FREEFREE Take a Takecopy a copy Get your Vulture ix Exclusive interview Fresher edition with Vice-Chancellor News 6 Behind the lens No. 881 White Lies Friday 2nd October 2020 with varsity.co.uk Music 20

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An extraordinary Freshers’ Week at Cambridge

events we had already organised.” Gaby Vides Cancelled events included a socially- Senior News Editor distanced silent disco and the college’s Cameron White Freshers’ Fair moving “onto a virtual Deputy News Editor platform”, with new plans involving “chilling in the Fellows’ Garden, a dinner his week marks the beginning of an at Revs [Revolution] with the whole year unprecedented Freshers’ Week for Cam- but in their household bubbles [and] par- bridge’s incoming cohort. While Freshers’ ties in staircases, [with] events mostly Week is usually illed with club nights, online”. bops, and formals, this year’s arrivals can Abi Caple, Vice-President of Murray expect pizza nights with their household, Edwards’ JCR also emphasised that socially distanced scavenger hunts, and many activities will be online: “We will Zoom pub quizzes. However, despite the still have events that are traditionally uncertainty awaiting this year’s fresh- large group, such as a bar quiz and bingo, ers, colleges’ Freshers’ Representatives however these will all be done virtually” (FREPs) have committed to planning an and “the Medwards Freshers’ Fair will eventful and welcoming timetable. be online.” Varsity also spoke to Alex Mann, Vice- Initial plans changed to socially distanced President of the JCR Committee at Cor- fun pus Christi, who stated that while “initial Grace Beckett, the Female FREP at plans for Freshers’ Week were to run as Christ’s, told Varsity that no plans had many in-person events as possible”, in been made for Freshers’ Week before light of recent guidelines, “a lot of stuf the pandemic hit the UK in March. Hav- has gone online,” with “things such as ing “made plans when the guidelines consent workshops and anti-racism We’re back! were much more lenient,” Beckett added training [remaining] in-person that “when the ‘rule of six’ came in [...] we had to cancel or rethink a lot of the Continued on page 2 ▶

Cambridge responds to the University’s ‘landmark decision’ to fully divest investments in the fossil fuel industry fossil fuel companies for at least twenty Zero Carbon added “this sends a re- the University to produce strategies for Amy Batley from its £3.5 billion endowment fund years. sounding signal to BP, Shell, and Exx- divestment, have also been accompa- Associate Editor by 2030. Cambridge Zero Carbon, the cam- onMobil: no more will Cambridge Uni- nied by rallies and direct actions, such Ewan Hawkins he announcement, which has been paign which has been at the forefront versity proit from the companies who as their week-long occupation of the Investigations Editor described as a ‘landmark decision’ by of the ive-year campaign for divestment, have decimated frontline communities, University inance oices in June 2018 Gaby Vides Cambridge Student Union President Ben commented: “his is a historic victory for bankrolled misleading climate science, by 25 students. Senior News Editor Margolis, was announced in the Vice- the divestment movement. After dec- lobbied against environmental regula- As a result of this divestment report, Chancellor’s annual address on hursday ades of close collaboration with the fossil tions, and continued to explore for oil Cambridge’s Investment Oice has ar- After a ive-year campaign from several morning. he targets mark a major break fuel industry, Cambridge University has even as the planet burns.” rived at the decision to remove their student and staf groups, the University with the energy sector; Cambridge has been forced to concede to divestment Zero Carbon’s lobbying eforts, includ- investments in fossil fuels across all of Cambridge yesterday (01/10) com- held close inancial and research ties demands put forward by student and ing coordinating a motion backed by 324 mitted to remove all direct and indirect with BP, Royal Dutch Shell, and other staf campaigners.” Cambridge academics in 2019 calling on News page 3 ▶

Inside ● Rethinking the ‘perfect’ student Pg.12 ● ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ Pg.14 ● Ask Vulture Pg.21 2 F  2 O 2020

News

incoming freshers who may struggle admitted that she “has probably got[ten] ▶ Continued from front page with the anxiety-inducing climate of a more out of it.” but socially-distanced under ‘educa- Covid-secure Freshers’ Week by provid- tional’ purposes.” He added that there ing all freshers with “a pack explaining FREPs’ communication with college EDITORIAL will still be a “welcome event — much the mental health services [available] in FREPs have been in constant com- like a beer garden — on Courts.” Cambridge.” munication with colleges, oten having Having planned “classic fun activities” Mann also informed Varsity that, to to change plans as soon as they have such as “clubbing, punting [and] ‘salsa provide additional welfare arrangements been  nalised due to the alterations in and sangria’,” Suzi Pozniak, the Female for Corpus Christi’s incoming freshers, government guidelines. A Messy FREP at St Catharine’s, said that “the rule there will be a “higher number of wel- Beckett shared that college guidelines of six obviously put a massive spanner in fare events in Freshers’ Week” which will had led her and the Male Freshers’ Repre- the works,” leading to the cancellation of be “continued throughout [Michaelmas] ❝ sentative “to believe that freshers will be Michaelmas “a lot of communal things allowing [the term.” Pozniak highlighted that St Ca- It’ll be living in the same household and [that] Freshers] to have fun.” tharine’s JCR members have been run- most of their socialising will be done in A term at Cambridge is already a messy and hectic Re-organised and Covid-secure social ning “a virtual Welfare Tea” during the important that household.” She therefore expressed term for many, as we rush from one thing to the next, activities will now include “scavenging pandemic, and that “the reaching out of for older concern at information she received that and, with the onslaught of Covid-19, life is bound to hunts, delivering [the Freshers] Domino’s Welfare Reps has been more signposted revealed “that a couple of freshers will get even messier. However, that is okay! Pizza, going punting — basically things than in recent years.” years to be living in households with students in As we detail in this Freshers’ Week edition, particu- that can happen in groups of six, [and] Similarly, Emmanuel has better pub- set the other years [and] there are households larly in our exclusive interview with the Vice-Chancellor unfortunately, no beer garden.” licised the role of their welfare o cers with only 1 or 2 freshers in them,” which (News, page 6), the University as well as the Colleges are Emmanuel’s FREPs have planned a via the FREPs’ Instagram and the welfare example could potentially hamper the accessibil- doing what they can to keep us safe and allow our lives timetable which includes a “beer garden o cers will be present at events “so that but ulti- ity of Freshers’ Week for some of Christs’ to have some sort of structure and certainty. Whilst Var- on one night with a Footlights perform- people know there is somewhere to go” incoming students. Nonetheless, Beckett sity has been quick to critique many of the University’s ance” and “an outdoor cinema night on if they are struggling. mately is “very happy with the job that [she] and policies as well as the di erent approaches of Colleges the  rst night.” Selwyn’s FREPs shared their concerns fresh- the other Freshers’ Rep have done,” and to the pandemic (News, page 4), it is important to note Selwyn’s FREPs, Harry Mayne and about student loneliness, particularly said she was “excited to share the event that much is being done with students in mind. Poppy Robinson, are committed to “do- “if freshers are unhappy with the peo- ers have with the Freshers.” In this edition, we similarly have kept the students, ing as many open air events in the day ple in their households.” ey outlined to take Pozniak commended St Catharine’s particularly freshers, at the forefront of our minds, so as possible and using their Freshers’ solutions such as a ‘joiners book,’ where liaising as “really good and understand- that we can best prepare them for what will be an un- Committee to run trips to the Botanical “freshers can voluntarily  ll in with responsi- ing in keeping [her] in the loop” with predictable term, despite the e orts of the University. Gardens, Grantchester meadows and their interests and contact details for bility for “lots of Zoom calls,” and highlighted that From the Letters to Freshers (Features, pages 10 and 12) to Cambridge co ee shops” while in the other freshers to contact them.” Selwyn’s “we have to appreciate that as a college our Vulture Bucket List for Micahelmas Term (Lifestyle, evenings they are “extending the college FREPs have also created “a form that their own we can o er more activities than [...] at page 20), we hope to give the freshers some advice on bar into a marquee on Old Court with people can  ll in if they’re feeling un- a big university.” how to best thrive during the coming eight weeks. themed events each evening.” happy so that we can work with them to distancing e Emmanuel FREPs felt that while Whilst we do not know what will happen, we sug- When asked about the impact of the ensure that they access the right support ❞ “the college wasn’t great at communi- gest that you embrace the uneasiness and unknown. new restrictions on freshers’ ability to and networks.” cation at  rst” they have recently had Don’t feel the need to make everything perfect and make friends, the Selwyn FREPs were Murray Edwards has increased their “some really constructive meetings and structure your timetable from morning to evening. pessimistic: “the new 10pm rule might welfare budget so that “welfare provi- they’re really aware of the need to bal- Embrace the spontaneity of the coming weeks and actually be quite unhelpful in student sions can be provided throughout the ance physical and mental health.” e make every moment count (Violet, page 30). Get in- communities as it means people are term, not just in freshers’ week and Week FREPs also detailed that the college has volved with anything that you think may be of interest more likely organise their own late night 5.” Caple also highlighted an ongoing been “really trusting” of their risk as- from Cambridge eatre ( eatre, page 28) to the Arts events which won’t have formal social “considerable problem with the freshers’ sessments and has given them “a lot of (Arts page 27), and whatever happens this term, try to distancing.” accommodation:” the lack of access to con dence going forward.”  nish it having tried something new and having met communal spaces. With this year’s focus new people. Let go of the need for everything to be set Ensuring Covid-19 guidelines are fol- on socialising in college whenever possi- in stone and embrace the messiness of Michaelmas lowed ble, the college has remedied the issue by under Covid-19. Students returning to Cambridge for “introducing a co ee shop in the Dome Rich Bartlett xo the start of the academic year will have (Murray Edwards cafeteria) outside of ▼ Emmanuel’s Freshers’ Reps have been preparing for to follow both the government’s latest mealtimes so that students can take a the term remotely (SAWEN ALI) Covid-19 guidelines as well as individual break from studying or grab a co ee  Rich Bartlett [email protected]    Meike Leonard & Ben Cudworth [email protected] colleges’ policies. Freshers arriving this whilst staying inside the college.”   Georgina Buckle [email protected] week will be socialising largely within     Isabel Sebode [email protected] their households and will have to ob- Being a Freshers’ Representative   Tomas Vieira-Short [email protected] serve social distancing measures when Regarding her personal experience     Mark Curtis [email protected]    Christopher Dorrell & Gaby Vides (Senior); Antonia Harrison, William interacting with the vast majority of as a Freshers’ Representative, Beckett Hunter, Diana Stoyanova & Cameron White (Deputy) [email protected] their year. described having to adapt to the chang-    Martha Bevan & Ewan Hawkins investigations@varsity. Emmanuel has “quite easily” adapted ing nature of government and Univer- co.uk their events “so that people don’t min- sity guidelines as “frustrating and full      Juliette Gueron-Gabrielle & Victor Jack (Senior); Bethan Moss (Deputy) [email protected] gle beyond their own household.” For of uncertainty.”    Elizabeth Haigh, Ashna Ahmad & Hatty Wilmoth (Senior), Nick example, FREPs will encourage “people She continued that while her duties Bartlett & Akshata Kapoor (Deputy) [email protected] to bring their own food and drink to have been “stressful and overwhelm-   Sawen Ali & Callum Wainstein (Senior); Madeline Anderson & any events, rather than having the bar ing at times [...] I’ve learnt a lot, how to Tu Minh Tri (Deputy) [email protected]     Sambavi Sneha Kumar & Yan-Yi Lee (Senior); Grace Blackshaw serve anything” and they will be “putting time manage and handle lots of di erent (Deputy) [email protected] physical markers out on the grass so that things at the same time as well as nego-   Bradley Fountain-Green & om Harris it’s clear where people should keep to.” tiating and calling up companies to ask [email protected] While Selwyn’s “Freshers’ Committee for things, which before I would have    Caterina Bragoli [email protected]   Esmee Wright & Adam Dumbleton [email protected] are going to be on hand to make sure that been terri ed to do! It’s all  owing into  &   Sarah Brady & Alexandra Jarvis [email protected] freshers social distance at each event,” my development as an adult so it’ll have   Nadya Miryanova, Nathaniel Warren & Kwaku Gyasi music@ they are not planning to police fresh- positive e ects in the long run.” varsity.co.uk ers outside of events. Selwyn’s FREPs Mann described his “frustrating” ex-    Martha French & Lara Zand [email protected]    Eleanor Burnham & Helen Turner-Smyth theatre@varsity. continued: “It’ll be important for older perience of organising Freshers’ Week co.uk years to set the example but ultimately with “plans cancelled and essentially    Miranda Stephenson & Ti any Tsoi (Senior); David Quan freshers have to take responsibility for starting from scratch.” He added that it (Deputy) [email protected] their own distancing.” has been “a lot more work than usual be- S    Isabel Roberts & Maddie Fisher switchboard@varsity. co.uk Similarly, Murray Edwards’ Vice- cause normally you just follow previous D   Misthi Ali, Polly Haythornthwaite, Lucas Maddalena digital@ President told Varsity that the college years” but that Corpus “have been mostly varsity.co.uk hasn’t speci ed that it is the JCR’s “re- onboard with [the JCR’s] plans.” H   I Olivia Bonsall [email protected] sponsibility to police the freshers;” while For Pozniak, the organisation of Fresh-  -  Chloe Bond [email protected] -  Alexia Meade, Oakem Kyne, Rosina Gri ths, Claire Laurence, Aisling Corpus Christi’s JCR members “will not ers’ Week has been an “annoying” proc- Hamill, Lucia Neirotti, Anna Stephenson, Emma Hassey, Inaya Mohmood, Satya be required by the college to police social ess of constant adaptation, but “while it Amin, Maryam Dorudi, Hania Bar, Pilar Eche Fernandez distancing and mixing of households.” has been really tough and frustrating at     Jess Ma [email protected] times [...] [the re-organised events mean]    Olivia Emily, Amy Batley, Joseph Powell, Caterina Bragoli, Gabriel Humphreys, Stephi Stacey, Zoe MW, Freya Lewis & Orsolya Petocz associate@ Prioritising of welfare everybody is safe and that’s the most varsity.co.uk Given the uncertain circumstances for important thing.”   Dr Michael Franklin (Chairman), Prof Peter Robinson, Dr Tim this year’s freshers, welfare is a priority While Pozniak humorously revealed Harris, Michael Derringer, Caitlin Smith, Noella Chye, Louis Ashworth, Anna Menin, for all FREPs Varsity spoke to, with col- she had previously believed her duties as Daniel Gayne, Ellie Howcrot © VARSITY PUBLICATIONS LTD,  . All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be leges ramping up their welfare provi- a Freshers’ Representative would include reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher. sions both during Freshers’ Week and “copying the timetable from last year, Varsity, 16 Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RX. Telephone 01223 337575. throughout term. calling up the punting company and hav- Varsity is published by Varsity Publications Ltd. Varsity Publications also publishes e Mays. e Christ’s FREPs have introduced ing some chats with [the manager of] Printed at Ili e Print Cambridge – Winship Road, Milton, Cambridge CB24 6PP on 42.5gsm newsprint. Registered as a newspaper at the Post O ce. ISSN 1758-4442. additional welfare arrangements for any Cindies and it’d all be hunky dory,” she F  2 O 2020 3

News NEWS Varsity investigates the differences between college Covid-19 regulations Page 4 ▶ FEATURES Just be yourself

▲ Cambridge Zero Carbon has led a  ve-year campaign calling on the University to divest (LOUIS ASHWORTH) Page 10 ▶

