funding models should be considered. For example, a return to increased public funding through per-student grants, which has fallen back by 18% in real terms since 2012, could relieve students of bearing the brunt of financial strain. Taxing corporations or high-net-worth individuals who directly benefit from an educated workforce is also viable. Instead, the government seems to prefer to fall back on the familiar narrative that students must pay more to secure the same, or even diminishing, educational experience.

However, tuition fee hikes only offer a short-term fix. It’s not as if universities will see a windfall from this and immediately solve all their financial problems. Instead, the more fees increase, students and their families are forced to take on unsustainable debt levels. Meanwhile, the underlying issues remain government cuts to education funding, the underfunding of research, and a dependence on tuition fees that leaves institutions vulnerable to fluctuations in student numbers. This solution doesn’t address the root cause: the model of financing higher education is fundamentally broken.

At the heart of this brokenness is the question of whether this reliance on ever-rising student loans and tuition fees is sustainable in the long term. Our system has normalised the idea that an 18-year-old, fresh out of sixth form, unschooled in financial planning, is responsible enough to pay off a £27,500 student loan – many graduates struggle to pay off their debts, with some barely making a dent before the remainder is written off decades later. These figures are fiscally ridiculous. The government forecasts that around 65% of full-time undergraduates starting in 2023/24 would repay them in full. This is more than double the forecast for the 2022/23 cohort – for whom the expectation was 27%. Increasing the fee cap feels like a temporary patch on a gaping wound in the system, a wound that needs more than just another layer of financial gauze to heal.

The broader implications of raising the tuition fee cap on working-class and underprivileged students are also far-reaching and under-considered. It’s not just about the immediate financial burden; it’s about the message this sends. The more fees increase, the more university becomes an elitist institution that does not help democratise access to information. For those from low-income backgrounds, attending university may now feel like a financial gamble rather than an investment in their future. The idea that a degree is a ticket to a better life begins to lose its shine when the price tag feels insurmountable. Students already weighing up whether they can even afford to apply are inevitably put off by the thought of taking on tens of thousands of pounds in debt. Among families who have used a foodbank in the last year, 39% of those not planning to apply to universities cited high costs as the main barrier. We hear time and time again that education is meant to be the ‘great equaliser’, levelling the playing field for those who might not have the same social or economic advantages. But how can that be true if, with every fee increase, the university doors inch further out of reach for those who need it most to advance socially?

For families already grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, the prospect of higher tuition fees adds another layer of financial stress. It’s not just about paying for university; it’s about choosing between investing in education and covering necessities. Middle and low-income families often rely on loans to send their children to university and will feel the pinch the hardest. With the price of everything from rent to food spiralling, the idea of finding even more money for higher education can feel overwhelming. Coming to university has meant my maintenance loan has often been used to help with household bills or the needs of a house I do not live in for most of the year. This is the reality of many students. 

Ultimately, the conversation around raising the tuition fee cap is about much more than just numbers. It’s about the shifting perception of higher education, what it stands for, who it benefits, and who it leaves behind. The government’s justification for this increase feels flimsy and negligent at worst. Yes, universities need funding, but we must alleviate this pressure without forcing students and their families into even deeper financial hardship. The reality is that raising tuition fees is a short-term fix for a long-term problem, and it only papers over the cracks in an already broken system. As we move forward, we must ask ourselves: what kind of higher education system do we want? One that widens the gap between rich and poor or serves as a ladder of opportunity? If we continue down this path, the doors to that ladder are slowly closing, locking out the very people it was built to help.

A month in Berlin: Embracing solitude in the big city

Sultan Khokhar
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A month in Berlin: Embracing solitude in the big city

There’s something distinctly Berlin about the setting I am writing in. Inside the jazz café, elegantly dressed business people sit next to a table of young men getting ready to head outside for a cigarette. Miles Davis hums in the background, while loud emergency sirens thunder past every now and then (a true Berlin staple). I check the time once more and confirm that I’ve been here for three hours and written as many lines. There’s a comforting quality to the casual cacophony that appears to be an omnipresent aspect of life in a busy metropolis. It’s impossible to miss: you feel it on nights out in the city when you see throngs of people whatever the hour, and you feel it in the everyday, the mundane, as you get to the supermarket on a Tuesday afternoon and it’s as busy as Magdalen Street Tesco at 6pm.

