The campus novel on vacation
The first thing I did after finishing my exams last May was read Elif Batuman’s quintessential campus novel The Idiot. Although I was checking out of academia for the summer months, I couldn’t help but return to its comforting rhythm in Batuman’s book, which narrates Selin’s freshman year at
Polari Literary Salon: a c+nty night out
Having relocated from the Kate Bush tribute/inspired (still unclear) band performance, we were finally in the right space. Gutted because Baby Bushka sounded like a great time. Don’t worry, we bought merch later to apologise for abandoning their gig. Thankfully Karen McLeod seemed ch
In conversation with: Darius Sanai
Darius Sanai has gone from one extreme to another: having spent his early twenties working as a correspondent in South Africa, where he “didn’t mind nearly dying, because it kind of went with the job”, he’s now Editor in Chief of LUX magazine, which he describes as “for the 0.01%”
What do I think about when I brush my teeth?
What do I think about when I brush my teeth? Not much. Usually, it takes me about 10 minutes, not because I’m intensely into dental hygiene but because I get distracted pretty quickly. Instagram reels, brushing my hair, and the radio if I’m feeling adventurous. This isn’t a lament on my
After hours in the canteen
I’m on the balcony overlooking Latymer Upper School’s playing fields, chatting to the owner of School Kitchens, David Nicholson. There’s a field with a school rugby team below, and the ‘Feel Good Funk’ Spotify mix faintly playing from the crackly speakers inside—it’s an undoubte
Is conscious rap still conscious?
I remember standing in the crowd at Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. tour, hearing “Alright” live for the first time. The atmosphere was electric: “We gon be alright”. For those few hours, music felt like the most powerful thing in the world—a way to connect, to heal, to resist. Kendrick wasn’t
Tearing it up
I believe in consistency: I hold my sixth form’s record for most consecutive late detentions. I check the Wigan Athletic scores every weekend because I used to love their name. I rewatch Blades of Glory annually. And four years apart, in 2020 and 2024, I walked into Room 12 at the Spire Hospital t
The Isis HT25 pitch prompts
Personal essays Profess your undying love to someone (and name names). Interview your ex Tell us the thing about you which makes the least sense Explain why you never learnt to drive, to cook, to ride a bike, to swim…Defend yourself. God promised me a place at Oxford, do I deserve it? Write
In defence of Guns N’ Roses
I am not saying Guns N’ Roses are an ‘underrated’ band in the grand scheme of things. They’ve sold over 100 million records, joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, and everyone from the Manic Street Preachers to The Strokes have counted them as an influence