▶ Continued from front page  ursday morning’s address by the Vice- for them to do the right thing and divest funding from sources that are incompati- Chancellor Stephen Toope described the now - not in 10 years’ time”. ble with its sustainability ambitions.  is asset classes by 2030. announcement as “long-awaited”. Similarly, Cambridge Zero Carbon, signals a major break with companies OPINION Cambridge Defend Education thanked However, XR expressed concern, stat- commented that “this announcement that have long held close ties to Cam- Zero Carbon for their e orts in heading ing that they are “devastated to hear that comes  ve years too late and we’ll be bridge; for example, in 2000, BP donated Trump, and the the divestment campaign and applauded divestment will not take place until 2030 pushing for the 2030 commitment to £20 million to the University to found the them for “a massive, historic victory.” - and that net zero across its investments be brought forward” and Ethical A airs BP Institute ater a Cambridge Univer- history of political  is was echoed by Cambridge Stu- will not be reached until 2038. Wild res added “the University must examine sity Professor Dan McKenzie developed dents’ Union (SU) Ethical A airs Cam- are burning across the globe, ecosystems why its own net zero emissions target a theory of sedimentary basins that in gaslighting paign who said “we hope that all or- are dying, and temperatures records are is as late as 2048”. McKenzie’s own words “caught on with ganisers involved with Zero Carbon’s smashed again and again. People are dy- Cambridge’s Students’ Union re- the oil companies instantly... and has phenomenal campaign are hugely proud ing; this is an emergency.” sponded to the divestment announce- probably saved the oil companies, you of themselves today. As campaigners we XR Cambridge pledged to continue ment, acknowledging the “ ve years of know, £5 billion, something like that”. must now focus on holding the Univer- to press for the University to divest, tell- dedicated campaigning by students, sta Ater the University formally rejected sity to this statement, lobbying the col- ing Varsity “ e University is moving in and the Students’ Union at the Universi- divestment in 2018, a Guardian investiga- leges to follow suit and push for Cam- the right direction, but despite all the ty” and highlighting that the decision “is tion demonstrated con icts of interest in bridge to reject all ties with extractivist talk, their actions are still nowhere near a testament to the power of grassroots the decision, with key decision-makers industries.” proportionate to the crisis we face… We campaigning and should be recognised simultaneously overseeing multi mil- Meanwhile, Extinction Rebellion need immediate and drastic action, not as such.” lion pound donations from BP and BHP (XR) Cambridge, whose activists were distant targets to please fund managers  e Vice Chancellor’s announcement Billiton. present outside the Senate House during and serve business as usual… It is time also noted Cambridge will not accept Meanwhile in November 2019, Cam- bridge accepted a £6 million donation from Royal Dutch Shell, and a Zero Car- bon report published a month earlier found that the BP Institute’s research was worth between $300 million and ▲ MICHAEL VADON $3bn per year to oil production compa- nies. Page 14 ▶ Zero Carbon commented on this, de- JOIN US! scribing how: “last year, we exposed the extensive entanglement of the fossil fuel SCIENCE industry within the workings of the Uni- versity, well beyond their investments. We are looking for writers, reporters, artists, ❝ By taking research funding, extending Cambridge invitations to careers fairs and naming videographers and photographers for Mean- their buildings ater these companies, Science Round-up while in the University is clearly still in the oily Michaelmas term. clutches of this dirty industry. Page 15 ▶ Novem-  e SU’s statement similarly recog- ber 2019, nised the decision as “a historic break here has never been a better time to get between the University and the fossil Cam- fuel industry” but stressed that “Cam- VIOLET involved. bridge ac- bridge has deep-seated links with the fossil fuel industry which extend beyond cepted a merely  nancial investment to include A wonderfully Varsity is the independent newspaper for the £6 million the acceptance of research funding and unreliable guide to sponsorship for professorships, as well University of Cambridge, pursuing quality donation as the undertaking of extractivist re- a socially distanced from Roy- search.”  e statement continued: “ ese ties Cambridge journalism since 1947. al Dutch must be cut if the University is to truly Shell commit to meaningful climate action. Page 30 ▶  e immediacy of the climate crisis must Whether you’d like to pen a one-of article, or ❞ be recognised and higher education in- stitutions have a crucial role to play in become a regular contributor, we’d love to try proactively reducing the social licence SPORT of damaging industries.” and help you make your voice heard. While the University has committed e niche sport of to fully divest this decision does not mean Cambridge’s independent colleges ultra-marathon Visit www.varsity.co.uk to ind out more. will follow suit. As it stands only two col- leges - Clare Hall and Queens - are fully running divested with a further nine colleges par- tially divested.  e SU’s Ethical A airs Page 31 ▶ Campaign commented on the diversity of colleges’ divestment policies, urging for campaigners to now focus their at- www.varsity.co.uk tention on “lobbying the colleges to fol- low suit.” 4 F  2 O 2020 News Varsity investigates: the di erences between college Covid-19 regulations days of term.” their room.” Queens’ takes a similar ap- visitors or overnight guests from other maintained. Christopher Dorrell  is, they explained, was due to “new proach, writing “only College members households [are allowed] within college”, For example, Corpus Christi, in a Senior News Editor students arriv[ing] from across the coun- are permitted onto the main site or into nor “visitors or overnight guests from statement detailing the college’s regu- try (and indeed from across the world)”. Owlstone Crot and the outside houses” outside of college.” lations, explain that “the College, as a As the start of term begins and students While Wolfson admitted the policy “can- but also says, for college members, “if With these restrictions in place, stu- COVID-secure organisation, is able to return to drastically changed colleges, not be monitored or enforced…[it] is the you are meeting in a household space, dents have to do all of their inter-house- organise events for larger groups, subject Varsity investigates the di erences in best way to prevent a ‘spike’ of infections you should agree, in advance, with oth- hold socialising outside in groups of six to COVID-secure regulations and pro- regulations between colleges, and col- in a household at the start of term”. er members of your household which or less. Some colleges have been more vided they are reasonably necessary for leges’ attempts to keep things as normal With the introduction of households, guests will come and when they will proactive than others in establishing the purposes of education. as possible. as well as the government’s ‘rule of six’, visit.” However, Queens’ have speci ed suitable outdoor socialising areas for “ erefore, any event or activity  e introduction of ‘households’ is the all colleges are having to strictly regulate that “there will be no overnight guests students. planned by the JCR or MCR, any College biggest single change that students liv- socialising between households. Almost permitted in college households.” Downing, for example, have built an Society or any individual student, must ing in college accomodation will face this all have a ban, at least for the  rst two Other colleges, such as Murray Ed- extension to the college bar called the either be limited to a maximum of six year.  e University de nes a ‘household’ weeks, on non-household members en- wards, have a ban on visitors from other Butter eld Taverna. “ e Taverna fea- people (or one household) as described as any “College accommodation that in- tering college households. households until 20th October.  e rule tures ten socially-distanced, covered in Section 6, or it must be organised as cludes a shared bathroom/shower and/ Some colleges have adopted a more will then be reviewed with the inten- seating areas.”  is will allow “the regu- a College event.” or toilet and/or kitchen area.” liberal approach, like Downing, which tion of “taking a progressive approach as lar music, comedy and quiz nights…[to] All of the new policies that colleges Every college has divided students allows guests into a household if it is soon as we can.” Girton, too, has “elected take place in an intimate, walled and have developed have raised questions into households, although there are dif- agreed “with other members of your to have visitors to the households for the tree-lined enclosure that also meets the about how they will be enforced. Many ferences in the size of a household de- Household which guests will come and  rst 2 weeks of term, to allow households essential health guidelines necessary for colleges have suggested that students pending on space in the college. when they will visit.” Unusually, Down- to establish, and then to determine what our mutual wellbeing.” must police each other and have thus Generally, students do not have to ing is also allowing overnight guests, changes might be possible within the  ey have also established a “new established anonymous reporting sys- practice social distancing in their house- saying: “overnight guests should be guidelines at the end of that period.” open-air performance space, the Down- tems through which students can report holds. Wolfson, however, has taken an agreed in advance with other members Homerton, on the other hand, states: ing Amphitheatre.”  is features “one on breaches. unusual approach to households, and of the Household Group.” “no guests are permitted on site and/or in hundred and  ty circles marked on Churchill, for example, have con- in an email sent to students this week St John’s operates a slightly di erent accommodation rooms.”  e college also the ground, radiating outwards in a  rmed they “expect that students report asked “all residents to practice social dis- policy, allowing any student or fellow to requires students to get consent from the fan-shape from a raised, outdoor stage observed breaches of the guidelines in tancing…even in your accommodation invite up to two people “who also reside college for any overnight stays outside area. Each circle will be two metres in con dence to their tutors or to the JCR/ block/household until ater the  rst 14 on the main College site to visit them in of college. Similarly, Churchill says “no diameter and two metres away from MCR welfare o cers.” any other.” Each circle will also have a Fitzwilliam College is taking a slight- deckchair. ly more conciliatory approach, saying Sidney Sussex are trialling a ‘barquee’ “if you notice that someone has made – the college bar moved into a marquee – a mistake and overlooked guidelines, with a limited capacity but with the pos- please let them know in a friendly and sibility of opening it up to larger groups polite way. Or if someone else reminds of people if the trial proves successful. you of your own slip, please don’t be Groups of ten are permitted if they are o ended as we’re all just trying to keep all from the same household, and up to everyone safe.” Take a break six from three households can book to However, it seems some colleges are sit together at one of the tables in the not con dent that this policy will always ‘barquee’. be e ective. In an email sent to students Selwyn have also placed a large mar- at Jesus, for example, it was revealed quee in Old Court, “providing extra space that “porters will be doing spot checks from the study near to the servery and Hall. It will also on communal areas in households to allow for socially distanced meetings: for enforce the College’s approach.” instance, some of the freshers’ welcome While the rules established by all the at Cambridge Retail Park events.” colleges will be under constant review, it While students are unable to social- is clear from the beginning that some are ise in groups of larger than six unless taking a more relaxed approach to Cov- they are all members of the same house- id-19 restrictions than others. Whether Great restaurants & retail including hold, colleges are able to organise ‘of- that will remain the case through the du-  cial’ events that allow larger groups to ration of the term remains to be seen. and socialise providing social distancing is many more ▼ An artist’s impresion of what Downing’s outdoor socialising space will look like (STEPHEN BENNETT)

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up to 10% off 10% off Valid student ID Chrome Books, Microsoft Surface & 1st – 31st October 365 Personal. Student Beans required F  2 O 2020 5 News Students turn to private renting as the future of life in college grows uncertain have also told Varsity that they no longer William Hunter believe that life in college will be enjoy- Deputy News Editor able or safe for them as the pandemic wears on. Returning to Cambridge amidst a pan- “One of the main concerns for me was demic, an increasing number of students about what college are calling ‘house- are making the move from college-owned holds’,” one student at Homerton told halls of residence to privately-rented Varsity. “Essentially, you are grouped accommodation. Varsity has spoken to with 14 other students and share a some of these students, to gain an in- kitchen. If one of them gets sick or has sight into why so many are making the symptoms, the entire household has to transition. quarantine. I was worried this could hap- Due to the necessities of social dis- pen frequently throughout my  nal year, tancing, colleges have been forced to disrupting both my studies and what’s change and update their accommoda- let of my social life in a pandemic. tion policies to re ect the latest govern- “Instead, I’m living with three close ment guidelines. Speaking to Varsity, it friends outside of college. I wouldn’t be seems these policies also provided the as frustrated if I had to isolate if one of  nal push for many who had previously them was ill and the likelihood of that considered living out of college. happening is (hopefully) smaller. I also “Although there may be di erent sec- was worried about the potential atmos- ondary reasons for wanting to move out” phere inside college — with people be- one student from Churchill told Varsity, ing very stressed about the virus and “I think ultimately the inevitability of distrustful of each other or alternately Covid policies in colleges made people not following the rules.” Homerton did want to consider alternative options.” not respond to Varsity’s request for com- At Clare College, students entering ment. their third year were informed that they Students from di erent colleges share would not be able to ballot for rooms as the concern that college social distancing normal and would instead have to re- ❝ measures will either fail or restrict them main in the room where they have been I think unnecessarily. A student from Queens’ for second year. ultimately said that it was “way safer” to be in an One student going into their third out-of-college house of six people rather ▲ A number of students at Clare College are privately renting this year amid uncertainties about year at Clare told Varsity that “my room the inevi- than in college accomodation., “as col- the nature of college life during the Covid-19 pandemic (LOUIS ASHWORTH) in 2nd year was awful, really small and tability of lege social distancing measures will in- no natural light” and that the decision to evitably fail.”  ey went on to say that cancel the ballot was “the main reason” Covid poli- they would “prefer to police ourselves for them choosing to move out. cies in col- and have genuine commitment to gov- NOTHING Another student from Clare told Var- ernment guidelines rather than be at the sity that it was “mostly the college’s re- leges made whim of college.” BEATS sponse” which informed their decision. people Even the University announced in a  ey went on to say that “if I had been recent email that, “the risk of outbreaks moved I wouldn’t have thought about it want to is expected to be higher in College ac- TRADING in the slightest but I’m so much happier consider commodation, where the density of living out”, and “I think it’s [living out] students and potential for interactions going to be so much more common now.” alternative are greater.” It appears this rationale Clare College did not respond to Varsity’s options has made many students feel it is safer request for comment. to avoid college accommodation all to- At Queens’ College, students are also ❞ gether. being driven out of college accommo-  is comes as universities across the dation by Covid-19 related accommo- country begin to experience severe out- dation policies. Normally, Queens’ uses breaks of Covid-19 with the return of the quarterly payment scheme under students for the academic year. which students can opt in to pay an ad- At Manchester Metropolitan Univer- ditional 20% on their rent in exchange sity, 1,700 students have been told to self for being able to remain in college over isolate as 127 students test positive for the holidays. the virus. Students at St Andrews Univer- However, students at Queens’ have sity are being urged to remain at home now been informed that the quarterly to avoid a potentially deadly surge of payment scheme will no longer be an new cases. GRADUATE TRADER opt-in system but will be mandatory for Safety aside, many students simply all students in college accommodation. feel that the freedom of life outside of Whether or not students remain in col- college makes the move worth it. One lege over the holidays, their rent will be student at Homerton told Varsity that SUMMER TRADING INTERN in ated by 20%. “we felt we had outgrown being at col- One student at Queens’ told Varsity lege – we oten found they treated us that even before the rent increase he like kids when it suited them and adults We are looking for talented individuals with excellent mathematical and had been paying “£1000 per month, and when it suited them, so it’s been nice to analytical skills combined with an interest in global inancial markets. the [license] was only 6 months (during have our own space to make our own Our Traders manage and optimize our daily positions, formulate innovative term).” Whereas by living out “I’m pay- decisions.” trading strategies whilst also developing tools. As a Summer Intern you will ing for the smallest room in my house Whether it is for reasons of safety, learn about our trading strategies, trading system and experience life as a for 11 months. At £455/month. So £5005 security, or simply freedom, the move Trader at Flow. in total and almost double the amount away from college accommodation ap- of time in tenancy.” pears to be a growing trend. As more Although Varsity understands that students choose to rent privately, the Queens’ has made funds available for pressure will be on colleges to adapt to students who are unable to pay rent, the changing demands of the pandemic Flow Traders is an international these increases have still encouraged and ensure that those who do choose to Reach out to us at: leading principal trading irm. students to move out of college and into remain can do so safely and with mini- [email protected] private renting. Queens’ did not respond mum disruption to their lives. lowtraders.com/careers to Varsity’s request for comment. e University has not responded to Var- It is not only changes to housing pol- sity’s request for comment. icy that have raised concerns. Students 6 F  2 O 2020 News Exclusive Interview with the Vice Chancellor Stephen Toope talks newfound (Camfess) fame, Freshers’ Week escapades and why Oxford was never an option

“incredible tradition in international law”, is not always known for doing things Rich Bartlett especially its members of faculty such as quickly” but, in this case, the response Editor-in-Chief Sir Derrick Bowett who was renowned was swit.  is has allowed for a lot of In light of the news of redundancies at for his work. Toope actually wrote to Sir time and preparation to get many things many colleges, including Downing, Trin- Bowett to ask him whether he would su- right, so students “should also feel con- ity and Queens’, as well as a continuing pervise him, if he was successful in his dent…as people have worked so hard frustration with the University’s handling application. When the former President to create systems which are designed of Covid-19, Varsity thought it was impor- of Queens’ responded that he would, it to keep people safe.” Whilst Toope did tant to remind everyone that Cambridge was reinforced for Toope that Cambridge concede that “we can’t eliminate all risk under covid-19 is not all doom and gloom. “was a great choice”. and that they’re going to be outbreaks”, To do this, we secured an exclusive inter- As we moved the conversation to he did say that he has hope to “contain view with your favourite purveyor of ne Freshers’ Week, Toope emphasized that outbreaks and that we shall keep people emails, Stephen Toope, and discovered the best thing to do “is to take advantage as safe as possible”. more about our Vice Chancellor as well of all the opportunities which are on of- Although the responses by the Uni- as the coming academic year. fer”. In particular, he stressed that making versity and colleges are far from perfect, Most importantly, we found out new friends is so important. As a fresher as Varsity has detailed over the summer, whether Toope did indeed know about at Harvard, Toope recalled the best part Varsity agrees with Toope’s closing re- the inspiration which he gives to many of his Freshers’ Week, a party on the marks that “it is going to be a hard of our students to create, among many third night, where he met three people time for everyone,” making it things, memes and bingo games for our with whom he is still close today. Whilst even more essential for every- amusement. To our surprise, Toope did, the rst week for freshers will sadly not one to “be a little kinder…and and he, in fact, had a favourite made by a include going to parties, the sentiment not expect the impossible.” student last term which was a bingo game remains that going out “there to try and Over the coming weeks and to be used in tandem with the Vice Chan- meet new people” is crucial. terms, it will be important cellor’s regular Covid-19 emails. On that Turning conversation to a more prac- to follow the latest ad- note, he encourages people to reenage tical note, we discussed the University’s vice about keeping safe in with this bingo game, as he told Varsity attempts to make sta and students feel Cambridge both from the that “happily” his regular emails would both excited and con dent to return for University and colleges, continue this term, with the rst being the coming year. To this, Toope men- as guidelines continue to sent out right ater our interview. tioned that “the community has pulled change. In order to keep up On a more serious topic, we asked together” and addressed “all the incred- to date, continue to follow Toope about whether he thought about ible challenges which Covid has bought”. the latest advice on the applying for Oxford for his PHD, but He particularly wanted to thank all his University’s Toope was quick to say, “I didn’t think “colleagues across the University who website. of Oxford…It was actually a really easy have worked incredibly hard” to create choice”. He was drawn to Cambridge’s change quickly. As we know, “Cambridge

Cambridge UCU issue ‘Keep Cambridge Safe’ open letter amid Covid-19 outbreaks in other university towns

the worst of the pandemic...we, as local the end of August over the mass migra- Furthermore, the letter demands that outbreaks, such as Manchester, where Christopher Dorrell residents, are concerned that the move- tion of students to universities across the University “make publicly available over 1700 students have been told to self- Senior News Editor ment of students into our community the UK which will potentially heighten all risk assessments and local contingen- isolate. As a result of these recent Cov- Cambridge UCU (CUCU) have launched will see a sudden escalation of cases, health risks in both the local communi- cy plans for how a local outbreak will be id-spikes, 57% of residents in university an open letter, addressed to Vice Chan- leading to a public health emergency”. ties and the universities themselves. controlled and contained and plans for towns think the in ux of students will cellor Stephen Toope, demanding that It goes on to express concern that “the  ese concerns, the open letter ar- protecting the wider community from contribute to further lockdown measures the University ‘Keep Cambridge Safe’ as University and its constituent colleges gues, were echoed by the Government’s potential spread of the virus outside of being imposed. students begin to return to Cambridge. have not adequately consulted the wider o cial SAGE report which suggested University and college grounds.” When contacted for comment a Uni-  e UCU is the largest trade union community over how to minimise the that students returning home at the end Beyond that the University was asked versity spokesperson said: “ e Universi- for academic and academic-related sta potential for community-wide outbreaks of term may spread the virus back into to ensure that all college accommodation ty, Colleges and student representatives working in Further and Higher Educa- or how to respond in a timely manner vulnerable groups. Since those reports is COVID-secure” and to “publish regular have spent the summer months putting tion in the UK. to university- or college-based outbreaks were published, cases across the UK have and publicly available statistics on case in place Stay Safe measures designed to  e University is asked to “step up to prevent the need for a localised lock- only increased. numbers as they occur.” keep everyone in our community as safe and play its part” as Cambridge faces down.” In light of these worries the ‘Keep  e open letter forms part of the as possible from the start of the coming “the possibility of a second wave which  e open letter also drew attention to Cambridge Safe’ initiative demands that wider #SafetyFirst campaign, launched term.” could lead to an even greater loss of life “reports from sta unions that health and the University and its colleges “immedi- on Friday 18th September, calling on the  e spokesperson continued: “ e unless measures are put in place imme- safety procedures remain inadequate, ately implement the recommendations University to move all teaching online guidance has been tested and re ned diately to protect the health and safety haphazardly and partially developed, developed by Independent SAGE, includ- wherever possible. in consultation with hundreds of stu- of the public.” and lacking transparency, and that rig- ing moving all teaching that does not CUCU cite the rise in Covid-19 cases dents and sta .  e University would like  e open letter, which has been signed orous health and safety procedures rec- require practical or lab work to remote and hospital admissions as evidence in this collaborative dialogue to continue by over 140 individuals and groups such ommended by Independent SAGE have online learning, and implementing a support of their campaign. as these measures are updated in line as Cambridge Defend Education and not been developed uniformly across rigorous and mandatory testing system  ey also point to the example of uni- with the latest public health and gov- Keep Our NHS Public, says that although the University.” for all sta and students on arrival in versities which have opened and already ernment guidance for Higher Education “Cambridge has so far managed to avoid Independent SAGE raised concerns at Cambridge.” gone into lockdown due to Covid-19 Institutions.” COMFORT ELEVATED