The similarities with our small university city do end there, though. With all its colleges, clubs and societies, sports teams, and more, Oxford is an excellent place to meet new people and make new friends. The lack of these spaces, even for students, has been perhaps the greatest culture shock that has arisen after moving to Europe. Student-club-culture just isn’t as big here. As a result, social occasions are fewer and farther between, indeed the concept of a ‘social’, just for the sake of it, here feels distant and foreign. And as much I’d like to pretend my German is fluent, a language barrier does still exist too (the time I blanked on the word for ‘weight’ in the gym comes to mind). This, combined with the relatively fleeting character of social events, has meant it is more difficult to form meaningful relationships with people than what many of us are used to after two years at Oxford. 

As my café grows gradually busier, I can’t help but notice that a significant proportion of the people slowly trickling in are by themselves. Certainly, there is something to be said for the culture of voluntary solitude that is to be found in so many European hubs today. In the era of remote-working, recorded lectures, and Instagram reels, it comes as no surprise that so many people seem  to go it alone. One friend, who grew up and completed his undergraduate in Berlin, told me that most of his friends here today are those he went to school with. Platforms like BumbleForFriends and Meetup also lack the popularity they enjoy in places like London.

I hope I have not soured your impression of Berlin too much thus far. Of course, I would be completely remiss to portray the city as some sort of unwelcoming wilderness, populated by lonely creatures bent on ceaseless, solitary social confinement. In fact, after a little over a month living here, I’ve come to appreciate the desire to enjoy one’s own company. There’s a distinctly freeing quality about being beholden only to one’s own interests and ideas. To be able to make plans that suit only you, and that can be broken on a whim with no hurt feelings. And there is a unique sense of excitement and discovery that accompanies trying out things you have done a thousand times with others, alone. My first museum trip in Berlin saw me taking the time to really engage and enjoy the 80 years of recent German art history on display before me, strolling through the exhibition slower than a tourist on Broad Street – I spent three hours at the Neue Nationalgalerie that afternoon.

Feelings of isolation are almost inevitable at the start of a year abroad. Rather than viewing this as a setback though, the best approach can be to embrace the unfamiliar social landscape as an opportunity for growth. Stepping outside your comfort zone can be a positive, enriching experience. Simple things, like reading at a café, can be opportunities to explore the diversity of one’s local area and to discover something new about yourself. In some ways, doing it alone can be the most rewarding, most organic way to meet new and interesting people. Last week I connected with a pair of literature students in a coffee shop I’d decided to try over my copy of Fitzgerald’s ‘Tender Is The Night’.

As the honeyed tenor of Davis’ trumpet begins to grow louder, and the lights dim to a soft, mellow gold, I can’t help but think that going it alone isn’t so bad.

Margaret Casely-Hayford: Why I should be Chancellor

Margaret Casely-Hayford
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Margaret Casely-Hayford: Why I should be Chancellor

Dr Margaret Casely-Hayford is a lawyer and businesswoman who previously served as Chancellor of Coventry University. She is a Board member of the Co-op Group and was previously Chair of Shakespeare’s Globe

I want to be a Chancellor that everyone in Oxford can look up to as an emblem of the unity of the University as a community and seat of learning. The Chancellor is not only the bedrock of advice and guidance for the Vice Chancellor and the governing body of the University, but has developed into much more in the modern era. If elected, I would be an envoy for Oxford on the international stage and, as part of that role, crucially recognise and respect the diversity and individuality of each college, as they succeed together with the university as the unifying institution, whilst also being available to the Vice Chancellor and governing body as a support. 

After 900 years, it’s time for difference in leadership and I want to be elected emphatically not because I would be the first woman or person hailing from an ethnic minority background to hold the position (although election of a woman would clearly be an overdue change), but because of recognition of my achievements as such – and the symbolism of that recognition to change the limits of what may be possible for those who graduate from Oxford today. Also, because I am consensual in style and collegiate in approach, I believe that a learning environment should foster respectful, confident debate and establish a confidence that builds the resilience that makes future leaders, and people capable of co-operating for success.

