Thursday, May 22, 2025

Anonymous

Author's Latest

Finding the ‘I’ in Recovery

"Ultimately, getting better is not about erasing the past in the promise of the future; it is learning to say your name with a smile, knowing it has always been yours to say and will continue to be."

Work hard, drink harder: Alcohol dependence and the Oxford experience

Since I arrived at Oxford, alcohol has been woven into the fabric of my university experience. Drinking isn’t just expected – it’s encouraged, celebrated, and deeply embedded in student culture. Nights out, pub trips, drinking societies, formals: Oxford demands drinking, and I’ve obliged, over and over again.

Grieving someone I never knew

It feels natural to carry sadness for moments missed, for the advice that might have been shared, and for the unique kind of love that could have shaped your life.

The little things

It can be easy to forget the power of beauty and gratitude. After struggling with depression, the little things can make your day. Like a pen.

Here’s the problem with dating a man far more privileged than you

There is already a power imbalance in heterosexual relationships. The society and institutions in which our relationships with men are built favour men, their...

Alcoholism at Oxford University: A Perspective

"Alcohol nearly ruined my life. For many years to come, I think, I’ll still be grappling with its consequences."

A Beginner’s Guide to Being Single

"I’m going to remind myself of all of the reasons that I am lucky to not be in a relationship at this point in my life."

Freedom of speech in 2023: Why the Oxford Union will never cancel controversial speakers

I don’t support young people from minority or oppressed groups having to defend their own rights in the chamber. I do, however, believe that, the Union should not rescind invites on the basis of Oxford students disagreeing with their views

Review: I Will Delete This Story

"I found that I Will Delete This Story left me wishing that the titular promise had already been fulfilled."

No Sex in the City

Once upon a time a young woman came to study amongst the idyllic spires of Oxford. She dreamed of being ‘Crazy in Love’ as...

100 days on: I’ll give you a choice.

December 26th marks 100 days since the beginning of protests in Iran, sparked by the murder of Mahsa Jina Amini, because of a loosely...

A recovery toolkit to anorexia

"Recovery is confusing - it is not black and white and there is no one who can do it for you. This is where specialist eating disorder services can guide and support you. Recovery is abstract - it is not the same for anyone but that is the beauty of it. ‘Abstract’ is not synonymous with ‘bad’; ‘hope’ is abstract, ‘peace’ is abstract, so too is ‘contentment’."

A question of consent: sexual assault in Oxford

CW: Sexual Assault, violence, rape. "If I didn’t tell this man to stop, how could he have known how uncomfortable he was making me?" Anonymous reflects on their experience of surprise and unconsented choking, and the line between kink and assault.

ADHD among the dreaming spires

CW: Contains descriptions of addiction.  "It’s like jenga. I build a tower, I gradually remove blocks, and then BAM! I collapse." IK reflects on their experiences as an Oxford student with ADHD.

‘Consent Matters’ Review: University offers Stick Figure Sex Education

"University administration and the misguided writers of Consent Matters are disconnected from the reality of sexual assault and harassment in Oxford. A course which divorces consent education from face-to-face discussion is ineffective."

Slightly Stained

My breath is since-soured coffee and yours is sweet cigarette smoke.

Beyond the Bullingdon: A closer look into Oxford’s Secret Societies

Cherwell dives deep into Oxford's clandestine world: Tutors, Tories, bankrolling alumni, and dinosaurs are only the beginning of the world behind doors.

A Guide to Black Tie (sort of)

Let us remember the slip-ups, the expense, the rules, and all that we love about wearing black tie

Telethon calling leaves students and alumni cold

Colleges need to re-think telethon fundraising

Let’s Talk About: Medicine Resits

Learning that you have to resit your medicine exams is difficult, and it is only made worse by an unfair system
123Page 1 of 3

Follow us

Support Student Journalism

Cherwell is Oxford’s oldest independent newspaper, established in 1920. We are entirely student-run. By supporting us, you will contribute to keeping our paper in print and online. Every donation makes a difference.

Donate

Explore

Follow us

More

Oxford Student Publications Limited © 2025 - All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

Website by James Ashley