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Christopher Dorrell a recently released open letter by Uni- to improve global access to public health regardless of socio-economic status or Foremost amongst these projects is the Senior News Editor versities Allied for Essential Medicines and necessary medicines.” country of residence.” vaccine candidate being developed by (UAEM) demands. he open letter calls on the Univer- he letter highlights various difer- the Department of Veterinary Medicine UAEM is an international student-led isty to make “Covid-19 related vaccines, ent research projects going on at the in collaboration with DIOSynVax. he let- Any medicine developed at Cambridge organisation with members in over 20 therapeutics and diagnostics developed University which have the potential to ter stresses that “this research can only for tackling Covid-19 should be made countries who believe that “universities at the University of Cambridge accessible “provide great beneits to society dur- alter the course of the pandemic IF global “accessible to everyone worldwide,” have an opportunity and a responsibility and afordable to everyone worldwide, ing the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.” equitable access is prioritised.” However, according to UAEM Cam- bridge’s “current policy for intellectual property licensing through Cambridge Enterprise Limited is not suicient for ensuring that the products of Covid-19 research at the University will be acces- sible to all members of the public.” Licensing relates to the terms under which the owner of the Intellectual Prop- erty (IP) grants permission to a licensee to manufacture, adapt or sell the IP. In this case it would likely be the University granting permission to a pharmaceuti- cal company to manufacture and sell a product developed as a result of research by the University. his is in contrast, UAEM argues, to the University of Oxford, who announced 20% OFF that they will “expedite access to Oxford IP to enable global deployment at scale of associated products and services to address the COVID-19 pandemic.” ALL BOOKS FOR HOLDERS OF “he default approach of the Univer- sity and OUI (Oxford University Inno- CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY AND CAMCARDS vation)...will be to ofer non-exclusive, royalty-free licences to support free of SIMPLY PRESENT YOUR CARD IN STORE charge, at-cost or cost + limited margin supply as appropriate, and only for the WE ALSO STOCK A WIDE RANGE OF CAMBRIDGE RELATED GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS duration of the pandemic, as deined by the WHO.” Meanwhile Cambridge University’s intellectual property licensing rules are accused by UAEM of failing to adhere to Articles 12 and 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cul- tural Rights: that everyone has the rights “to the enjoyment of the highest attain- able standard of physical and mental health” and “to enjoy the beneits of sci- entiic progress and its applications.” he open letter goes on to demand that the University “support global co- ordination to improve global and pub- lic capacity for vaccines therapeutics, and diagnostics production and ensure that public health priorities drive the production and distribution of any new Covid-19 vaccines, therapeutics and di- agnostics.” It also asks the University to commit to socially responsible licensing, improv- ing the transparency of licensing IP, and ensuring transparency in clinical trials. he open letter forms part of the wider ‘Free the Vaccine’ campaign targeting universities and other institutions across the world - including UCL, Imperial and Oxford - in an attempt to secure equi- table access for Covid-19 health tech- nologies. One aspect of the campaign is map- ping public funding of Covid-19 research in universities. According to UAEM, the University of Cambridge received at least £4,816,600 of public funds from UKRe- search and Innovation. UAEM said to he Cherwell that the “contribution of the public is virtually never relected in the pricing, accessibil- ity, and afordability of the inal drug.” “he public deserves a return on pub- lic investment by ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are the global public goods which the UK public want – there was a recent survey by [the Wellcome Trust] IllustrationbyRichard Briggs which supported the overwhelming pub- lic majority behind universal equitable 1 Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1SZ access to a vaccine.” he University has been contacted for 01223 333333 [email protected] Offer can’t be combined with other promotions comment. Friday 2nd October 2020 9 News NewsNews A-level results uproar, Black Lives Matter and Covid-19: what went down in Cambridge this summer?

Gaby Vides continue to be the only colleges who Senior News Editor are entirely divested.

Content note: this article contains mention Gown helps town of racism and domestic violence King’s and St Catharine’s have both participated and arranged projects to Algorithm Errors support the local community amid the Following this year’s A-level results Covid-19 pandemic. Bene’t Street Hos- day controversy, whereby students were tel, King’s accommodation ordinarily awarded their grades based on an algo- used to house third-year undergradu- rithm which disadvantaged state-school ate students, provided residence for students from under-performing schools, rough sleepers from 23rd April until Cambridge was forced to respond to 31st August. calls to #HonourheOfer. he scheme to use the Hostel was In total, over 18,000 students, staf arranged as part of a collaborative ef- and alumni signed a number of open fort between King’s and Cambridge City letters demanding the University to relax Council, following the Council’s com- their admissions policies. mitment to guarantee accommodation While a number of Oxford colleges for every rough sleeper in Cambridge. committed to giving all ofer-holders Meanwhile St Catharine’s, in partnership their place, Cambridge did not follow with Cambridge Women’s Aid, provided suit and only admitted students who a total of 1456 nights of accommoda- had met the conditions of their ofer. does not have to be stored at low tem- Black Lives Matter ▲ Protests in solidarity with tion for women and children escaping However, after the government’s peratures nor does it have to be admin- he murder of George Floyd, a black anti-racism demonstrations domestic violence. he College housed striking U-turn, which saw students istered via a needle. man in America, sparked a wave of dis- in the United States (ANNA 23 women and children between April given their centre assessed grades, Cam- he University also joined a coali- cussions, activism and anguish about OAKES) 27th and September 3rd. bridge accepted students for 2020 entry tion of 22 institutions to join the Trinity the state of racism and institutional who had not initially met their ofer but Challenge, which will work to “promote violence facing people of colour in the subsequently met their ofer based on actions to ensure the world is better pro- United States and across the world. their centre assessed grade. tected against health emergencies”. Cambridge was and is not immune Despite this year’s iasco, Cambridge he Challenge was convened by Trin- from these injustices, with numerous welcomed their largest ever undergradu- ity’s current Master and applicants, who open letters demanding the University ate intake with a record 70% of incoming can win an initial prize fund of £10 mil- and departments show a greater com- freshers’ hailing from state-school back- lion will be asked to focus on at least one mitment to anti-racism. grounds. he University also required no of identiication, response and recovery A Cambridge Black Lives Matter student to defer their entry. in health policy. protest in June attracted thousands of protestors who stood in solidarity with Strike while it’s hot Fellowship controversy ongoing demonstrations in the United Extinction Rebellion Cambridge (XRC) Fitzwilliam College and Wolfson Col- States over police killings and systemic and Extinction Rebellion Youth Cam- lege lost controversial Honorary Fellows brutality. bridge (XRYC) promised a “fresh wave this summer, with David Starkey of Fit- In response to Black Lives Matter, of action” against the University and its zwilliam, and Carrie Lam, of Wolfson, Cambridge University Press provided non-divested colleges after the climate both leaving their positions. free access to books on racism and dis- activist groups’ divestment deadline of Starkey, who was appointed an crimination while mounting pressure the end of July was missed. Honorary Fellow at Fitzwilliam College forced Gonville and Cauis to remove a Great value authentic Nigerian XRC and XRYC issued their demands in 2006, had his honorary position re- window pane honouring a college alum- at the beginning of July, including calls moved in July following his comment in ni and eugenicist, Ronald Fisher. flavours in Cambridge, guaranteed to for the University and colleges to fully an interview that “slavery was not geno- Dr Priyamvada Gopal, a Professor in satisfy. Order your Jollof rice or Egusi divest from fossil fuels, the arms trade cide”. he comments were condemned the English Faculty, faced racist attacks and other “ecocidal companies.” “in the strongest possible terms” by the in response to a tweet she posted about soup online today with our simple he irst week of the groups’ campaign Fitzwilliam JCR while the Cambridge white privilege. checkout and delivered to your door. involved a theatrical protest outside of BME Campaign labelled Starkey a “white Later police investigated threats made Darwin, dinosaurs marching between St supremacist”. against her after racist posters were left Buy 3 get 1 free! Catharine’s and Sidney Sussex and ac- he removal of Starkey’s fellowship on King’s Parade - the University con- tivists playing croquet on Senate House follows years of frustration after Fitzwil- demned the abuse and reairmed its Jollof rice: £7.50 Lawn. he week culminated with protes- liam refused to revoke his position in academics’ right to express their own tors stripping on King’s College lawns in 2011 when Starkey made similarly bigot- opinions. Egusi with pounded yam: £12.50 order to “expose the naked truth” of the ed comments about the London riots. www.just-jollof.co.uk climate emergency. Meanwhile, from the beginning of Fuelling change Email: [email protected] Extinction Rebellion also marked the July Wolfson considered removing the Newnham, Robinson, St John’s and Tel: 07917470896 Birdwood Road Cambridge CB1 3TE. beginning of their ‘Summer Rebellion’ Honorary Fellowship of Carrie Lam, Fitzwilliam have all publicly announced on August 28th by marching through Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, follow- for the irst time that they are partially Cambridge demanding that the Uni- ing the enactment of a controversial Na- divested from fossil fuels. versity divests. At the end of the ‘oily tional Security Law, which many regard his means that while the colleges handed divestment’ march a number as threatening autonomy in the city. hold no direct investments in fossil fuels of protestors were arrested for using Lam, who was given the honorary they may still hold indirect investments ADVERTISE black chalk spray to stencil their hands position in 2017, was contacted with con- - investments through an intermediary on the outside of Trinity College and cerns by Wolfson’s President Professor fund - in them. Senate House. Jane Clarke in November 2019 yet the St John’s and Fitzwilliam both con- College decided not “to take any action” irmed that they have been partially di- WITH US. Covid-19 over Lam’s Fellowship. vested since 2013 and 2016 respectively. While the Oxford vaccine candidate However, in a stunning role reversal, Similarly, Newnham on their website To advertise in any of our print publications or has enjoyed media attention, the Cam- Lam renounced her Honorary position detailed that they “have been partially online, please contact our Business Manager: bridge vaccine candidate has developed in August. Announcing the decision, she divested for several years.” more quietly and could potentially be expressed her disappointment with the Newnham, Robinson, St John’s and ready for clinical trials by Autumn after College’s “besmirching without factual Fitzwilliam join a further ive colleges tel : 01223 33 75 75 email: [email protected] the University received £1.9 million in basis and a reliance on hearsay”, regard- - Selwyn, Emmanuel, Downing, Peter- web: varsitypublications.co.uk funding from the government. ing Wolfson’s inquiry into her fellow- house and Jesus - who are partially he Cambridge vaccine candidate ship. divested while Queen’s and Clare Hall Features10 Friday 2nd October 2020 Just be yourself arrived at Cambridge excited, sibility after my parent’s divorce at either. Outside of my immediate who cared about this complex al- inspired and extremely nerv- age 13. family, terms like “formal” and “ma- gorithm of personality was myself. I ous. Going away to university I therefore believed myself to be triculation” were words of a foreign It was only when I realised this felt like a fresh start for me; well-equipped for anything that uni- language, and I would deliberately and stopped questioning every lit- a chance to leave all my past wor- versity had to throw at me. refrain from mentioning my studies tle thing I did and said that I truly ries and problems behind, and I was What I was not prepared for to avoid the assumptions of money felt at home. You will never get on determined to make the most of it. though was the difficulty of fitting and upper-class privilege which peo- with everyone at university, and this But, as happens so often in life, this in, of overcoming the infamous im- ple in the Midlands automatically shouldn’t perturb you. Just because is not how things turned out. From poster syndrome, which manifests ascribe to Oxbridge. I felt constantly those around you have different up- "Approach Fresher’s week, half of which I spent in many students with feelings of on edge, wondering to what degree I bringings, does not mean that they locked up ill in my room, to the huge self-doubt and fear that they have could express myself, being careful are judging you or that they will culture shock, to the homophobic somehow gotten into Cambridge by to act unchanged from the person exclude you. Compared to my con- Cambridge with comments spoken to me in my first accident, without truly deserving a who first left for university. servative hometown, Cambridge is week of term, my first year was not place. I have loved Cambridge and In short, I was living a double a haven of freedom – an opportunity an open mind, off to a good start. the time I’ve spent there from the life and not being myself in either. I to be simply yourself. It doesn’t mat- Despite rather rocky beginnings, I first moment I arrived; but there is was so desperate to look the part of ter what background you are from: and just be you" soon found my feet. I made amazing no escaping the wealth and privilege a Cambridge student when in fact there are more people with similar friends, had fantastic experiences that exudes from it. It is hard to feel it was as if the walls were closing experiences to you than you think. and, of course, the odd essay crisis. at home when everything around you in on all sides. I felt like I had to So, I intend to step into my fi- Elizabeth Haigh But as the first few weeks wore on, seems alien, as if you’ve been magi- be studious and fit in seamlessly to nal year with renewed confidence. I began to move past this relative cally transported into an alternate Cambridge life, but still somehow Through this journey, Cambridge has advises in her comfort and dig beneath the glossy universe where you do not belong. represent my working-class roots given me the opportunity to really surface that Cambridge has to offer, I would enter a formal hall and and be myself. I had to be the “right” get to know and accept myself for leading to an identity crisis that I am not recognise most of the food on amount of gay, the “right” amount who I am. But it has also taught me letter to freshers only now coming to terms with. the menu, or fall quiet in conversa- of straight, the “right” amount of to accept others for who they are, In my hometown, attending Ox- tion about schools or holidays as feminist, the “right” amount of left- and look past my first impressions bridge is almost unheard of. With friends shared exciting stories of wing. I was so caught up in trying to the person beneath. Ultimately, I an ageing population, it is strongly trips abroad. I somehow felt that ad- to construct the perfect self, that I feel that it is important to approach conservative; and, it has real issues mitting how conflicted I felt would lost the real me. Cambridge with an open mind, and with racism and homophobia. As a make me weaker, proving the voice But if there’s one thing I’ve learned to just be you. Speak your truth, be child from a single parent, low in- in my head right: that as much as I at Cambridge, it’s that there is al- open to new experiences, make come household, I have always been was enjoying myself, Cambridge was ways hope. Over time, and mainly mistakes, mend them. As the say- fiercely independent (perhaps too just not meant for me. thanks to the patience and reassur- ing goes, you can’t make an omelette much so), particularly after I was Returning home was just as tricky, ance of those around me, I came to without breaking some eggs. forced to shoulder greater respon- as it felt like I no longer fit in there the realisation that the only person Prepped Restaurant inspired meal kits delivered to your door Prepped Meal Kits and Ready Meals are made from restaurant-quality seasonal ingredients that are fully prepped making it nice and easy for you to cook when you want.

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visit www.prepped.life Friday 2nd October 2020 11 FeaturesNews News A diferent kind of Freshers' Week "his Freshers' Week: you are in charge." Scarlet Rowe ofers some words of reassurance as she remembers her unconventional irst week at Cambridge

’m sure I won’t be alone in saying rights with our late-night conversations. that makes you feel uncomfortable. Re- that I’ve spent a lot of time think- I also spent some evenings alone, either member that there are people who feel ing about Cambridge recently. As ❝ reading, or absolutely exhausted and lat- the same way as you. Remember that Ithe dreaded, yet promising (maybe out asleep. University can be strangely you’re not crazy if you don’t fall in love even exciting?) October draws close, I Remember that you’re not crazy tiring, even if you feel as though you’ve with Cambridge straight away. You’re ind myself thinking of where I was a achieved nothing during the day, as is not crazy if you never do. year ago. I remember feeling nervous, often the case. I’m going into 2nd year now, and I’ve enthusiastic, and mildly confused as if you don’t fall in love with In the spirit of taking things at my still got a lot to learn about Cambridge. to how I’d ever got an ofer in the irst own pace, I dawdled around Cambridge I don’t have hundreds of friends, but place. Going into second year, I feel a Cambridge straight away. You’re a lot during freshers week. I used to treat I do have good friends who I know I little less nervous and just as confused. myself to a hot chocolate or a little cake can rely on. I haven’t got straight irsts Some things never change. not crazy if you never do (or two) whilst wandering around the throughout the year, but I’ve made good I was a rather atypical fresher in town. I think I got to know Cambridge progress. I’m not a member of count- that I didn’t drink and still don’t. his ❞ quite well this way, and on my own less societies, just like most other stu- means that, unlike some friends, I can terms. I remember being struck by the dents. I spent a lot of irst year feeling actually remember my freshers week as vibrance of it all as I walked around the inadequate, having convinced myself if it were yesterday. I, rather unevent- diferent colleges, hearing the ringing that everybody was doing more than fully, spent most of it drinking tea and laughter and muled conversations that me. Don’t fall into this trap! he truth is, reading cosy novels. Surprisingly, I’m characterise the streets, and breathing in most people are just getting by them- not actually massively antisocial, I just the frosty scent of the sprawling gardens. selves and Facebook feeds very rarely didn’t fancy going out most evenings. I’m conscious that I sound like a woe- give you the full picture. his put me into a minority, but not an ful wannabe novelist here, so I’ll leave his freshers week: you are in charge. unhappy one. it at that. Settling back into real work is going to be Freshers week did feel a little daunt- Going in, I was wary of the Cam- challenging, I’m trembling just thinking ing at points if I’m honest. It’s bound bridge portrayed by media horror-stories. of it now! Just try to remember that most to be strange, though, because you’re However, while Cambridge isn’t perfect of us are in the same boat, and it may in a brand new place with brand new (nowhere is), hundreds of students are take a few weeks to get those cogs whir- people. First impressions can be intimi- dedicated to making it a better place. I ring again. Your supervisors aren’t evil dating, and if you’re anything like me was the only student in my school year and they don’t expect a perfect essay or you’ll probably not have met 99.9% of to get into Cambridge, and I’ve it in assignment from you straight away (or the student population before arriving at just ine. Sure, I couldn’t play lacrosse ever, really). You will soon ill Cambridge Cambridge. Given these circumstances, or quidditch before I went to univer- with countless memories of your own: slowing down and taking things at your sity (and I still can’t now) but this places some incredible, some saddening, some own pace is completely acceptable. I re- me in a comfortable majority. Appar- remarkably unremarkable. Don’t forget, call spending a lot of time talking with ent cultural-codes can sometimes feel in the midst of all this upheaval, Fresh- my ‘neighbours’ in the ‘gyp’ (I still ind confusing, but you’ll ind your own way ers is just one week. You’ve got years to that term weird!). We chatted about al- ▲ “In the spirit of taking things at my own pace, I dawdled around Cambridge around things. Remember that it is ine look forward to. most everything, putting the world to a lot during freshers week." (@vheath) to challenge a ‘culture’ of Cambridge Balancing academic and political responsibilities "My activism lagged in year 13, but I revived my passion during this break, and am determined not to forget the political responsibilities I have," writes incoming fresher Safa Al-Azami