Post Brexit, external relation-building is an important part of driving the country’s economic growth. The reach of Oxford’s soft power as a world class institution extends more widely than ever and the role therefore demands diplomatic and ambassadorial skills of its Chancellor and someone who is outward facing without driving any particular political agenda. 

I’m a proud graduate and an Honorary Fellow of Somerville College and have a huge love for the College and the University. I would consider it the most enormous honour not only to use the role to champion Oxford’s learning and research opportunity, its ambitions and excellence, but also to use the alumni networks to help establish partnerships globally and encourage funding.

The recent focus on the industrial strategy brought into sharp focus the importance of cooperation between public and private partnerships, the power of information sharing and most crucially, the investment in our future. I share the bright and ambitious outlook of the current Government, but recognise the importance of nurturing and supporting our youth, and their wider support systems to set them up for the best chance of success; and then for the nation more widely to recognise the value of our higher education sector. When our youth succeeds, our nation can prosper. Oxford University demonstrated during Covid the way that the excellence of our research is not only a massive economic contributor but can also literally be a lifesaver. Let’s continue to champion that confidence and brilliance.

Dominic Grieve: Why I should be Chancellor

Dominic Grieve
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Dominic Grieve: Why I should be Chancellor

Rt Hon Dominic Grieve KC has served as Shadow Home Secretary and Attorney General for England and Wales.

Being Chancellor of the University of Oxford is a great honour for whoever holds the office. There are ceremonial functions to be fulfilled. But there is also the work of the University to be encouraged and its ethos as a place of learning to be sustained. It carries with it responsibilities to support the University and to act, as and when needed, as its advocate and representative. This includes championing academic freedom; being a channel to government over education policy and state funding; and helping the University’s development and fundraising to increase its independence. The Chancellor must also be able, if called upon, to act as the Visitor to five colleges within the University.  A Chancellor will have ideas as to how the University might best progress, but it is the Vice-Chancellor and Council who make most of the policy decisions. 

My ties to Oxford began with my undergraduate years at Magdalen, which were among the most positive experiences of my life and I am forever grateful for them. In recent times I have been a frequent visitor to the University, taking part in some of its academic activities and, when conducting the review of the governance of Christ Church, spending several days a week in Oxford. That review required me to have a good understanding of the governance issues currently facing the University more generally and to meet with a wide group of its senior members and officers. These contacts have increased my respect and affection both for the University and for its potential for good. 

Oxford, along with other universities, is navigating its way through a period of change and opportunity. It faces challenges over its funding support from government and in maintaining and enhancing its place as one of the world’s great centres of learning. Supporting its continuing development as a centre of excellence, embracing diversity in all its forms, and advocating for the University are all roles that would be a great privilege for me to do. I believe that I can put the experience I have gained through my past career to good use on the University’s behalf. As Attorney General I was at the heart of ensuring that the rule of law and ethical standards in government were upheld. I am now independent of any political party and active outside of my profession as a trustee of charities. Some of these, such as the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and the British-Irish Association, which I chair, are about bringing people together to share ideas and experience for the common good. I have time to perform the duties required of the Chancellor and to participate more generally in the life of the University. I am deeply committed to the principles underpinning human rights, equality and the right to freedom of expression under law and with civility, essential to academic freedom in a place of learning, and I would like to make a contribution to the University’s well being and success. This is why I am standing.

Peter Mandelson: Why I should be Chancellor

Peter Mandelson
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Peter Mandelson: Why I should be Chancellor

Lord Peter Mandelson has held positions including Director of Communications for the Labour Party, Secretary of State for Trade, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and European Commissioner.

I think all the main people bidding to be Chancellor have in common their love of the University and desire to see it flourish. But after a lifetime in British and European politics, I think I can bring a wider-angle lens to the role, something to the University from my experience outside it. This means projecting the university globally, but it also means attracting the best talent – students and academic faculty – and the most generous benefactors who want to back the university, both its people and its physical fabric.

Students do not have a vote in the election, but they should have a voice and this is what I have said on issues important to them. 