n an era of political turmoil such tigue,’ and the diiculty of staying atten- continued to reach almost every area of immediately, we should not be defeatist, more local changes can have an inluence as ours, nobody can aford to be tive and maintaining momentum over a activism. here were dangers, of course, because we can have an impact. Almost elsewhere and create a ripple efect that complacent — least of all young video call, make activism a more tiring such as the spread of false information every great movement for change and leads to wider change. Ipeople, who are often unfairly la- process than ever. and the worry that activism was becom- equality began as protests, composed Over lockdown, I’ve been inspired to belled apathetic by those in power. Faced During A-levels, I found it diicult ing performative. But for the most part, of ordinary individuals like ourselves. take action in numerous ways. I spoke with the inequalities that the pandemic to keep myself informed and engaged. I saw a general rise in the engagement hese protests should not be underesti- to my school about how they can com- has exposed, the looming climate crisis, Still, to keep up with current afairs had and passion of young people with re- mated as tools for change. bat racism. I resumed involvement in a and ongoing struggles against racism, become an obligation; a necessary de- spect to issues that mattered to them, be Other times, there are so many places youth voice organisation of which I am it is often exhausting to keep engaged. mand of the HSPS admissions process. it racism, climate change, or anything to focus our passion that we become a part, YouthPolitics UK, where I gave an Even when I’m mercifully free from aca- After December, I barely had time to do else. And this had monumental impacts. overwhelmed and do not have the en- online workshop on efective activism. demic responsibilities, as I am now, the anything but put my head down and As people across the world gathered to ergy to invest our hopes into all the nec- I started speaking out about pervasive constant lurry of alarming news stories get through my exams. My engagement protest against racism, those who had essary issues. his is why it is useful to issues I’d stayed silent about in the past, can become overwhelming. Returning to, with my usual extra-curriculars — my experienced it were inspired to speak up, channel most of our activism into one such as classism and inequality. My ac- or — if you’re a Fresher like me — start- local political party, youth council and to challenge the institutions which have or a few areas. his doesn’t mean we be- tivism lagged in year 13, but I revived ing university, will inevitably take over my schools politics society — began failed to confront discrimination. Young come complacent on everything else, but my passion during this break, and am our lives to the point where it becomes to slip. Since politics is my main inter- people became tremendously politically it means we can direct our energies to determined not to forget the political diicult to keep up to date with the de- est, I was able to stay up to date much engaged, and it is important that this the causes we are more passionate about responsibilities I have. pressing march of the news. more easily than my friends who were momentum continues even as we start and can advocate for more efectively. As While it seems that being involved Before the pandemic, I envisaged inclined towards other routes, but I returning to a ‘new normal.’ a Bengali immigrant, I know that one of in politics is getting more diicult and getting involved with as many student understand how diicult it is to strike Often, the huge problems we’ve iden- the issues I will speak out about the most will continue to do so as the academic politics groups or student campaigns as a balance. tiied seem impossible to solve, and this is racism, particularly as I move from the year begins, there is always something I could. I imagined that the many oppor- his pandemic opened many eyes to makes our activism seem pointless. To diverse city of Manchester to the less you can do. his can be as simple as in- tunities to pursue activism within uni- the need for activism. All over social tackle this, we have to ensure we make multicultural Cambridge. As students, forming yourself on an issue, or starting versity would enrich my social life rather media, young people were increasingly our mental health our irst priority. In- we can make real and direct changes by a conversation on a subject that needs to than clashing with it. Of course, these sharing petitions, places to donate, vital stead of burning ourselves out, we’ll be getting involved in university-speciic be addressed. 2020 has brought many of avenues still exist, but the pandemic has information, and more to keep everyone more productive when we feel healthy campaigns. his is one of the best and these issues to light, and it is important forced many events to move to Zoom aware. his came largely as a result of and conident about the impact we can easiest ways of getting involved when that we use this to channel our passion and other online platforms. ‘Zoom fa- the Black Lives Matter movement, but have. Even if we are unable to see it under academic pressure. Often, smaller, and indignation into positive change. 12 F  2 O 2020 Features Rethinking the ‘perfect’ student Vulture Editor, Georgina Buckle, writes on the sacri ces that are and aren’t worth making as a Cambridge fresher

oing up to the Cambridge to non-academic activities. I can pro- student, despite still putting in the hours University Open Day I had crastinate work, or ine ciently spend and nishing my work. prepared a list of questions, far too long trying to perfect one task, I was adamant I wouldn’t wholly sac- Gmost of which were answered or simply be distracted – as I said, I’m ri ce doing ‘normal’ student things, like by smiling students and reassuring aca- not a machine. going to see shows at the ADC, trying demics.  ere was only one answer that In spite of all of this, I had enough out a sports class, doing yoga, or getting I remember inciting apprehension in me, time to put in my hours of studying dur- involved with Varsity. So instead I had to from a professor of English. Naturally ing the week. I thought I was a ‘good’ shit my focus onto what the ‘perfect’ concerned given Oxbridge’s notorious student because I was never usually student was. It seems a simple thing, but reputation of heavy workloads, I had forced to work late, or last minute and I had to realise that it was justi ed to asked him “realistically, would I be able my teachers’ praise and good marks af- change routine in the midst of a huge life to have hobbies and time to socialise as rmed this. It’s therefore unsurprising transition. You’re balancing living away well as staying on top of my studies?” that the professor’s response made me from home with adapting to a demand- His answer wasn’t particularly heart- nervous that I’d have to severely change ing academic course, and people do truly ening. “Well, if you are very careful with who I was and what I liked doing out- mean it when they say that the rst year your time, and don’t get distracted by side of academics in order to ful l my is full of trial and error. Facebook, you’ll perhaps be able to wish of still being the ‘perfect’ student. As well as this, I had to adapt to an manage your taekwondo on top of In retrospect, I had to change my pre- entirely di erent understanding about your studies.” Although not inherently conceived ideas of what the ‘perfect’ essays. During A Levels, homework es- wrong, his response seemed to be a rm student was. says were the pinnacle of hours of in- way of saying: if you’re able to manage Coming to Cambridge was certainly a class and at-home learning; they were your time like a machine and roboti- shock to my previous routine.  e heavy supposed to be polished, nished prod- ▲ “In retrospect, I had to change my preconceived ideas of what the cally disconnect from any distractions, workload was expected – two essays and ucts. At Cambridge, I realised professors ‘perfect’ student was” ILLUSTRATION BY FLO BROCKMAN FOR VARSITY then yes, you’ll have room for exactly multiple other tasks on only the second see them as germinating ideas still being one extra-curricular activity (with time day of being a fresher – but was still chal- worked out and tested – the rst step of sight than felt during the time, when the right in some respects. In order to stay for socialising worryingly excluded). I lenging to get used to. I was adamant learning, rather than the last.  is en- change can be overwhelming. Turning a oat of the work and try to avoid late applied nonetheless, knowing full well to keep time for relaxing or socialising, couraged me in later terms to spend less to the people in the years above helped, nights in the library, I have learnt to be that I wasn’t the machine-like student even just for spontaneous nights chat- time ine ciently trying to be a ‘perfec- like making use of the bizarre college better at prioritisation, and e cient he described, despite being a keen and ting late with my  atmates, but had to tionist’ on topics that I would never be family set-up to ask my two wonderful working. At the same time, I know I will hard-working one. face the consequence of this. In my rst truly nished learning about. Even the Mums for guidance. But my main advice never wholly bend my student routine to  roughout my education, I’ve always term, I found myself spending nights in nicest professors will never tell you that to freshers that are in the position I was t a rigid, mechanical mould – if I have – shock horror – liked studying. My A the library until 4am. Working so late you have done enough work, or learnt in, is simply to allow change to happen – some late nights studying as a result, Levels proved to me that I could be a and being forced to do tasks last minute enough, and that’s normal – you’re pay- including a change to how you perceive maybe that’s a sacri ce worth making. ‘good’ student by working hard, even – simply because of the sheer workload ing to be a student, not a teacher. the ‘perfect’ student. I’m not a machine, but that never made if I saw my friends oten and gave time – made me feel guilty that I was a ‘bad’  is is all far easier written in hind-  e professor at the Open Day was my rst year impossible. Lockdown: the experience of an estranged student “What happens if I can’t go home?” An anonymous student discusses the precarious situation of having no home to return to during the pandemic

s whisperings of the dreaded eternally grateful to my college, who quired to continue with a masters – there wouldn’t be another lockdown. email would induce extreme levels “lockdown” turned into a harsh were quick to reassure me that I would was the only option. After all, however generous the person, of anxiety, as I would worry whether reality, I quickly saw my sofa- be able to stay in my room for as long Without the luxury of being able I know that when people say “you’re my circumstances were considered Asur ng, bartending summer as I remained a student, and that I to return home, save money and take welcome to stay as long as you like” or to be “truly exceptional” enough for plans scattered by the wave of uncer- could reach out to them if I had any time to prepare for future job oppor- “you’ve always got a home with me”, fellows in their committees to deem tainty that struck the UK at the beginning financial worries. There are, however, tunities, I knew I would find myself no one is really signing up to adopting me worthy of alternative accommoda- of the pandemic. Amidst a  urry of hasty many students across the country in in a precarious position. Despite the an extra family member. tion. This kind of correspondence is plans and packing bags, colleges closed my position who were dealing with generous offers of support from my Between the anxiety of feeling like extremely irresponsible, as it pressu- their libraries, sent students home, and private landlords less sympathetic to incredible circle of friends (who I am a burden and the guilt for relying on rises vulnerable students to reconsider prepared for an “unprecedented” online postponing the payment of bills or close friends, whose own circumstanc- returning to the toxic, and potentially exam term. We all have di erent stories rent. es are so uncertain at a time like this, dangerous, home environments from of fear and anxiety during this time, of In the lead up to exams, the con- the emotional impact of not having a which aathey have left. asking questions no one had answers to. tent I should have been learning was ❝ place to call “home” was undoubtedly Estrangement amongst the student But as it became increasingly clear that pushed firmly to the margins of my The concept of ‘home’ heightened during lockdown. Not hav- population is often a forgotten narra- this was not going to be over anytime consciousness. Any dwindling focus ing somewhere to settle is always a tive. However, with the onset of COV- soon, the question I was let asking was: on revision gave way to worry for is emotionally loaded worry in the back of my head, and the ID-19, estranged students in particular what happens if I can’t go home? my younger siblings, locked-down in for most students fact that most students do not have this are increasingly vulnerable, and thus Estranged students are young people the toxic home from which I had es- concern makes it all the more isolating. will require additional support over studying without the support from their caped, and guilt that I couldn’t offer who are living away Stand Alone has reported that “Student the coming academic year, as well parents (or family) due to a breakdown any more support than daily phone from their family accommodation is about more than as during the transition phase after in the relationship, meaning they have calls. Had I gone home during lock- ❞ cost. The concept of ‘home’ is emo- graduation. As well as taking health needed to remove themselves from an down, I can quite definitively say that tionally loaded for most students who precautions to prevent COVID-19 out- unstable home environment without I would have failed my exams, and are living away from their family… it breaks in the coming months, colleges the intervention of local authorities. Re- that would have been the least of my is likely to be a much more anxiety- should be preparing to support stu- search by the University of Cambridge, problems. But what was perhaps an forever indebted to), which meant that evoking concept for young people dents who have been emotionally, in collaboration with organisation ‘Stand even greater source of anxiety was the I would at least have accommodation who have experienced a problematic socially and economically impacted Alone’, has suggested that estrangement question of what would happen to me in the short term, this was a double or traumatic home and family.” during lockdown. can result from cases of abuse (oten after exams. The pandemic had made edged sword, as I had to struggle with As people begin to trickle back into As a final thought, I hope that my emotional), family alienation (for exam- it almost impossible to couch-hop and explaining my situation again and Cambridge, other colleges already seem experiences will make members of the ple of LGBTQI+ students) or mismatched take on temporary work; two options again. Even then, the pandemic meant to have forgotten about students like university more aware of estranged expectations about family values. that many estranged students rely on that there was no guarantee I would myself, who are unable to “have pre- students within their community, In the initial stages of the outbreak in order to get by during holidays and find a job and be on my feet in a cou- pared travel plans to leave accommoda- and, if nothing else, think twice be- I was more fortunate than most stu- after graduation. Removing this safety ple of weeks, nor that I could spend a tion at their own expense, at very short fore asking why someone has spent dents in my position, both in Cam- net made my exam results ever more week here and there in different places notice”, as Trinity College assumes. In their summer in Cambridge, rather bridge and across the UK. I will be important– achieving the grades re- for fear of spreading the virus, nor that my situation, even receiving such an than going home. Friday 2nd October 2020 13 Opinion he road to isolation – Boris’s Internal Market Bill

Lara Brown warns that Britain risks its international legitimacy by backtracking on the Internal Market Bill, adding to the chaos of an already uncertain future.

(FLICKR/ANDREW PARSONS)

he 12th of December 2019 Northern Ireland was no longer “great” Ireland Protocol” , threatening to ban to any person or company, overriding are showing such scant regard for our was a day of jubilation for the but “terrible”. he Internal Market Bill the sale of UK agri-foods anywhere in EU state aid laws. State aid is deined as treaty obligations?” In the aftermath of Conservative Party. It is rare was tabled. the EU and therefore creating a food any use of taxpayer funds which gives Brexit, Britain needs to negotiate every Tfor parties in their tenth year After Brexit, Northern Ireland will blockade between the UK and Northern certain organisations advantages over one of the trade deals it proited from of government to be in such a strong not be required to follow EU regulations. Ireland. he trouble is that the Inter- others and thus distorts competition when in the EU. However, in the wake position; Boris Johnson, whose irst With this, the question will arise as to nal Market Bill does not prevent a food and trade laws. of Johnson’s mismanagement, it now months in Downing Street were de- how the EU can maintain free move- blockade in Northern Ireland, as Ed Mili- By breaking state aid laws, we put seems that we will begin these negotia- ined by instability and chaos, surely ment in Ireland and avoid the erec- band highlighted, “his bill does pre- the EU at risk of having their markets tions with a reputation as a government felt overwhelmingly relieved to be the tion of a hard border. he Irish border cisely nothing to address the transport looded with Northern Irish goods with no regard for legality, which also Prime Minister commanding the biggest is currently entirely open. his is not of food from Great Britain to Northern which have beneited from State Aid. gladly renegades on its commitments. parliamentary majority since 2005. only politically crucial – the dismantling Ireland”. He requested that the Prime he EU have stated that in violating the he bill raises an array of additional To what should we attribute his of militarised border points was a key Minister point to the part of the Bill Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will problems. Aside from reigniting ten- historic victory? One factor prevailed: requirement of the Good Friday Agree- which will protect Northern Ireland, but “break international law, undermine sions in Northern Ireland, it also threat- Johnson’s ‘oven-ready’ Brexit deal. It ment – but also a logistical necessity, was met with silence. heresa May, who trust and put at risk the ongoing future ens relations with America. Whoever was the Brexit election; Brexit was the as the border straddles many houses has been very reticent to criticise her relationship negotiations”. If the bill is wins the White House in November, ground on which Johnson wanted to and farms. successor, described Jonson as acting implemented, the EU will face a choice the House of Representatives is un- ight, and it was the ground on which he here are currently no countries bor- “recklessly and irresponsibly” putting between allowing the single market to likely to lip, and Nancy Pelosi is clear won. Johnson had moved his way out dering the EU where customs checks the UK at risk of “untold damage”; Blair be compromised, or taking steps to se- that House Democrats will obstruct all of the quagmire by appealing to Leavers have been eliminated. he Protocol and Major have called the legislations cure their frontiers by erecting a hard mooted free trade deals with the UK if in the Red Wall, and to Remainers fed agreed that all Northern Irish goods “shameful” and “embarrassing”. border. Mick Mulvaney, Donald Trump’s Johnson reneges on his commitments to up with Brexit dominating their news- must conform to some EU rules, al- Johnson has forced a bill through special envoy to Northern Ireland, has the EU and to peace in Ireland. he EU feeds. Johnson’s biggest achievement lowing products to move freely into Parliament without any explanation of already identiied the risk of creating a will likewise be reluctant to cooperate was a deal that proved palatable to the the republic. here would therefore be how it will help Northern Ireland. When hard “border by accident”. with the UK once we have a reputation majority of the British public, a deal that customs checks on the border between reading from the government script, he When Michael Howard spoke against for breaking international law. he cur- now lies in tatters. Great Britain and Ireland. he proposed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Internal Market Bill in the House of rent state of national afairs seems even Johnson threw out the backstop and rules would allow Northern Ireland to Brandon Lewis, ofered a measly de- Lords, he focused on one particular as- worse than if we had simply left with replaced it with the Northern Ireland remain part of both UK customs terri- fence of the bill, asserting that it breaks pect: that in breaking international law, no deal this time last year. Since then, Protocol, a supposedly “great deal”. And tory and the customs union (subjecting international law only in a “speciic and even in a “speciic and limited way”, the we have made commitments which we yet, on the 9th September, the Prime them to around 200 EU product regula- limited way”. he draft legislation cur- United Kingdom would cause irrepara- simply cannot adhere to. No surprise Minister told us that he had no choice tions). rently states that ministers might “dis- ble damage to its reputation. “How can that ive former prime ministers have but to throw out the Protocol and to his seemed elegant in 2019, but now apply” previously agreed-upon rules on we reproach Russia, or China, or Iran joined 30 Conservative MPs in objecting break international law by defying the Johnson condemns it. He claims the EU the movement of goods. It also allows when their conduct falls below inter- to the Internal Market Bill. Withdrawal Agreement. he deal for is attempting to “leverage the Northern ministers to provide inancial assistance nationally accepted standards when we 14 F  2 O 2020 Opinion Trump, and the history of political gaslighting