Oxford must never be a place where talent is constrained by background. Widening access means widening the talent pool, ensuring that we are attracting and supporting the very best candidates from every corner of society. I will prioritise fundraising efforts to expand both financial aid and support systems, ensuring that every student, regardless of circumstance, has the resources they need to thrive while at Oxford.

Addressing the disparities between Oxford’s colleges is not just a matter of fairness, it is crucial for the University’s long-term success and global competitiveness. Unequal distribution of resources among colleges impacts students, faculty, and, more widely, Oxford’s ability to maintain its position as a world leader in education and research. The recently published College Disparities Report marks a positive step in the right direction. I wholeheartedly support this effort and believe it provides a strong foundation for further action.

Mental health is a growing concern across universities globally and Oxford is no exception. The pressures students face today, from academic demands to financial stresses, are immense. The University must ensure that every student feels supported, valued, and capable of succeeding during their time here.  As Chancellor, I would champion efforts to expand the University’s welfare services, ensuring mental health is treated with the same seriousness alongside academic performance. 

Oxford has a responsibility not only to its students but also to the wider world. The commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and biodiversity net gain by 2035 is ambitious, and rightly so. But ambition must be matched by decisive action and that action must be grounded in ethical decision-making. Sustainability cannot be treated as an afterthought—it must be a central pillar in shaping Oxford’s future.

Oxford’s diversity—of thought, background, and experience—is what makes it so special. Therefore, we have a responsibility to ensure that every individual feels they belong and are valued. Achieving equality goes beyond formal legal rights. It’s about how we treat one another, the respect we show, and the examples we set.  As a married gay man myself, I understand personally how important the changes made by the last Labour government were and the profound difference they have made to the happiness and dignity of so many.

In my first term in 1973, I joined a demonstration at the Examination Schools to get the university authorities to respond to the demand for accommodation of the students’ union. This was at the beginning of OUSU’s life and since then the union has given a powerful voice to students in the university. If elected Chancellor I will listen to this voice and ensure it is heard in the university.

Re-understanding my Nan

Ted Holbrook
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Re-understanding my Nan

“So, you study Geography? Did you bring your colouring pencils to university with you?”

During my time at Oxford, I’ve heard this joke more times than I can count. I take it in my stride, but it’s become clear that, beyond oxbow lakes, most people have little idea what studying Geography at university actually entails. The simple answer is: anything. Geography is a discipline defined by its unapologetic breadth, using this diversity to apply an interdisciplinary lens to the world. This diversity became particularly evident when we began planning our dissertation research, as we were told there were “no limits” on topic or focus. I knew this was my chance to study something meaningful to me beyond academics—something that affected my everyday life.

Like many, my grandparents have been incredibly important in my life. More than this, though, they are like a second set of parents, caring for me throughout my childhood—from picking me up from school each day to teaching me how to tie my shoelaces, often stepping into a parental role when challenges arose. As I grew older, however, so did they – leaving us to confront the everyday realities of my Nan’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Just as she had stepped up for me, I, in turn, stepped up for her, taking on the role of one of her primary carers whilst balancing the demands of studying and paid work. This continued until I began my studies at Oxford, when we made the decision to move her into a residential care home. Since then, every day as a family has felt like an emotional battle—between guilt, comfort in knowing she’s safe, and ongoing worry. Not a week goes by at Oxford without a FaceTime call existential crisis as we discuss what’s truly best for her while hearing about her increasing anxieties.

After learning about the flexibility I’d have in choosing my dissertation topic, I knew I had to do something for my Nan—to create a project for her and for myself as part of my Geography degree. Seeing her challenges in the care home, while my peers took on internships or travelled the world, I decided to take a position as a healthcare assistant to support my dissertation research. In this role, I aimed to observe the everyday lives of care home residents, examining their agency, power, and resistance within a space that is both caring and necessarily controlling. While completing my caregiving tasks, I also got to know the residents on a personal level—hearing their stories, listening to their experiences, laughing with them, and comforting them in moments of distress. Connecting with people who have had such incredible lives is an experience I’ll never forget. In many of these residents, I also saw glimpses of my Nan, realising she wasn’t alone in her inner conflicts between feeling cared for and feeling controlled. I also connected with the residents’ family members, relating to their struggles as I shared their sentiments.

As I completed my role, each visit to my Nan felt completely different. Each difficulty I witnessed reminded me that she is not alone in her experiences. My research has shown me that care homes are spaces of deep contradictions: they are places of care and protection, yet they impose isolating limitations to achieve this. Many residents, like my Nan, quietly struggle with the loss of autonomy in ways that aren’t always visible; it’s an emotional adjustment to live in an environment where even the smallest decisions are often made by others. And while dedicated staff work hard to provide the best possible care, the structure of the environment can create a sense of isolation for residents who remember the freedoms they once had. Studying these experiences through Geography and my research has been essential in helping me come to terms with my Nan’s everyday reality, because now I truly understand it. This doesn’t change her experience, but it has given me a more informed perspective, helping me to recognise that, despite her challenges, she is in the safest place possible.

So, the next time you think about making an innocent joke about colouring pencils, I hope my story reminds you of what Geography can encompass. My Nan is always on my mind while I’m in Oxford, and I’m deeply grateful that Geography has allowed me to bring her experiences to light.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Sangria

Victoria McKinley-Smith
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Sangria

One’s a historic university town, steeped in tradition and academic rigour, whilst the other is a metropolis famed for its vibrant Mediterranean culture, art, and architecture. As Michaelmas rumbles on under increasingly grey skies and the increasing threat of vitamin D deficiency, one sentiment unites these two cities: a collective hatred for tourists.

Barcelona is home to some of the most impressive modernist architecture in the world. But the reality is that most of these buildings are not inhabited by locals. Just look at Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens, and Casa Tilly-Clemmie-and-Minty-on-their-three-week-interrail-trip. The influx of tourists has driven up property prices, making it increasingly difficult for locals, especially those dependent on low-paying, tourism-related jobs, to afford to live in the city. This has resulted in the sale of only 58,199 houses in the area last year. It’s not the vertiginous towers of the Sagrada Familia that have sickened locals, but a dire case of Airbnbitis that has made their city a tourist village. Even Gaudí himself couldn’t afford to live there anymore.

Enter Oxford. More and more properties are split into accommodation for weekend getaways to the city of dreaming spires and sleepless students. The fantasy of living in a picturesque, historic city has driven up demand for accommodation, leading to rising property prices that are making it increasingly difficult for locals. University employees have a particularly hard time. Even academics are being priced out, forced to live further away, and endure long commutes, a reality that threatens the city’s academic core. According to the Office for National Statistics, housing affordability in Oxford has stagnated, with the average price for first time buyers rising from £376,000 to £414,000 in only the past year. Adiós to my dreams of that Jericho townhouse. 

Of course, tourism brings both cities benefits. It generates over 9.6 billion euros annually for Barça and accounts for a colossal 14% of its GDP. Each year, approximately 32 million tourists descend upon the city to Oxford’s 7 million. This comes at a cost: local businesses that once served the community are now seedy sangria speakeasies, “I love milf” tee shirt vendors, or our particular poison – the Harry Potter merch store. There are now two of these shops on Cornmarket. Is it really so difficult to take ten steps down the road to pick up your Gryffindor scarf and sorting hat? 

Unfortunately, the tourists don’t seem to use the spell accio bin. On Las Ramblas, the bins are said to have been emptied a startling 14 times in a single day, whilst Oxford has imposed fines of up to £150 for littering in the city’s popular green spaces.

Compared to Barcelona, Oxford may not be swarming with sun-seekers, but it faces its own unique set of challenges. While we as students haven’t resorted to squirting tourists with water pistols like our Catalan counterparts, it’s undeniably frustrating to have to push past swarms of people on High Street when you’re already late for your tute. A critical artery for locals and students alike, the street often feels more like a tourist trap than a functioning part of the city. 