What role does n the 2020 election and throughout the world’s most Covid deaths, he has reality. the West Coast, a global pandemic and gaslighting play his administration Trump has led continued his attacks on the ‘fake news Today, Putin’s Russia is the pioneer armed militias in the streets contribute in America’s a sustained campaign of political media’ that challenges it. of political gaslighting — not surprising to a sense of surreal dystopia, a glitched broken political Igaslighting. Gaslighting is de ned Trump’s gaslighting has been regular- considering Putin’s own past working simulation, yet in many ways life goes on debate? as an “elaborate and insidious tech- ly commented on, perhaps due to abuse for the USSR’s KGB in East Germany. as normal; Starbucks is still open, foot- nique of deception and psychological and mental health being more widely Putin’s Russia is a country of madden- ball is back on and the ‘apoca- manipulation” used to “undermine the discussed, and terms like gaslighting ing multiple realities, its regime osten- lypse’ is nihilistically victim’s con dence in his own ability to entering popular use. Some of these ac- sibly democratic and peace-seeking, memed in real falsehood, right from wrong, or reality counts are more allegorical: therapist but prone to poisoning political op- time on from appearance, thereby rendering him Stephanie Sarkis described Trump as “a ponents and curbing civil liberties. In Twit-T w i t - psychologically dependent on the gas- classic gaslighter in an abusive relation- Russia, internet technology enables po- ter. In lighter”. Trump uses gaslighting to make ship with America”. However, political litical gaslighting on an industrial scale; work- American voters doubt their memory ❝ gaslighting has deeper historical roots as Kurowska and Reshetnikov have shown ing of his past actions and positions, refute a means of authoritarian control. how Putin’s regime uses ‘troll factories’ out how basic facts and distrust reliable sources When  roughout history, those in power of intelligence agents and thousands of to frame of information.  e ultimate aim is to people are have oten sought to mislead and de- computer-programmed bots to overload their basic give himself a monopoly on truth. paranoid, ceive people, but political gaslighting online discourse with anger, noise and reality, voters In the last few weeks he has spread angry and only meaningfully emerged in a mod- misinformation, to defuse any construc- face wildly conspiracies of mail-in voting fraud and distrust all ern, psychological sense under the au- tive e ort at opposing the regime. With incom-i n c o m - the ‘deep state’, claiming Democrat presi- thoritarian states of the 1930s and 40s, useful or earnest content drowned out patible dential nominee Joe Biden is secretly media, the morbidly satirised by George Orwell in by conspiracy theories and vitriol, users views controlled by “people that are in the dark MAGA tribe 1984. Orwell’s protagonist Winston Smith disengage and become apathetic. o f shadows” and describing a mysterious becomes an works at the ‘Ministry of Truth’, rewriting  ese troll factories have targeted Ameri- plane “completely loaded with thugs anchor of and deleting historical documents to t American social media, aiding Don- ca, as an wearing… dark uniforms”. He has also belonging the ever-changing party line. ald Trump’s candidacy and polariza- oligarchic, accused leading Democrats of forging Gaslighting was re ned as a science tion in general in the 2016 Presidential white su- Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s dying wishes for and in East Berlin, in an unassuming brown Election. It would be disrespectful to premacist her Supreme Court replacement to be certainty o ce building o Normannenstraße; the equate Trump’s political gaslighting, police state, chosen ater the November election, sug- Stasi headquarters was emblematic of oten chaotically tweeted from his own a corrupt gesting Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, ❞ what Hannah Arendt called the “banality smartphone, with ruthless government and unequal, or Adam “shity” Schi are responsible. of evil”.  e Stasi used Zersetzung (de- oppression in Russia or the GDR, and but ultimately At a campaign rally last week, Trump composition) tactics to psychologically Trump lacks the state apparatus that redeemable system, told supporters that Covid-19 a ects break dissidents: they moved objects in made these regimes possible. However, or the best, freest, great- “virtually nobody”, just as its US death their homes, stole things, turned lights he bene ts from an enthusiastic army est country in history. toll passed 200,000, and August’s Re- on and o , wrote fake letters from and of volunteers in social media, TV and  e nal goal of gaslighting publican National Convention saw him to them and disrupted their relation- punditry who help him lie, disseminate is to create dependency on the lead a charm o ensive aimed at African ship and work lives. For those not tar- conspiracy theories and defame his crit- abuser. When people are American voters, trying to uphold his geted by Zersetzung,surveillance and the ics. paranoid, angry and dis- WIKIMEDIA COMMONS claim that he has done more for the black threat of informants among friends and Trump’s gaslighting is also helped trust all media: the MAGA community than any President since family, along with disparities between by the surreal, uncertain conditions of tribe becomes an anchor of Lincoln. To help maintain this alternate regime propaganda and economic re- America today, su cient to make anyone belonging and certainty. reality, in a militant, polarised America alities forced GDR citizens to suppress feel insane.  e once inconceivable fact

Al e Eltis Al gripped by racial justice protests and their own rationality and question their of Trump being president, wild res on ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’

We should ust before the outbreak of the Sec- and Carry On’ seem more appropriate is the ever-tightening grip of government why we locked down in the rst place. learn from ond World War, the British Min- now, when we need to focus on the im- restrictions. But these strict new rules We needed to  atten the peak to protect the wartime istry of Information was given portance of keeping our fear of corona- seem driven by news reports that are the NHS. But now the picture is a lot less generation by Jthe unenviable task of creating virus from eclipsing all else. promoting fear and blind tolerance, rath- clear. Currently, there are 600 people keeping calm a phrase to rouse the nation into action Of course, it’s not easy.  e new nor- er than providing the level-headed analy- in hospital with coronavirus, compared and carrying on against the threat of Nazism.  eir words, mal has become a comforting scapegoat, sis of the facts we so desperately need. to 17,000 in April, so the NHS is a long throughout the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’, although later a way of avoiding the nightmarish real-  e latest ‘predictions of 50,000 cases a way from being overwhelmed. We have COVID-19 crisis retired, became synonymous with the ity of combatting the risk of Covid-19. day’ fail to point out the important dif- ❝ to concede that cases must rise as the nation’s famously resilient wartime spir- It is in nitely simpler to zone out as a ferences between the Easter outbreak last days of summer draw to a close and it. Nowadays, the once powerful words Zoom meeting stutters its way into the and the situation now. Case numbers are Without a  u season rears its ugly head. Our aim languish on the front of tacky tote bags third hour of unproductive brainstorm- rising for many reasons, partly because national now is surely to prevent excess deaths and teapots sold in the shadow of the ing, than it is to spend time and money they can’t be adjusted for the fact that effort to in the vulnerable, rather than holding Tower of London, perhaps the time has investing in precautions that could get us testing is so much more extensive now find ways onto unrealistic hopes for a day with come to get the well-loved words back back into real life. Moves to virtual living than it was earlier in the year. In late to return to no new cases. out of retirement. and learning were a short term response April, we were running 30,000 tests a Our attitude at the start of the pan- In March of this year, Downing Street to an unfamiliar situation - but their sus- day, but 6 months later, that number sits reality, we demic centred on the falsehood that came up with various phrases to try tained use is not the way forward. at 220,000 and is still rising. We must risk watch- this would be a challenging but brief and spur the nation into action against Some activities are inherently incom- remember that the raw data used by the ing an entire period that simply had to be endured. the threat of Covid-19.  eir early de- patible with Covid-19 – the closure of media cannot be used to make retro- academic But the bottom line is Covid-19 is here to mands to ‘Stay home. Protect the NHS. nightclubs in March was a decision that spective comparisons, and neither can it year slide stay. Even with vaccines being pushed Save lives.’ were probably not cheery felt inevitable and entirely rational. But justify responding to this wave in exactly through trials at breakneck speed, mass enough to be plastered onto a tea towel, now even seemingly Covid-safe activi- the same way as the last. As Professor by as we production, inoculation and herd immu- but were wholly appropriate given that ties seem to be o -limits. At a university Carl Heneghan of Oxford University says, resignedly nity are a very long way o . Without a the country needed a clear message amid level, the annual Cambridge Freshers’ “We need to slow down our thinking. But type in the national e ort to nd ways to return to so much uncertainty. Fair on Parker’s Piece has had to be every time the government sees a rise in next meet- reality, we risk watching an entire aca- However, half a year later, a new ral- cancelled; an event that is always held cases it seems to panic.” ing ID demic year slide by as we resignedly type lying cry is needed.  e new normal cen- outside, with people eating their free  is does not mean we should be in the next Meeting ID. tres on the idea that cancellations and pizza slices at a distance of 2m away from complacent about risk. But we should ❞ Fear is an easy emotion to evoke but restrictions are something we must learn society representatives. On the national take heart from the contrast to the a hard one to contain. Our response to to live with. But this is another phrase scale, organisers have simply given up height of the pandemic, when research this pandemic must not be driven by designed for the rst lockdown, when with the idea of trying to hold London’s suggested there may have been almost an attitude of weary acceptance or a the government required silence and New Year’s Eve reworks. Surely, with 100,000 cases a day, a far cry from the disproportionate response to clickbait obedience while experts scrambled to the necessary precautions, the people 5,000 or so we picked up at the time. It’s headlines. We should of course stay alert, understand the nature of the virus. As of London could have joined together easy to trust statistics, but the truth is control the virus and continue saving our knowledge grows, we need to move to celebrate the end of what has been the data we keep quoting from the rst lives. But we must rid ourselves of this away from our ‘snow ake generation’ an incredibly challenging year. wave only ever represented the tip of attitude of tired defeat and instead, keep meekness and return to the stoicism of  e driving force behind the transi- the iceberg. calm and look for Covid-safe ways of

Emily Fox Emily wartime Britain.  e words ‘Keep Calm tion of these events to online alternatives It’s also important to hold sight of carrying on. Friday 2nd October 2020 15 Science Cambridge Science Round-up Grace Blackshaw and Yan-Yi Lee explore some of the latest scientific research from the University of Cambridge

he prevention of heart disease can begin… in the womb?

Cardiovascular diseases are not neces- sarily the result of smoking and obes- ity. In fact, research has shown that low oxygen levels in the womb (“oxidative stress”) may increase a child’s chances of developing heart disease later in life. In response, Professor Dino Gius- sani and his team examined the per- formance of mitochondrial therapy on women with complicated pregnancies and found that MitoQ (a specialised antioxidant) reduces oxidative stress in the mitochondria, leading to a healthier development of the fetus and lessening the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. ▲ Alicia Vikander as Ava in Ex Machina, a typical portrayal of AI in ilm. (TWITTER/AESTHETIC MOVIES) Electronic printing Decolonising Artiicial A device for artiicial inspired by cofee stains Intelligence photosynthesis ▲ For women with complicated pregnancies, mitochon- Ever spilt your cofee and noticed a drial therapy may reduce the chance of heart problems distinctive ring-like deposit along the for the ofspring. (TWITTER/GONVILLE & CAIUS COLLEGE) Researchers from Cambridge’s Lever- Imagine if we could make fuel from perimeter of the spill? Perhaps unsur- hulme Centre for the Future of Intel- carbon dioxide and sunlight, without prisingly, this is called the cofee ring Institute have been hard at work, look- ligence have launched an initiative to using any electricity? A research group efect and it forms when the liquid ing speciically at the case of oesopha- “decolonise AI”. hey argue that the in the Department of Chemistry has evaporates quicker at the edges, caus- geal cancer. With the help of whole-ge- overwhelming Whiteness of AI, in hu- developed a device that does exactly ing solid particles to accumulate. It nome sequencing, the team examined manoid robots, virtual assistants, stock that. hey’ve developed a photocatalyst has long hindered the development of DNA samples of patients with Barrett’s images and portrayals of AI in ilm and sheet that converts CO2 and H2O into functional inks with graphene and na- oesophagus and compared them to a TV, allows for the “erasure people of O2 and formate, a fuel that can either noparticles because it makes electronic control group. he team then searched colour from the White utopian imagi- be used directly or converted into hy- devices behave irregularly. But fear not, for DNA diferences between those nary.” Dr Dihal, who leads the project, drogen. his device builds on the team’s Cambridge researchers recently came who gradually developed oesophageal explains, “it is unsurprising that a soci- earlier work developing an “artiicial up with a unique solution to tackle this. cancer and those who did not. Ulti- ety which has promoted the association leaf,” which produces another fuel syn- Using a speciic mixture of isopropyl mately, the researchers were able to de- of intelligence with White Europeans gas, without releasing any carbon diox- alcohol and 2-butanol, ink particles dis- vise a statistical model that predicted for centuries would imagine machine ide. he challenge now is to scale up the tribute more evenly across droplets. oesophageal cancer eight years prior to intelligence also as White.” hey also technology from the 20 square centime- diagnosis for around half of the patients suggest the racialisation of AI has the tre test unit to several square metres. involved. potential to further exacerbate bias and racial inequality. Choosing the veggie Does the colour of tinted ▼ Researchers have developed a photocatalyst sheet that option solar panels matter for can turn carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and for- agriculture? mate.(TWITTER/SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH & INNOVATION CONGRESS) Most people know that the veggie op- tion is better for their health and for the When it comes to farming, tinted solar planet, but it can still be hard to break panels can help generate energy and old habits and chose the veggie option. cultivate crops at the same time. While In an efort to overcome this, Cambridge (TWITTER/CANCER RESEARCH UK) this technique (“agrivoltaics”) itself isn’t researchers carried out experiments in new, Cambridge scientists have found the cafeterias of two Cambridge colleg- that orange solar panels produce more es to see if they could “nudge” people’s Predicting oesophageal clean energy, while also stimulating the behaviour by changing the position cancer eight years prior growth of more nutritious crops. his of veggie options. Over two years, the is not a fashion statement, but a good team collected and analysed data from to diagnosis use of wavelengths – red and orange 105,143 meal selections. Crucially, they wavelengths are particularly beneicial found that placing the vegetarian op- With awareness of cancer prevention for crop growth so the installation of or- tions irst on the counter only increased on the rise, it is common to ask: how ange solar panels allows a good concen- their sales when there was more than can cancer be predicted, and how long tration of these red and orange wave- 1.5m between choices. here was no in advance? In an attempt to answer lengths to pass through to the crops increase in sales when there was less these questions, researchers at Cam- planted underneath. than 1.0m between choices. bridge and the European Bioinformatics 16 F  2 O 2020 Science ‘ e key to the highest truths’: Primo Levi and the beauty of chemistry Nathanael Smalley reflects on the life and writing of Primo Levi, and his own experience as a Natural Sciences Student