But it’s not just the buildings who attract the tourists, it’s us, the students. Picture a brown-haired, glasses-wearing fresher at Matriculation being gawped at by a group of tourists. “Look! It’s Harry Potter!” Yeah, only this Harry Potter speaks Latin, not Parseltongue and lives in a four-bed in Tunbridge Wells, not a cupboard under the stairs. Tourists line the street, mystified by the common Oxford student, eager to catch us in our gowns, or on our way in and out of the Rad Cam. This is perhaps an indication of the exoticisation of culture which comes as a result of tourism. The visitors coming for the bank holiday week-end don’t know the realities of life behind the façade. Behold, the lesser-spotted Oxford student, home from Bridge only a few hours ago, Bod card left somewhere in Spoons, wearing the same jumper for the third day in a row. All they see is the perfect scholar on their way to another intellectually stimulating discussion with a professor dressed in tweed and a monocle.

Really though, Oxford students are no better than the common Barcelona tourist. Granted, we may stay a little longer, and our days are spent in the library, not laying on a sandy beach, but we are still very much temporary residents. We spend so much time complaining about tourists that we disregard what it’s like for the locals who view us in much the same light. In fact, students and University staff make up over 22% of the population of Oxford, the highest such ratio in England and Wales. No wonder you can’t walk down Broad Street without running into that tutor you promised an essay to. 

Addressing the issues of tourism will require a nuanced and balanced approach that considers both the economic benefits of tourism and the needs of local residents. Without careful management, Oxford, like Barcelona, risks becoming another example of a city victimised by its own success, where the quality of life for its residents is sacrificed in the name of economic gain. It’s a cautionary tale that resonates with historic cities across the world, many of which are grappling with the same challenges. As both Oxford and Barcelona navigate the complex dynamics of tourism, the lessons learned here could serve as a blueprint for other cities like Venice, Santorini, and Dubrovnik, all facing similar pressures. 

So then, what’s the solution to dealing with tourists? Take a deep breath, and put the water pistol down. 

Stephen Fry ‘delighted’ to be Visiting Professor of Creative Media

Poppy Littler-Jennings
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Stephen Fry ‘delighted’ to be Visiting Professor of Creative Media

Stephen Fry has been named a Visiting Professor of Creative Media within the Faculty of English at Oxford University. A renowned actor, comedian, author, director, and screenwriter, Fry, a Cambridge alumnus, is the recipient of a Golden Globe and two Tony Awards, and has graced both the silver screen and the Broadway stage throughout his career.

Fry told Cherwell: “Naturally to be asked to accept any visiting Professorship – even at a University that isn’t quite Cambridge – is a tremendous honour. No, but shush. Truly, I am delighted to have been offered this post, whose duties I shall endeavour to discharge with diligence.”

Fry studied English at Cambridge University, where his interest in the theatrical arts firmly took root. He was an avid participant in various drama clubs including the esteemed Cambridge Footlights where he met Hugh Laurie, with whom he would go on to produce a comedy double act Fry and Laurie in the 1980s and 1990s.   

Since leaving university, Fry has appeared in numerous films, holding the titular role in Wilde (1997), and voicing the character of the Chesire chat in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland (2010).

As an openly gay man, he has been a prominent voice within the LGBTQ+ community and produced the critically acclaimed documentary Out There, which examined the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from different walks of life across the world.

Recently, Stephen Fry has extended his literary works by penning a series of texts that reimagine the Greek myths, in which he argues that Classics and mythology should be accessible for everyone, not just the formally educated.   

Despite completing his undergraduate study at “The Other Place”, Oxford University warmly welcomes Visiting Professor Fry, who is due to give a lecture at the Sheldonian Theatre on 24th January.

Chair of the English Faculty Board Professor Marion Turner said: “Stephen’s versatility, experience, and innovation across so many forms of media fit him perfectly for this role. Our Visiting Professors of Creative Media always inspire our students and add new perspectives and energy to our community. We can’t wait to welcome Stephen.”

Dishoom’s Permit Room brings the spirit of Bombay to Oxford

Amanda Li
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Dishoom’s Permit Room brings the spirit of Bombay to Oxford

Cherwell Food attended the opening of Dishoom’s first restaurant in Oxford: a Permit Room based on those in Bombay restaurants where it is legal to serve alcohol. An all-day cafe, they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner: with plenty of unique cocktails at the bar. Dishoom already has two of these scattered across the UK, including in Cambridge(hosting a Permit Room is the only respect Oxford has been second to Cambridge in). We were delighted to attend their Press Night, where we sampled an expansive range of their light bites, unique cocktails and a generous variety of their main lunch and dinner menu. 

We arrived to a completely packed bar: incense at the door brightened the room and we were faced immediately with a selection of drinks. The pink pepper pineapple soda had a bit of tang that didn’t overwhelm, and the orange wine margarita was an absolute knockout. It took us a while to even fully process the ambiance of the restaurant. With peppy instrumental music and the chatter of the customers, the dim lighting with warm lamps made it feel more akin to a living room than a venue in the middle of bustling Oxford. We sat next to a jukebox offering guests the opportunity to select music to play after 5pm and were frequented by friendly staff offering appetizers. 

We’d heard good things about the spinach chaat and were not disappointed. Our waiter said that it was rare for restaurants to serve the delicacy owing to the effort and precision required to make every leaf crispy. The pomegranate added freshness to the crisp of the spinach, and the yogurt sauce and chutney made the serving rich and indulgent. It was honestly to die for and we kept going back for more tasters. Other vegetarian highlights were the jackfruit puff, which we liked more than the chicken equivalent because of its pulled pork-like texture, and the prawn recheado, which Maddie was a massive fan of to say the least. The prawn was tender and the chili garlic masala added a kick without overpowering the prawn.

Our mains were equally as flavorful, with portions large enough to fill you up even without rice or naan on the side. For a table of four, we had the black daal, chicken ruby, prawn moilee, jackfruit berry pulao, and chicken tandoori special, with broccoli and both plain and garlic naan on the side. The serves were generous and the only thing starved was our table – of space to fit the dishes. We began with the jackfruit berry pulao consisting of jackfruit hidden under a pile of saffron-coated rice. We enjoyed the pulao both on its own and with a curry; the pomegranate seeds were crunchy and juicy and the jaggery added a tad bit of sweetness that cut across the spices. The chicken in the chicken ruby was fork tender, and covered with the glossy curry. You could never miss with it.

Our half chicken tandoori was supplemented by cucumber, tomato, lemon, and green chutney, but even alone, the chicken was flavorful enough. Some parts were slightly dry, but generally the chicken was good, and the dry bits went well with the chutney. The daal was a good source of protein without being meat, and certainly flavourful. The tomato flavor, though an undertone in the curry, prevented the spices from coming out as much, but we still had a touch of heat that came out when dipping a naan or garlic naan in it. Our table mates greatly enjoyed the prawn moilee, with the warmth of the tumeric offset by the runny coconut milk. It was more suited for a cold day than the warm restaurant, but paired with a refreshingly fruity rum kiwi colada shimmy, the curries were able to tone down the spice for those who can’t take the heat.

Dessert was unique: though we didn’t order mango lassi to drink, it existed in a soft serve ice cream form. There was not enough mango in the taste, but with the fennel on top, it otherwise was a refreshing take on a mango ice cream. But the dessert standout was the sweet malai toast. Dishoom’s take on the Indian comfort food made us salivate: the slight chewiness of the milk solids on crunchy toast was unique and certainly more balanced than expected. 

Yet it wasn’t the food that stood out the most for us, but the atmosphere and community we were able to feel during the meal. We chatted with the Thakri cousins, two of Dishoom’s founders who took inspiration for the restaurant from their times in Bombay permit rooms. They told us about the history of permit rooms and their role since independence as a gathering place to drink alcohol as it slowly became permissible. Shamil, an Oxford PPE graduate himself, told us he saw similarities between a university student culture which brings peers together over good conversation and drinks, and the way Dishoom’s cocktails bring people together.

Sitting next to Shamil, Kavi, and their loved ones made us feel part of the Dishoom family; sharing plates and insights on life over various cocktails made four hours fly by and left us wanting more. We greatly enjoyed their company and felt that their hospitality showed even through the details within the restaurant: they debated and carefully selected things like the mini bottles and lime oil spritz for cocktails, and were proud of every design. The sense of family, care and warmth at the core of the Dishoom brand is completely at odds with sometimes impersonal experiences you’d expect at a restaurant chain.