Content Note: is article contains discus- these dreams of omniscience frustrated Calvin Cycle of photosynthesis. Neither them, forbids them, and that’s why that this particular metabolic reaction sion of Levi’s imprisonment in Auschwitz. when “chemistry itself…did not answer is it a moralistic, Aesopian collection of you’re not a Fascist; it wants everybody was in fact achieved by some sort of di- my questions…Did chemistry theorems tales and musings, nor a mere anthro- to be the same, and you are not.” vine intervention. “Precise and concise”, rimo Levi wasn’t a great sci- exist? No: therefore you had to go fur- pomorphism of the elements and their From my own experience, I found my- our  rst-year supervisor told us. And entist. ere are no chemical ther, not be satis ed with the quia, go characteristics. Instead, Levi refers to his self somewhat dismayed to be handed yet, Levi’s style could not be further re- reactions named ater him; he back to the origins, to mathematics and creation as “in some fashion a history… back my  rst biological essay to discover moved from the starchy text of academic Ppublished no ground-breaking physics.” Or, as one’s sphere of scienti c of a trade and its defeats, victories and that  orid language had no place in sci- journals and scienti c essays, describ- papers; he made no revolutionary contri- knowledge becomes more specialised, miseries, such as everyone wants to tell enti c writing: one friend was rebuked ing his trade as “brutally incompatible butions to the paint and lacquer indus- to observe those academics who have when he feels close to concluding the arc for using the word “created” in an essay, with writing.” In fact, as a chemist, it is try. However, through his book, e Pe- tied their “destiny, indelibly, to bromine of his career.” Levi’s compelling grasp lest it be implied rare that I ever have the chance to read a riodic Table, Levi contributed something or polypropylene, or the -NCO group, or of humanity is what shines through “proper” book; truthfully, I seldom have unique to the scienti c community. glutamic acid”? the pages: no character is a hero nor an attention span greater than a couple First published in Italian in 1975, e It is Levi’s application of such rich, a villain, not even Dr. Müller, his of pages of the “Green Bible” of Organic Periodic Table consists of 21 chapters, each descriptive language to the otherwise boss at the Buna Rubber factory Chemistry. the name of a chemical element and a mundane of the scienti c world which at Auschwitz. Ater all, for Levi, Nonetheless, reading Levi’s writing story (in roughly chronological order) makes this book special. “Distilling “reality is always more complex over lockdown, I was reminded that somehow connected to it. Levi was a is beautiful”, states Levi in Potassium. than invention…it rarely lies on he also witnessed chemistry’s most chemist, graduating from the University “When you set about distilling, you ac- one level.” detestable side at Auschwitz, as part of Turin in 1941 under Mussolini’s Fascist quire the consciousness of repeating a Yet when reading e Periodic of the Chemical Kommando trans- government and racial laws. Soon ater ritual consecrated by the centuries, al- Table, it’s hard not to re ect on porting magnesium chloride, and at the collapse of the regime on 25th July most a religious act, from which imper- its powerful lessons and warn- the IG-Farben laboratory. Despite this, 1943 came the Nazi occupation only a fect material you obtain the essence, the ings. Levi’s Judaism is deeply Levi never lost sight of the beauty of few months later on 5th September. Flee- usia, the spirit…” Levi’s understanding personal: from the chapter Argon, chemistry: for me, found in the sub- ing the occupation, Levi and his peers of chemistry’s beauty is found through- detailing his “inert” Piedmontese limation of brilliant emerald-green joined an ill-equipped partisan group out the book: whether it be the “pretty Jewish relatives, to the chapter Ceri- crystals of nickelocene; in the jagged, in Piedmont. However, he was soon structure” of alloxan in Nitrogen, or his um, detailing his exploits in making imperfect trace of an action potential captured and deported to Auschwitz, rich description of phosphorus as “not contraband lighter  ints in Ausch- on the electromyograph; in the faint where he was imprisoned until the end an emotionally neutral element”. It was witz. Levi speaks of his pride in being rainbow of lines emitted by potassium of the war. Finally, ater a lengthy jour- van Gogh himself who noted that “if you “impure,” drawing the allusion to the under a sodium discharge lamp. If Levi ney through Europe, Levi returned to truly love nature, you will  nd beauty unreactivity of pure zinc to acid and were to observe us in these practical Italy as an industrial chemist. everywhere.” Levi seems to have under- the need for a drop of copper sulfate classes, complete with our rash deduc- roughout the book, Levi speaks stood this to an intimate degree. to begin the reaction: “In order for the tions, amateurish mistakes and both openly and eloquently about his Despite this, e Periodic Table is much wheel to turn, for life to be lived, im- shattered glassware, I like life. In the second chapter, Hydrogen, Levi more than simply an autobiography; in purities are needed: Fas- to think he would be remembers experimenting in a back-yard fact, Levi asserts that it is not that. In cism does not pleased. laboratory. Indeed, which NatSci hasn’t 2006, the Royal Institution voted it the want pursued, naïvely or not, to “dredge the best science book ever written from a bowels of the mystery with our strength, shortlist including works by Konrad Lenz PRIMOLEVICENTRE our talent…”, or to “watch the buds swell and Berthold Brecht, but it is more than in spring, the mica glint in the granite, that too. Any  rst-year biologist would my own hands…[and to say] “I will un- have no problem in pointing out some derstand this, too, I will understand of the dodgy science in the  nal chapter, everything, but not the way they want Carbon, which is nevertheless Levi’s tour me to?”.” And then, at University, to have de force of a literary description of the Coronavirus is mutating – should we be worried? Rachel Ibbott discusses the negative and positive impacts of coronavirus mutations, and how they could affect the race for a vaccine. evelopment of a vaccination concern are increasing mutations in the targets for antibodies. Whilst the D614G drug candidates such as Remdesivir. Re- – far from being a mutation enhancing could be the solution to the nucleocapsid protein and 3a ciroporins, mutation is not directly in the antibody search from University College London escape from the immune response! Vac- COVID-19 pandemic. Howev- which enable new viruses to be released binding domain, any further mutations has identi ed several other unchanging cines to the spike protein aim to elicit a Der, September’s rollercoaster from an infected cell and transmit the in this domain would render several key regions of the genome which may also speci c immune response towards the of vaccine news has failed to acknowl- virus to other cells. Another example vaccine trials useless. prove useful. virus, with the production of memory edge a potential major barrier: muta- is the D614G mutation, a single-base ese all sound like signi cant caus- Mutations could even actively help cells that will be on hand to quickly re- tion. SARS-CoV-2’s genome is already amino acid substitution from aspartate es for alarm. Luckily, it seems that the us to control the pandemic. Analysis spond if the spike protein is encountered changing, possibly wreaking havoc on (D) to glycine (G) at position 614 in the coronavirus mutates more slowly than of di erent mutations in di erent ge- again. D614G spike proteins are better the precarious task of returning to nor- coronavirus spike protein (which con- other dangerous viruses such as in u- nomes has the power to trace outbreaks at attracting antibodies, meaning that mality. trols virus entry into human cells). is enza. Even when mutations do arise, back to their source. For example, the the e cacy of vaccines currently being Mutations are oten seen as drastic, per- mutation spread across the world as the evolutionary theory predicts that most open source bank of sequences ‘Next- developed will likely be even greater haps owing to their randomness, or to pandemic worsened, perhaps even aid- will be short-lived. Furthermore, com- strain’ provides analysis of subtypes against mutated forms of the virus. their superhuman portrayal in popular ing spread to Europe, quickly becom- mon mutations such as D614G might not of coronavirus emerging in di erent So how worried about mutations culture (such as the X-men). In fact, most ing ubiquitous. Patients with the D614G be caused by evolutionary advantage geographical locations – their August should we be? While there is evidence have no e ect on an organism, though mutation have higher viral loads, and as many have feared. If a new cluster of analysis displayed the contrast between that they could be both a threat and an others could confer evolutionary ad- the mutated virus has higher infectious cases was seeded by only a few viruses, mini-clusters in Europe (mostly local and aid, it’s important to recognise how little vantages – for a virus, this may mean titres in the lab. Tentative evidence from any mutations present are replicated by within-country transmission) with vari- we know about the virus – our knowl- boosting transmission and infection. Sci- population genetic modelling indicates default, not necessarily because they ous genetic mixtures in the US (lots of edge is shiting all the time. Early inter- entists have been continually monitoring that the mutation could have contrib- help transmission – this is known as interstate transmission). is knowledge pretations of data and sampling biases viral genomes since the start of the pan- uted to high infection rates in the UK. the founder e ect. Furthermore, muta- could inform policy and control meas- mean that conclusions from studies demic, uploaded onto databases such as Luckily, multiple studies have reassured tions aren’t necessarily on the increase ures, such as distinguishing between the should be treated tentatively. Scientists GISAID, COG-UK, and Nextstrain. But are that D614G-mutated COVID-19 does as SARS-CoV-2 adapts to its new human need for local or more widespread lock- globally are preparing for anything the coronavirus mutations really frequent not increase the severity of symptoms, hosts – the same study concerned about downs in the coming autumn. pandemic can throw at us – careful mon- or drastic enough to derail pandemic though they might di er in how they mutations in nucleocapsid proteins More good news comes from re- itoring of mutations over the next few exit strategies? present. e spike protein is additionally found that the protein nsp12 is becom- searchers in Pennsylvania, USA,  nding years will be hugely important to spot Genetic mutations can alter protein of importance for several vaccine trials, ing more stable as the pandemic goes on, that the D614G mutated virus is more signs of drug or vaccine resistance once shape and therefore viral properties. Of being deemed one of the most important making it a good potential target for new susceptible to antibody neutralisation these technologies are in use. 10% OFF

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20% OFF 10% OFF 20% OFF 18 F  2 O 2020 Interviews A less than ideal start to university: how are freshers feeling? Tiffany Tsoi collects freshers’ thoughts, fears, and first impressions of Cambridge amid uncertainty concerning their first academic year

▲ It is evident that mental health will be a particular concern this year, especially amongst freshers. (LEONI BOYLE)

very October, thousands of cerned about even moving into college, ❝ versity committing to in order to sup- supervisions, and having a face to face freshers arrive at Cambridge given the rising cases and the very real port students returning - particularly social life – these are necessary elements – starry-eyed and eager, many possibility of a second lockdown,” said A those who may be nervous coming to of college life, especially for a university Ewith far too much luggage and Flo Brockman, an incoming fresher at reduced Cambridge as freshers.” known for its supervision system.” an in ated sense of opportunity (speak- Murray Edwards. And with growing em- Despite this, a lack of clarity and in- Yet there is something to be said ing from personal experience). As the phasis from colleges on the importance price for consistencies in college policies have for the resilience and optimism that story goes, halcyon days of partying, of socialising within allocated household added to the stress and worry.  e infor- freshers have shown. Group chats and drinking, and general mistake-making bubbles, many are feeling frustrated at the mation that students have received about virtual events have been a source of lie ahead: equal parts magical and no- the prospect. One fresher at Pembroke events planned for Freshers’ Week have solace and camaraderie, wherein fresh- torious, depending on who you ask.  is described being put in a household with reduced varied widely across colleges; a socially ers have experienced the warmth and year things are di erent. When Chloe only one other  rst year. “When I found distanced matriculation dinner, for ex- solidarity of the student community. “I Gommichon, an incoming  rst year at this out I became so anxious that it made experi- ample, is happening at Murray Edwards, de nitely doubted choosing Cambridge Magdalene from America, landed two me not actually want to go to Cambridge ence but still up in the air at other colleges. during lockdown, but the people I’ve met weeks early for her mandatory quaran- at all,” she said. She later requested to “People have been planning what to wear through social media have reassured tine, her arrival at the porter’s lodge was have this changed successfully, but the would as if it’s going forwards as normal, but I me that I have made the right choice. instead met with alarming confusion, overall anxiety has prevailed. “I guess don’t think we’ve heard anything about Despite the circumstances, I am really the porter muttering: “Do we have a it’s just really not going to be what I have how that’s going to work,” said a fresher excited to move in,” said Flo. Chloe is room for her?” imagined.” been nice from Pembroke. feeling similarly positive about the fu- “On the spot I panicked and thought It is evident that mental health will be Along with the closure of most social ture. “Freshers’ Week is not a once in they had not registered my arrival on a particular concern this year, especially ❞ areas in college, like common rooms, ca- a lifetime type of experience, and once that day,” Chloe said.  ings eventually amongst freshers.  is has been a focus fes, and halls, this has fed into a shared ❝ we’re allowed to properly go out with turned out  ne. She was put in a room at of Alice Gilderdale’s work as the Welfare sense that Cambridge this year is a bad our friends, we’ll have just as much, or college to carry out her quarantine, but and Community O cer at the Cambridge deal  nancially. “I’m not even sure how I’m just even more fun, than we would’ve had the incident has nonetheless set the tone Students’ Union (SU). “For a fresher ar- accessible the library, both in college, in freshers.” for her arrival. “I’m disappointed. I’ve riving in a city they’ve never lived in, or the faculty’s, will be,” said Flo. Many excited to  ere’s no skirting around the fact been told countless times that your  rst knowing few or no other students and other students expressed the same sen- nally be that we will be arriving at a very di er- year of university, and especially fresh- then having to maintain strict social timent, although some have acknowl- ent Cambridge this year: one that we had ers, is amazing. Now that I’m locked in distancing, by isolating themselves in edged that sta must be paid regard- a part of not expected; one that we might not rec- a room for two weeks, I have no distrac- rooms or households – it isn’t an ideal less of whether learning becomes online. ognise; and one that we probably weren’t tions and not much to look forward to. It situation.”  e SU has launched a #De- “My dad is a lecturer so I have seen how the Cam- hoping for. Still, David Quan, entering his makes dealing with homesickness more mandSafeCambridge Campaign calling much e ort he has put into making his  rst year at Clare studying education, is complicated.” for the University to commit to basic online lectures as smooth and useful bridge nothing short of sanguine: “Everybody  ese feelings are echoed by many of assurances, such as providing accommo- as possible. It’s far more work than he commu- I’ve met online so far has been so kind, her peers who have been preparing for dation for students who would prefer to normally would need to do,” said one caring, and encouraging. We all have a a less than ideal start to university. As remain in college in the case of a second fresher. But she conceded: “a reduced nity shared understanding that we will be the second wave continues to worsen, lockdown, and adopting a compassion- price for the reduced experience would ❞ relying on one another in the coming what was hoped to be a week of safe and ate approach to student discipline. “We have been nice.” Kevin Du, an interna- weeks and months – I’m just excited to socially distanced mingling is looking hope this campaign lays the basic red tional fresher hailing from Shanghai, felt  nally be a part of the Cambridge com- increasingly precarious. “I’m just con- lines we wish to see the collegiate Uni- the same: “going to lectures, attending munity.” I l l u s t r a t i o n b y Vulture Leoni Boyle

▶LIFESTYLE ASK VULTURE ∙21 ▶ FASHION whAT woULd VARSiTy wEAR ∙ 24-25 ▶ArTS A gUidE To cAmbRidgE ARTS ∙ 26-27 ▶THEATrE A nEw SEASon AT ThE Adc ∙ 28 20 Vulture Friday 2nd OctOber 2020 Lifestyle Putting down my reading list, picking up Percy Jackson Even though a Cambridge term is crowded by deadlines, coffee trips, and ominious academic emails, Film and Tv Editor Alexandra Jarvis writes that reading for pleasure is a necessity

picion that this wasn’t helpful in the slightest; I wasn’t relaxing, nor was I actually taking in anything useful. I eventually realised that driving myself First term into the ground for several months at a time can have ify consequences for my health (I lost my voice twice, in both Michaelmas Bucket and Lent; something my housemates enjoy bringing up). Even if the pressure never lets up, you have to. During lockdown, I put aside List the ominous emails from the Russian depart- ment comparing our language skills to a de- manding houseplant (i.e. needing constant attention) and instead made the efort to read Find the Dinky Doors completely irrelevant things, from a discovery of Percy Jackson (legendary) to he Girl with Whether its a dinky UFO, teleporta- the Dragon Tattoo (problematic). tion machine or a shop of curiosities, Indulging in this kind of reading is in no way Cambridge really seems to have it all. his beneicial to my degree, but it’s not supposed term, go on a walk and ind all 9 Dinky to be. I can get lost in these books in a way I Doors - a fun way to explore Cambridge can’t with dry Russian history tomes. Far from and its alternative ‘street-art scene’. worrying about which dates to remember, I can instead consider whether Stieg Larsson Eat some chips at Gardies meant to sexualise the mundane in women in every other sentence. his wonderfully A night out in Cambridge is not com- unproductive bedtime reading will, I imag- plete without the inevitable trip to Gardies ine, last until the irst night back in college. or Van of Life for some chips. Whilst danc- Nevertheless, having taken time of during ing at Cindies (and other clubs) might not lockdown stands me in better stead to face be possible, the chips are still there and the chaos of term. ready to be eaten. ❝ Delve into the Cambridge arts

I can get lost in these books Cambridge is rich with culture to be explored: whether its a museum full of in a way I can’t with dry antiquities, a cozy cottage illed with art, ▲ "Indulging in this kind of reading is in no way beneicial to my degree, but it’s not supposed to be" Russian history tomes or stylish contemporary gallery. Check out (INSTAGRAM/MUHAMMEDSAJID.N) our map on page 26, to see where to go for ❞ some of the best art in Cambridge. our time in Cambridge is more in the same boat as me. than your Tripos reading. I can After starting the year in this brilliant fash- You will need to remind yourself frequently Experience Student heatre conirm that it’s helpful to know ion, I continued to feel overwhelmed by the of why you committed to your degree, es- Ywhat’s going on in lectures, and amount of reading there was expected for each pecially when submerged, mid-term, in a Need some evening entertainment? A it makes supervisions much less lecture (primary and secondary), and then the cofee-fuelled essay crisis, disassociating to budding thespian wanting to act? Cam- awkward to know the topic. But it’s not the additional suggested readings for essays. he the Mamma Mia soundtrack (or maybe that’s bridge is sure to fulil your every theatre be-all and end-all. I found the idea of open, amount of literature involved in a language just me). Similarly, remind yourself to take craving. Whilst live-performances may self-guided study a diicult concept to grasp course did, admittedly, surprise me. I hadn’t time away from your work. his separation not go ahead this term, keep an eye out when transitioning from A-level to Cambridge investigated the course in detail before apply- between your course and interests is vital, for virtual productions by Cam's various (with a year abroad in between to boot); im- ing, and got quickly used to feeling an acute and there are hundreds of other things to ill theatre groups. poster syndrome was something I felt long sense of panic when, for instance, faced with your time around your reading — reading that before I knew about its infamous name, and 12 chapters of a book to read before bed, and you can adjust to suit your interests. Ronsard’s Walk along the river Cam I attempted to resort to the security of a the supervision the next day. million-or-so sonnets and I parted ways in comprehensive syllabus and reading list. As Michaelmas, never to reconvene, and I was If you wake up at 5am to go rowing, we I quickly learnt, though, there was no such ❝ all the better for it. his highly individualised respect you deeply. For us normal people, thing as a single reading list. It turns out that I was haunted by the approach to learning only beneits your time a walk along the Cam will suice. On the a Cambridge degree doesn’t begin and end at Cambridge. Make sure to mix this with a next sunny day, take this beautiful, green with having read everything on your subject sensation that I had to handful of sports, social events, and the odd walk and enjoy a momentary break from in the library, cover to cover. be constantly reading spot of soul-searching (all not productive for Cambridge busyness. In September last year, I sat down to do a your course, but very far from counter-pro- diagnostic test for my ab initio Russian course, relevant books to my ductive). Go to Fizbillies only to realise I was supposed to have done course Reading for pleasure may fall somewhat by the irst six units of a grammar book that I’d the wayside in term, but it can provide the Feeling peckish? Try a chelsea bun and never heard of beforehand. Cue utter panic. ❞ opportunity to take time on your own during cofee at the original Fitzbillies in Trump- I then trawled through the MML website for the whirlwind of the infamous 8-week term. ington Street. Fitzbillies is a quintessential other things I had missed — the core reading I was haunted by the sensation that I had You certainly can love what you study, but place for students to meet and procras- lists — and got through a fair amount of it to be constantly reading relevant books to my having some long-cherished YA books on hand tinate work. Whilst it is expensive, it's through sheer stress before arriving. I reached course. I thought I had the solution in Lent, for downtime is never a bad thing, even — worth going for a special treat! Cambridge distinctly more stressed than nec- reading books for Tripos in bed at night to especially — if it doesn’t relate to your Tripos essary, only to discover that most people were relax. However, I now have the sneaking sus- in the slightest.     Vulture 21 ● Ask Vulture. Ask Vulture columinist Lottie Swainston imparts some wisdom on how to maintain a long distance relationship at Cambridge

f I received a pound for every blueprint – so just go with the  ow! university orchestra, worried look I got a ter telling Maintaining a long-distance relationship is but you can ❝ Ipeople that my boyfriend and I are just like maintaining any other. de nitely watch I’ve been waiting to start at di erent universities, I could It’s easy to only see the negatives: you’re a  lm on Net ix probably retire comfortably right now – at apart, living drastically di erent lifestyles, party together. at Cambridge for two years the grand old age of 18. Friends and family and unable to share experiences. But this You say he’s now and am so excited! e seem concerned, arguments are prophesied, comes with has a host of positives which a chef – why only downside is it means and it seems to be the consensus that you’ll are easy to forget. You are presented not cook a dri t apart before you’ve even said your with the perfect opportunity to achieve a meal together I have to move away from goodbyes. But in truth, every relationship is balance between your own life and your over facetime? my long term boyfriend di erent – there’s room for all shapes and relationship; the separation will naturally You and your who been with for a year sizes in this world, and at the end of the prevent you from losing your own identity  atmates day, there isn’t really an ideal relationship to your partner’s. You won’t wake up one can only now. We will only be 3 hours day and suddenly wonder where the hell all bene t from away, but he works as a ❝ your own hobbies and life went. his cooking chef, so  nds it di cult to You are presented with Maintain closeness and connect over your expertise. And take time o . Any advice on experiences by making regular time to call:  nally, cherish all your dates during term; the perfect opportunity maybe once a day, or every other day – but your partner won’t be part and parcel keeping the romance alive be spontaneous! Suddenly see something of day to day student life, but maybe in a long distance relation- to achieve a balance that reminds you of a hilarious inside joke? that’s a blessing in disguise. Every time ship whilst at university?! Give them a call!  is means you can really you see them it will feel like a wonderful between your own life throw yourself into life at Cambridge, guilt opportunity to forget the stress of the ❞ and your relationship free. Get creative and  nd new experiences Cambridge workload, and reconnect with you can share at a distance – you may not the person you love – and that’s a pretty ❞ be able to bring your partner along to the special feeling.