Some highlights within the drinks menu were the spicy guava frosé, nonalcoholic lychee French ‘75, and the clarified mango lassi punch. Though a bit more expensive than college bars, there were truly unique cocktails. We were given a Crystal Mary, with tomato and jalapeño vodka. I loved it as it reminded me of a Bloody Mary without the horrific texture; Maddie couldn’t get over the fact that it was savory. I also loved the chai caffe martini, a warmer take on the espresso martini with extra banana flavor through the rum. We got to go behind the bar and shake/serve the martini ourselves, an electrifying experience where everyone cheered on the drink makers. 

Overall, the night was just as warm and cozy as the food, with a twist uniquely Oxford. We’d go again 1000% — maybe to try their bacon naan roll for breakfast.

SU apologises to former president over ‘unfounded’ suspension

Cherwell News and Investigations Section Editors
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SU apologises to former president over ‘unfounded’ suspension

The Student Union (SU) has released a statement apologising to former president Danial Hussain for “fail[ing] in its responsibilities, and in particular its duty of care” following an independent report. The apology comes after Hussain’s suspension last year over allegations the report finds “unfounded” and that the period of suspension was “not warranted”.

​​Hussain was initially suspended in summer last year, reinstated after the complaint was dismissed, and then suspended again in November, following a complaint that he shared pornographic material to SU staff via Google Drive. The report finds the allegations against Hussain to be “unfounded and unsupported by evidence (as confirmed by the investigation carried out at the time)” and the following suspension being “not warranted in the circumstances”. Hussain should have been allowed to return to his role, it stated.

In a statement, Hussain said: “I had to overcome constant unprofessional, hostile, and discriminatory behaviour from those within the organisation intent on discrediting my leadership…I am proud to have persisted despite these challenges and to have succeeded in both bringing about reform to the SU by spearheading a root and branch transformation and in delivering meaningful change to Oxford by publishing the College Disparities Report.”

The report described the failure as accumulated by the SU as a whole instead of by individuals, and that “had a significant and negative impact on Mr Hussain and his wellbeing”. In particular, it highlights the “publication of media articles containing sensitive, confidential but incomplete information about internal HR processes”.

The SU declined to comment throughout the investigation period, nor when Hussain was reinstated as President in February, stating that they “do not comment on confidential HR matters”.

The statement goes on to acknowledge the effect on Hussain, saying that he “did not receive the level of support he should have received” and thanking him for the significance of the work he did whilst in office. Initiatives such as diversity unconscious bias training, clarity about people’s roles, relationships and responsibilities, and support for elected officers in their roles that will be implemented as a result of the report. 

At the time of Hussain’s suspension, he said that a “thorough and fair examination will clear me of any wrongdoing”, and was reinstated in his role after four months of suspension with pay.

Hussain faced backlash during and after his suspension. The incident was referenced in Corpus Christi JCR’s motion to formally disaffiliate from the SU, stating that “the SU is marred by controversy”. His absence from the role was referenced during the most recent elections for President, as one candidate ran on a platform of an “empty chair”, as “the SU is currently running just fine without anyone fulfilling the role of SU President.”

Here’s the full text to Hussain’s statement:

I acknowledge the apology from the Oxford Students’ Union (SU) for its failure and mistreatment of me and commitment to introduce equality and diversity training. This is a first step, but further change is still needed.

For years the Oxford SU has been perceived as a failed organisation unresponsive to students’ needs. I was elected with a clear mandate for reform and drive meaningful change. However, I was appalled to face internal obstruction against increasing accountability, effectiveness and transparency; the very changes that students demanded from their SU. Worse, I had to overcome constant unprofessional, hostile, and discriminatory behaviour from those within the organisation intent on discrediting my leadership. 

I am proud to have persisted despite these challenges and to have succeeded in both bringing about reform to the SU by spearheading a root and branch transformation and in delivering meaningful change to Oxford by publishing the College Disparities Report.

I am grateful to all who believed in me and supported my efforts throughout this difficult period, and who enabled me to implement reform in the interest of all Oxford students.

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