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All items subject to availability. Above prices exclude postage & packaging. All major credit and debit cards accepted www.varsity.co.uk LARGE SELECTION OF SECOND HAND BIKES FROM £75.00 22 Vulture     Music ● Backing Track: Vulture’s Memories of classical guitar FRESHERS’ PLAYLIST at Cambridge Harry Taunton reminisces on how learning the classical guitar transformed his musical outlook

he guitar held very little place in my life until I unwrapped one on my thir- teenth birthday. T Music had, until then, meant a year of piano lessons, or a pleasant noise to hum along to in the car or through an iPod. But now it had become something tangible and creatable. ▲ Harry and his Alhambra 5P HARRY TAUNTON And it was this addictive satisfaction of making music and improving every time I picked up the than just literally ‘tickling the ivories’. instrument which carried me through my  rst e masterclass inspired a real vigour and eighteen months of self-instruction: mastering meticulousness in my practice, as well as an Wonderwall with Marty Schwartz, developing increased sensitivity to the relationship between calluses and braving barre chords. the production and reception of the music it- However, when I found myself ready to self. But the class also let me questioning the progress beyond the stage I had reached inde- quality of the guitar I had unwrapped six years pendently, I was unsure how best to develop my before. To achieve the quality of sound, tone and newfound skill and which musical genre to opt colour that I wanted and needed to progress, I It might be a di erent kind of Freshers’ for. Upon hearing a recording of the late, great felt a new guitar was needed. So, ater copious week in Cambridge this year, but the Julian Bream playing Tárrega’s Recuerdos de research, abacus adjustment, and advice from la Alhambra, I decided to  nd a teacher would my guitar teacher, I visited the London Guitar music plays on. Here’s a playlist to get could introduce me to the music of the classical Studio in July 2020 and (protective mask on) you through! guitar: Bach’s Minuet in G, Tárrega’s Lágrima and purchased my  rst bona  de classical guitar for Adelita, Sor’s Study in A minor, John Williams’ my twenty- rst birthday. I can now say that my Cavatina... Grades and thousands of hours of new Alhambra 5P spruce model has ballooned to get pumped for the Zoom lecture... practice followed, and my motivation and en- my ability, con dence and love for the instru- Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe joyment never  agging. I was hooked. ment and its music. Kendrick Lamar My future with the classical guitar looks bright. My repertoire has grown even since ❝ July and I am composing my own pieces as for when you need some human connection... My motivation and enjoyment oten as time-o from work permits. One of Smack at these compositions was inspired by losing my Akon never agged grandfather in Spring 2019. e month before ❞ he passed away, my family and I went over to Spain to say our  nal goodbyes and six months for pre-ing as a bubble... later, while in Paris on my year abroad, I had Come Together (Urban Dawn remix) A few years later, now in the throes of univer- completed a piece in his memory. sity life, and having already played in my  rst I  nd the process of composition enormously e Beatles concert at Downing, I had the opportunity to rewarding. When I  rst started I would scribble play in a masterclass held by world-renowned the notes down pell-mell on bits of paper. Nowa- for your government-mandated daily classical guitarist Ana Vidovic. ere were seven days, I drat online using free score-writing sot- exercise... or so other amateur players like myself, each ware and then write up the  nal drats on fresh Physical with prepared pieces to play for Ana. I chose to sheet music. I hope to do my grandfather’s piece Dua Lipa perform the same tricky, tremolo-based, Tárre- justice, along with my other musical doodles, gan tune with which Bream had wowed me  ve by recording them properly and releasing them years previously – an endeavour made doubly in album form at some point. for the essay crisis... daunting by a room full of music enthusiasts, Until then, I am still enjoying the everyday What You Waiting For? fellow performers and, of course, Ana herself. process of learning and improving. roughout Ater one recital of the piece, Ana and I dis- quarantine and beyond, the classical guitar has Gwen Stefani cussed it at length before delving into issues of been a very welcome escape, even if I am just interpretation and technique, but principally of listening to my favourites: Barrios’ Un Sueño en for the 2pm lull... volume and tempo. Having only practised this la Floresta (in fact, the entire album John Wil- Wake Up piece alone, I was not used to playing in front liams Plays Barrios is incredible); Quique Sinesi’s of an audience and my little beginner’s guitar El Abrazo (played particularly well by Carles Arcade Fire sounded like cardboard and string compared Herràiz); and Isaac Albéniz’s Granada from his to Ana Vidovic’s custom-made, Jim Redgate Suite Española op.47. Apart from these, my ‘to- model. learn’ list includes a piece by one man whose We went about remedying my mousey sound, music I have not yet braved beyond one or two paying close attention to increasing the power simpler pieces – Bach. Segovia’s transcription ▲ ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEONI and control of my right hand. is involved of his Chaconne in D minor is de nitely on my BOYLE FOR VARSITY slowing my pace considerably and focusing bucket list. However, this will have to wait its on pressing the strings into the guitar instead of turn behind those pieces mentioned above and, ◀ Kendrick Lamar scratching the surface of them – a bit like push- of course, all the university work piling up in ing a piano key down into the keyboard, rather the corner next to my guitar stand.     Vulture 23 Film & TV ● Oxbridge on lm: debauchery, decadence and e Riot Club A second look at 2014’s e Riot Club reveals that pro igate reality can be stranger than sordid  ction, writes Charlotte To

rst watched  e Riot Club in 2014, three I had no access to anyone who could provide the club began to attack the pub owner, I had by state-educated applicants is part of this pic- years before I would submit my applica- legitimate insight into the lived reality of attend- to turn it o . It wasn’t the violence itself which ture. Another part, however, is the number of Ition to Cambridge. Six years later, when ing Oxford or Cambridge, I didn’t look towards disturbed me, but the understanding I now had state-educated students who arrive at an Oxford watching it again, I couldn’t make it past lms like  e Riot Club to ll in the blanks. that this did bear a resemblance to reality. or Cambridge very di erent to the one they had half-way. In fact, I didn’t think to even consider what  e dinners, the supervisions, and the end- initially set their sights on. With a cast list decorated with the likes of the ins and outs of everyday life would be like, less Freshers’ Week question of ‘where did you  e Higher Education Statistics Agency found Sam Cla in, Douglas Booth, and Max Irons, on (what I felt to be) the very slim chance that go to school, then?’ were familiar in a mildly that 1% of Cambridge students drop out of their my education was not particularly at the fore- I might somehow be o ered a place.  is didn’t funny and reassuring way. We oten look for degree. No data has been published on the pro- front of my 15-year-old mind when watching occur to me at all, before the day I arrived in ourselves, parallels with our own lives, in ction portion of them who were state-educated, but I the lm.  e strange costumes (what I now 2018. Instead, I had conjured up my own ver- and take comfort in that familiarity. But there would be unsurprised if it was high. Even if this know to be white tie), the formal dining, and sion of reality; a wholly ctitious world which was nothing comforting about recognising the data did exist, it could never reveal those who the bizarre traditions merely struck me as I wanted to be a part of so badly that it nearly people and the culture of the club in the world stick it out, but never quite feel part of the world dramatic plot devices. Not once did I  inch at killed me pursuing it. And yet the dream was around me. I turned it o because, watching it we worked so hard to gain entrance to. the violence. You do not need me to point out eroded with each day I actually spent in Cam- this time around, it was not only familiar but In a way, I wish that I had seen the lm for the hundreds of lms with more insidious and bridge. felt completely plausible.  is isn’t about the what it was the rst time around. Maybe it grotesque scenes than that which takes place For the great number of people with abso- persistence of drinking and dining societies in would have helped to inform my decision to in  e Bull’s Head pub, and I did not think for lutely no idea what they are getting themselves Oxbridge, but rather the culture which they are apply. Laura Wade, the playwright of POSH, a minute that people really returned to their into when they apply to Oxbridge, the ction inseparable from.  is culture is embedded in which  e Riot Club is based on, insists that rooms completely destroyed in the name of which we create is both the greatest motivator  e Riot Club and it took my own experiences the characters are ctional. Perhaps if those club initiations. to earn the place, and the thing which makes of feeling uncomfortable, misled by my own of us who experience this particular brand of I can’t decide if this was the naivety of a adjusting to the reality so hard. As I became ac- fabricated notion of what I was applying for, imposter syndrome were more vocal and honest shielded teenage girl, or wilful ignorance. What- customed to this reality, I came back to that lm to unlock this part of the lm. about the far-from- ctional persistence of char- ever it was, watching this dramatic portrayal of which my 15-year-old self barely gave a second  is forms a small part of big conversations acters and cultures like those in  e Riot Club, the Bullingdon Club played no conscious part in thought to. At the end of my rst year I watched which we need to have about access, and a re- we could go some way towards dismantling the my decision to apply to Cambridge. Although it again. When it reached that pub scene, and as cent Varsity article noting the di culties faced structures of privilege which underpin them.

Commercial Feature Society® app success in 117 Universities for Freshers Week

universities. Clubs and societies from Cambridge, students. Society® is a fresh new app available for all Oxford, LSE, Edinburgh, Queen Mary, Aston, Royal of us to use, evolving new levels of engagement.” Holloway, Leicester, Leeds, Liverpool, Cardif and With popular event booking platforms such as Bristol, just to name a few, are all registered on the Eventbrite and Fatsoma, having high transaction app. he app is free for students to enjoy a free fees, Matthew also wanted to create a platform with branded app experience for their university or the lowest possible ticket transaction fees for college club, group or organization. students, whilst remaining free for free events. he 22 year old CoCo----FounderFounder of the Society app Matthew continues, “We now have a university Matthew Billington recalls: "When I entered my 4th society platform which allows everyone to engage in year as a dental student at King's College London, I multiple societies and events are all in one place. No soon discovered that being elected President of the more lost links on WhatsApp chat groups!" KCL Dental Society came with its fair share of problems. A�ter engaging with Presidents from other hat's why Matthew decided to create a free, allall----inininin---- dental schools I soon discovered that nearly every one app, to increase engagement and productivity new President of a university society is in the same for all Presidents and Committees of student boat, rere----creatingcreating the wheel, each and every year." societies. he idea: to save time for committees while connecting students on a whole new level. His vision He originally came up with the idea of an app to is to automate, digitize and revolutionize university have a profound and positive impact on committees societies and college clubs, groups and here are now 117 Universities signed up to the free and society members. Helping committees to save organizations. Society® app as student unions, clubs and societies time through automating event management, prepare both social distanced and virtual events for certiicates, ticketing/eticketing/e---- tickets for events, whilst Matthew is also proud to announce a great Freshers Week in order to ofer irst year students having the committee displayed and available for all opportunity, "I'm totally excited to invite all the highly anticipated freshers experience. members to directly contact through the chat. A University students and University societies to enter great way to interconnect all the societies in a the huge Society competition because you can now he Society® app made its debut at King's College university. win £1,500 cash. Tell all your friends to enter now on London when the then President of KCL Dental Instagram @createyoursociety. You can win £500 all Society decided to revolutionize the way that its Matthew explains, “As years go by, we are inding for yourself and also win an extra £1,000 for your society was run. Several months later, Society® is Facebook is becoming increasingly outdated, seeing society or club!". Visit: www.createyoursociety.com now the leading university app in over 117 a progressive decline in engagement with university 24 Vulture     Fashion What would Varsity wear? In celebration of the start of a new academic year, the Varsity team share the pieces they're most excited to wear around Cambridge this Michaelmas

longside the return of college brunch and reuniting with friends, nally getting a chance to  aunt your new wardrobe is undoubt- Aedly one of the most exciting elements of the start of the academic Long skirts year; as students, King’s Parade is our catwalk. Before it inevitably falls apart by week 3, when we all nd ourselves unwilling to wear anything Alex Jarvis, Film & TV Editor but tracksuit bottoms and pyjama tops, we spoke to the Varsity editorial team to nd out what items they were most looking forward to wearing in I’m the rst to admit I’m far from a style Cambridge this term. icon, but there’s just something about study- ing on Sidgwick site that gets to you..! My long  ared skirts are my go-to pieces. I al- Multi-coloured eece ready began to branch out with long skirts in Lent term, as part of a pact with a few of my Rich Bartlett, Editor-in-Chief Russianist friends (inspired by the Soviet-era fashion icons within the Russian department), I’m looking forward to wearing my multi- and I’m so excited to seek out some more and coloured quarter zip which was my standard wear them around Cambridge this term. jumper for a night out, as it kept me warm and made me easy to spot in a crowd. Whilst I will no longer be using it for clubbing, it’s the A woolen jumpsuit perfect item to put on to see friends during the evening ater a solid day of work. I also love A classic pair of sliders Hatty Willmoth, Senior Features Editor wearing it at home in Melbourne because it reminds me of when I bought it with college Olivia Emily, Associate Editor I absolutely love this jumpsuit, it’s cur- friends at a vintage kilo sale in Cambridge. rently my favourite item of clothing, and I Sliders: the perfect all-rounder.  e ideal got it second-hand from Depop a few weeks shoe if you don’t want to catch a verruca from ago. It’s mostly made of wool so it has a fairly your new shared shower, or if you dread enter- sturdy construction, and it cinches me in at ing your gyp barefooted. Easy to slip on and the waist (which I LOVE) and then has really o when you want to cross your legs in the long, wide legs.  e shape is really fun and library. Low commitment if you just want to kinda extra, and makes me feel like a long- nip to plodge to collect your post, and look legged goddess. I can’t wait to strut around low-maintenance, edgy and care-free whilst Sidge in this, or just dance around my room doing it. (Disclaimer: not the perfect shoe for in Queens’. rain).

Tote bags galore

Isabel Sebode, Deputy Vulture Editor

Walk down Sidgwick site or sit in  e Locker Café for more than 1 minute and you will come across a wide variety of tote bags – for good reason.  e canvas tote bag can vary from your standard Penguin or New Yorker merch to some obscure gallery bag or some other graphic design. Whether you are popping into Mainsbury’s for some pesto, going into a café for a study break, or hypothetically, going to a 1980s Blouse lecture: the tote bag is your best friend.

Esmee Wright, Arts Editor A corduroy shirt

 ey always say nice white shirt can't go Nick Bartlett, Deputy Features Editor wrong. A handmade 1980s Princess Diana blouse with more ru es than shirt and a Tigger was one of my childhood heroes - sailor's collar that I stole from my mother relentlessly optimistic, goofy and friendly, he might be slightly more excessive than most was simultaneously a liability and a reassur- people expect, but it is a staple of my ward- ance in the life of Winnie the Pooh. When I robe. My friends have christened this shirt the wear my corduroy shirt, adorned with mini- sad pirate shirt, and it does make me look a bit ature Tiggers across the breast pocket, I am like a member of Adam and the Ants, but that reminded of my own insigni cance in the doesn't stop me from wearing it all the time. It world. might look excessive, but no one can tell you a good white shirt isn't appropriate.     Vulture 25

A knitted jumper ● Nadya Miryanova, Music Editor

Being one of the youngest in my family, I’m very lucky to receive several hand-me- down items of clothing. A personal favourite is a light blue jumper that my mother knitted when she was at university in Russia, as a present for my great-grandmother. Over the years, it’s been passed down to my grand- mother, mother, sister, and nally myself. When I was in Cambridge last year, I wore it on a regular basis, and am looking forward to wearing it once more as the winter months approach!

A beaded jacket

Martha French, Fashion Editor

I just bought this jacket for a ver (!) as A cropped cardi part of a sale at my local vintage shop. It’s got these ridiculous shoulder pads and the Lara Zand, Fashion Editor most gorgeous bead detailing that gives it such a beautiful - and slightly mad - shape I’d be lying if I tried to pass anything o as and nish. Admittedly it’s not an item t for my Cambridge staple that wasn’t my trusty essay crises or Sainsbury’s trips, but ngers colour-block cardigan. It’s loud. It’s unapolo- crossed I’ll have a chance to wear it at some getic.  e fabric is not particularly comfort- kind of formal event this term, even if it is able. It takes ‘pop of colour’ so far that I strug- via Zoom! gle to nd other clothes it can be matched with. And yet, I can be easily identi ed in a crowd on a night out by this very garment. A velvet hairband Wear over Black Going Out Top for a fail-safe clubbing out t, or pair with baggy jeans for Georgina Buckle, Vulture Editor a Sidgwick lecture look that screams I Put  ought Into  is. You can’t go wrong with Ever since my Granny presented me with statement knitwear. her treasured collection of hairbands, they have been a consistent feature of my out ts. Wherever I go, I always bring one of my fa- vourites with me: a velvet, copper-brown headband with golden adornments. It in- stantly enhances a look with minimal e ort, harmonising with other accessories and even my makeup. It adds  air when I go to classes in out ts that I’ve worn countless times, and for a ‘going out’ look (aka: pre-10pm pub trip), the copper colour makes a red lip pop. It’s a small item, but a special one!

A leather jacket

Second-hand Zara dress Sawen Ali, Senior Opinion Editor A Vintage dress Helen Turner-Smyth, eatre Editor  is is an old leather jacket I got from Depop Nell Burnham, eatre Editor and is a staple of my wardrobe. It makes any During lockdown I found a great green and out t feel 100x more ‘bad bitch’ and I feel like yellow  oral midi dress from Zara on Depop. I go in for vintage clothes, and this red and everyone at Emma has seen me in it far too It’s such a versatile piece and can be easily white belted dress is de nitely my favourite much… It also has impeccable Matrix vibes! dressed up or down: with trainers or san- non-formal dress. I bought it second hand dals in Summer or with knitwear, tights and from Ebay and since then have mended it boots in Winter. I love the cut and pattern multiple times, and it just keeps going. It’s and I’m really excited to bring it with me for also a  ex on anyone who says gingers can’t ▲ ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEONI BOYLE FOR VARSITY Michaelmas! wear red. 26 Vulture     Arts ● A Guide to Cambridge Arts Vulture’s Arts team give us a rundown of Cambridge’s cultural landscape Mapped: a snapshot of Cambridge’s galleries

his term at Cambridge is going to look very different with social Tdistancing, mask wearing and reduced contact, but fear not, the David Parr’s House Cambridge art scene is ready to welcome What? Available only by virtual tour at the you back! Not all the normal places are open, minute, the David Parr is nonetheless a fas- and there are of course restrictions to take cinating Cambridge discovery. It was, unsur- note of, but below we’ve compiled a list of prisingly, decorated by David Parr. More sur- places, some well-known and some slightly prisingly, this wonderful example of the Arts more novel, for you to explore. and Crats movement has been successfully preserved to the current day, and Tasmin and Mike are working on making sure it continues to survive. Where? 184/186 Gwydir Street (near Mill Road, and the student favourite café, Hot Num- bers) Tickets: Keep an eye on the website for reopen- Kettle’s Yard ing information – the website also has much What? Kettle’s Yard comprises of the gallery advice on nearby things to do in Cambridge section, with an exhibition currently on the (https://davidparrhouse.org/visit/) diverse artistic practices of Linder, artist, mu- sician and feminist of punk and post-punk in uence, and ‘ e House’, former residence of Jim and Helen Ede, friends and collectors of many artists of the 20th century. It also has a very nice café attached. Where? Castle Street, Cambridge (halfway up the hill) Tickets: Free, but timed. Tickets can be booked via the gallery website, which gives details on group sizes. Face masks are required and due to its size, no bags or large coats are allowed in the house – either leave them at home or store them behind the desk.

Fitzwilliam Museum e Heong Gallery What?  e university’s art and antiquities What? A modern and contemporary art gallery museum which houses a large collection of which opened in 2016. From the 2nd Octo- over half a million artworks dating as far back ber, it will be hosting the exhibition ‘Quentin as 2,500 BC. Blake: 40 Women for Downing’ to mark forty Where? Trumpington Street, just along from years since women were admitted to Down- the Engineering Department. ing College. Tickets: A free timed ticket must be booked Where? Downing College in advance, which can be done through the Tickets: Admission is free but pre-booking is museum’s website. Face masks are also re- ▲ ILLUSTRATION BY LEONI BOYLE FOR VARSITY required which can be done via the gallery’s quired. website. Groups of more than three people are not permitted and face masks must be worn.     Vulture 27 F ● An introduction to the Cambridge zine scene

ven if you can’t make it out of the by one of the many talented student artists house, there are plenty of ways to e Cambridge Review in Cambridge. is year, we aim to expand, Eget involved in the Cambridge art and welcome the queries and contributions scene. We’ve invited some of the of Books (CROB) of anyone who might be interested in this Cambridge zines to introduce themselves new and growing publication! and give an outline of what they are look- CROB is a relatively new addition to the ing for, if you want inspiration and a way of Cambridge arts scene, having published our sharing your art with the world!  rst issue at the end of Lent 2020. As a term- ly magazine with a strong emphasis on the BAIT continued importance of print journalism, Bait is a termly arts magazine, based on the Review allows a unique opportunity for creativity, personal expression and activist student writers. spirit. e pro t from each co ee-table-wor- Articles are commissioned on the basis thy issue is donated to a cause close to our of pitches submitted just before the start of hearts — including Cambridge homelessness each term and written speci cally for that is- The support, refugee aid, and most recently Black sue, allowing writers to engage critically with Cambridge Lives Matter UK. their subject matter and work closely with an Review of Our Michaelmas 2020 issue is on Borders, editor to bring the best out of their writing. Books and we’d love you to send in any kind of ough a ‘Review of Books’, the content of spring issue / 2020 creative submissions: poetry, short stories, the articles included is by no means limited photography, doodles, manifestos, comics — to literary analysis. e ultimate aim of the anything under the sun, really. Opportunities Review is to allow student writers to discuss to join our tight-knit editorial team for the those subjects about which they are deeply ▲BAIT EASTER  COVER next year will be opening soon — and fresh- passionate, but that they may not have the ers are especially welcome to apply. If you’re opportunity to explore in the course of their interested, the best way to keep up to date is regular studies. to  nd BAIT on Facebook and Instagram. If Interspersed with the longform articles is you follow the links to our submitters’ group also an eclectic range of poetry, short  ction, and website, you can  nd prompts for your and diaries, and each piece of writing is ac- work, browse old issues and get involved. companied by a bespoke illustration done ▲THE CAMBRIDGE REVIEW OF BOOKS SPRING  COVER It’d be fab to have you on board! Find the BAIT submissions group on Face- book, or visit baitzine.com for more info. ❝ On Sale Now at Amazon.co.uk, BN.com, Freshers are espe- Barnes and Noble, AbeBooks.co.uk and also available from the publisher. cially welcome to apply ❞

Notes Notes is a magazine of poetry, short  ction, ▲NOTES NOVEMBER EDITION essays, art and photography that publishes twice per term. We’re one of the more elderly zines on the scene, having been around since 2012, and we take submissions from anyone - not just Cambridge students. We try to live up to our name, in the sense that a piece doesn’t need to be completely re-  ned and  nalized for us to publish it; whilst we love to see polished work, we’re equally happy to take works-in-progress, fragments, scrawls and sketches. Plus, we always give feedback to our contributors, regardless of whether or not their work has made it into an issue. Every time we publish, we hold a magazine launch, in which contributors have a chance to socialize with one another and read out their work. ese have generally taken place in pubs, cafes, galleries, or college spaces, but will likely migrate online for the foreseeable A Modern Corporal Nym, explains: why Uncle Sam's Capitol has mostly NW future. Avenues; why a German-American was appointed C-in-C of Allied Forces in We’re currently taking submissions for Europe in WW2; what are the origins of Uncle Sam's White Five Pointed Star our next issue, which will be on the theme and the Red Star of Communism; the Code of the Crat - the Pole Lease Ship of of ‘renewal’, and we’d love to see some con- State; the works of R. Wagner and others having forecasted the course of the tributions from freshers. You can  nd out Animal Ark of the Western World for the 20th Century; why the Allies were about submission guidelines, see some writ- deliberately negligent in enforcing the Treaty of Versailles to ensure a ▲ THE CAMBRIDGE REVIEW OF BOOKS SUMMER  ing prompts, and keep up with us via our WW2! Shakespeare today? COVER Facebook page or Instagram (both @note- spublication). 28 Vulture     eatre ● A New Season at the ADC eatre eatre Editor, Helen Turner-Smyth, interviews Jamie Rycrot, the playhouse’s current manager, about upcoming shows

that for the foreseeable future, the medium of theatre will con- tain a lot more filmed aspects, as venues work with the current situation. By joining the theatres across the country that will be live- streaming their plays, I hope that the ADC can continue to prepare students for working in the arts after they graduate.

❝ It means people have to get creative when staging inti- mate scenes or fight scenes ❞

Helen: Are there any par- ticular shows we should be looking forward to?

Jamie: The season opens with the student-written comedy musical Survival Strategies, about a support group preparing themselves to survive any apoc- alyptic situation, who then get locked down in a bunker togeth- er. We’re staging Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the play Last Sum- mer at Bluefish Cove, notable for being the first mainstream lesbian play. Our season of Late- Publicity image for ‘Last Summer at Bluefish Cove’ WEBSITEADC ▲ shows will be live-streamed at 11pm, and include the Footlights he pandemic has hit looking out for auditions and In terms of staging, all of our Jamie: Very much so. Even if Smoker, which is a combination the performing arts in- other availabilities on Cam- shows will comply with the gov- social distancing loosens down of sketch and stand-up come- T dustry hard, but the dram (www.camdram.net) or ernment’s guidelines for per- the line, I expect that we will dy, and Cambridge’s premiere ADC Theatre’s current the Cambridge Theatre Face- formers and technicians. That be able to offer live-streaming student drag troupe, Dragtime. manager reveals how, and book group (bit.ly/cam-theatre). means that performers on-stage for at least our biggest why, shows are continuing. won’t be able to get closer than shows. This would Helen: How and why should ❝ 1m to each other, and won’t allow people who freshers be looking to get in- Helen: How long have the be able to get closer than aren’t yet comfort- volved at the ADC next term? production processes been Freshers should get 2m without additional pre- able with return- for the performances on cautions like a face cover- ing to the theatre Jamie: Freshers should get in- your up-coming programme? involved with plays ing or a barrier between to still be able to volved with plays at the ADC at the ADC because them. access our shows, because there is no other place Jamie: Some of the shows were This has obvious even if they’re that will allow you to get in carried over from the Summer there is no other implications for the not in Cambridge any and all aspects of staging season that we had to cancel, place that will allow kinds of shows we can or are outside of a show: as an actor, writer, di- so there has been preparation stage — it means peo- the UK. rector, backstage technician, by the Director happening since you to get in any ple have to get creative Also, live- designer, and much more. We April (for instance, How to Dis- and all aspects of when staging intimate streaming our have two Freshers’ plays that appear Completely and Never scenes or fight scenes shows gives will take place in mid-November, Be Found). staging a show — but I think the stu- students the which will be entirely produced Other shows have been pre- ❞ dent community will oopportunity p p o r t u n i ty and performed by those new to paring by auditioning and re- come up with interest- to work with theatre. Details about how to hearsing remotely since we Helen: How has Covid af- ing ways to work with- the medium get involved will be published announced in early September fected rehearsal and staging? in these limitations. of film as on adctheatre.com/getinvolved that we could do shows again well as with nearer the time, or you can con- in Autumn. A few of our shows, Jamie: Rehearsals have to take Helen: Do you envision theatre. I can tact me (at jamie@adctheatre. like our Footlights Smoker, place as much virtually as pos- live-streaming becoming only expect com) if you have any questions will be looking for performers sible, with some run-throughs a more permanent part of about how to get involved with nearer the time, so if you are of the show happening on-stage the way audiences enjoy ◀ In rehearsal for a show. new to theatre and want to get and in our dressing rooms in a works at the ADC in future? ‘Guys and Dolls’ involved, I would recommend socially distanced manner. LUCIA REVELCHION he Mays 28 A book of the best new student writing and art from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Guest editors: Oscar Murillo & Philippe Sands. On sale in all good book shops and available to order online now: www.themaysanthology.co.uk/purchase/ 30 Friday 2nd October 2020 A wonderfully unreliable guide to a socially distanced Cambridge Violet's latest columinist, Scarlet Rowe, tells us about her favourite places of tranquility in this pro- phetic guide to a new, socially distanced Cambridge

▲ King’s College (Louis AshWorth) irst and foremost, I am no expert not get much better than that. You’re in Plus, you can easily saunter around will be met with some quite terrifying ❝ on Cambridge. However, I am go- the midst of the hustle and bustle and the bookshelves if you fancy a break, and stares. he stairs creak if you have the ing to write as though I am. If you have the perfect opportunity to treat your- admire all of the books that you can’t af- audacity to walk up them and break the I can imagine their don’t heed my warning and con- F self to an overpriced hot chocolate. here ford. I even became acquainted with the sublime silence. And in the meantime, tinue anyway, then don’t say you weren’t are plugs for when your laptop inevitably cookery section last year, though I am not library dwellers tip-toe gently across the garden parties are quite warned. You most certainly were. dies too (mine seems to permanently sur- quite Deliah Smith yet. carpet, parading their newest outit to the vive at around the 1% mark). hough the cafe can be a little loud procrastinating population. I’ve gathered spectacular Writing a guide to a socially distanced at times, there’s nothing wrong with a quite a few style tips whilst there, though Cambridge is somewhat challenging. his ❝ distraction every so often. We have silent the pufer coats do somewhat steal the ❞ is because I have not experienced it yet, libraries for the serious revision. Maybe show in winter. so I don’t have a clue what it will be like. Plus, you can eas- Waterstones cafe is best for a revision I can imagine their garden parties are Nevertheless, I have a few recommenda- date: 50% catch-up, 40% hot chocolate, quite spectacular. And tucked away in a tions of places which I really hope will ily saunter around the and 10% essay. Perfect. King’s College quiet corner of town, they make for a per- be open. he whole of Cambridge can’t be I think it is diicult to be indiferent fect strolling place. Don’t forget to bring a closed, after all. However, if my list turns bookshelves if you fancy about the walk through King’s. Even lask of tea with you. Or if you are feeling out to be inaccurate, then it will go hand Caius’ Library though it is not as good as Caius, it’s not so particularly adventurous, make your way in hand with my essays which have met a break, and admire all In second place we have Gonville and bad really. Being located in Harvey Court to the cafe. It’s always quite busy and has the same fate. Caius’ library. If you’re not a Caian, you’re last year (which feels like last century quite a pleasant hum about it. of the books that you forfeiting the best library. It is possibly the by this point), I walked through King’s most perfect place in Cambridge. Stud- every morning when I woke up on time Waterstones Cafe can’t aford iers can be found at all kinds of ridicu- for lectures. So that’s about 3 days a week Night Walks In irst place is Waterstones Cafe (or lous hours with their heads buried in a (which, may I add, is over 50%). his isn’t a place exactly, but night time more speciically, a window seat on the ❞ book (or asleep) whilst the stars twinkle walks around Cambridge are a splendid top loor of Waterstones Cafe). Life does outside. Sneezing becomes illegal and idea. I can’t say with full conviction that ❝ they are better than their morning coun- Gonville and Caius College (LOuIS ASHWOrtH) ▼ terparts though, as I am never awake to During winter I en- make a just comparison. Walking through town in the dark has quite a special feel joyed hurrying across about it. the bridge and gazing at ❝

the river glazed with ice Walking through town ❞ in the dark has quite a

During winter I enjoyed hurrying special feel about it. across the bridge and gazing at the river glazed with ice. I liked admiring the per- ❞ fectly polished grass which makes clear You catch snippets of laughter and that nobody bar the chosen ones are wel- conversations as you traverse through come in its wake. I am not a chosen one the singing streets. Leaving town, you unfortunately, so must walk the long way can walk along the winding river and through the treacherous green gates. You listen to the quiet rustle of the trees (I’ll can’t win them all, I guess. stop trying to be a second rate poet now, promise). Such walks, morning or night, should be made a compulsory part of our Newnham degree. 4th place goes to a very deserving Newnham college. I stumbled upon its I’ll finish here at 5 as it is quite a satisfac- red bricked glory on one of my rare runs torily round number, don’t you think? The in 1st year. Its gardens are quite breathtak- thought of going back to Cambridge is both ing. hey’d it perfectly into a cosy novel terribly daunting and wonderfully exciting. as the home of tea-parties and summer At any rate, after having spent over half a bonanzas. year at home, I think most of us are more than ready to return. Friday 2nd October 2020 31 Sport he niche sport of ultramarathon running Edward Cator reminisces on the highs, the lows, and the downright plunges of the niche sporting trend of Ultramarathons.

so I decided to leap on the bandwagon. fell. It was at this point I learned that nausea. For the irst time I regretted not he Frog Graham Round, set in the Lake beyond forgetting my Kendal Mint, I’d having anyone to push me on, as my District, is an ultra with a diference: over also managed to lose my water bottle own motivation was vanishing at a rate the 42-mile self-navigated mountain along the way. I contemplated giving up of knots. course, there’s a few miles of swimming altogether but igured I hadn’t climbed Forcing down a lapjack, I felt slightly spread over four lakes. It’s not a race but up Skiddaw at 4am just to go back to bed. better and I knew I was nearly there as an individual challenge which people And so (bravely or foolishly) I marched I descended Catbells. he inal swim of can attempt at any time and then submit on, slaking my thirst at the brook like the Round is the longest and involves their GPS evidence for ratiication. Frankenstein’s monster. he next minor fully exiting the water and climbing onto he vast majority of people who do calamity was about an hour later when each of the three islands as you cross the the Round have companions who jog the strap on my head-torch detached it- lake. Each time I hauled myself over the along alongside intermittently. he only self. No matter, I’ll get all the bad bits out slippery rocks, lost balance and fell back person mad enough to do this with me, of the way in the irst couple of hours, into the water my tiredness increased however, was busy herself, running the and everything else will go well right? and my shivering got more violent. After Pennine Way. So, at 3:30am on Septem- Well, not quite. what seemed like several years, I inally ber 10th, I duly pitched up to the Kes- I’d been warned to expect misery at made it to the other side where my Gran- wick Moot Hall start line alone. Before I Mellbreak, and misery is what I got. he dad and a very tasty pint kindly ofered could begin, the single greatest tragedy lack of a tangible path means the hike by he Round pub were waiting for me. of modern times befell me: I had forgot- entails half an hour of crawling up a Final time: 14 hours, 41 minutes and 25 ten my Kendal Mint Cake. It was too late steep face made of heather and moss. By seconds, the 14th fastest of the 97 who to go back. Fighting bitter tears, I set of the time I’d dragged myself up the side have ever completed the Round. into the night. my legs had deserted me. A short swim So, if you ind yourself at a loose end ▲ he Lake District (@joSKI_WHYLE) Even though I’d mapped the route in across Buttermere refreshed my senses, and have 14 hours to spare, why not give stages beforehand, everything looked but this proved to be my undoing. Racing ultramarathon running a try? It gets you Until a few years ago, ultramarathon of people attempting ultras has shot up diferent in the dark. Luckily, my girl- up Robinson like a rat up an aqueduct, out and about, it gives you the chance running (races which are longer than recently. It’s hard to pinpoint the attrac- friend had made me a stack of Yorkshire an hour and twenty minutes ahead of to meet new people and the agonising the conventional marathon distance tion. Maybe it’s the crippling loneliness, puddings which I nibbled on to keep schedule, fatigue hit. he weather was pain is purely temporary. Marathons are of 26.2 miles) was an extremely niche the excruciating fatigue, or perhaps the the doubts at bay, and so after 90 min- closing in, the running wetsuit was chaf- so last year… sport limited to uber-it nutcases and devastating dehydration. In any case, utes of fumbling my way through thick ing dreadfully, my stomach was cramp- Forrest Gump. However, the number I’ve always enjoyed physical challenges, cloud I reached the summit of the irst ing, and I was drowning in a wave of NEW F45 STUDIO NOW OPEN

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Web: https://f45training.co.uk/cambridgestation/home Instagram: f45_training_cambridgestation E mail: [email protected] 60 STATION ROAD CAMBRIDGE 32 Friday 2nd October 2020

● In this new weekly feature, Thom Harris casts an eye over the weekend’s Premier League action, addressing the main talking Sport points and picking out some of the key performances from the opening fortnight of the 2020/21 season. Varsity’s Premier League round-up: the season begins...

even-goal thrillers, last-minute winners and even the odd kung- fu kick to the face – the Premier SLeague exploded back onto the scene this September, as we were treated to a historic 43-goal weekend to help us through the COVID drag. With so much to talk about - even having to skip over Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son’s four-goal masterclass and Leeds United enjoying their irst Premier League points in over 16 years - I’ve picked out three major talking points from the opening fortnight of Premier League madness. City and Liverpool – still streets ahead? he titanic tussle between Manches- ter City and Liverpool has produced some of the best football the Premier League has ever seen over the past few seasons, and the undisputed top two look set to slog it out for England’s top prize once again this year. Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have raised the footballing bar to levels that most didn’t even know existed a few years ago, obliterating record after record over three ridiculously good campaigns. heir extraordinary battle ❝ has seen the long-standing Premier League record of 95 points, set in 2005 he ti- by Chelsea, broken THREE times since 2017, as City smashed 100 in Guar- tanic tussle riic hiago and Diogo Jota to Jurgen goals to one. began their campaign with an im- diola’s second season and pipped their between Klopp’s winning machine, and a riled- Alongside Palace, Graham Potter ▲ Old Traford pressive 1-0 away win at Tottenham, rivals by 98 to 97 in his third, before up Manchester City, determined to looks to be building a very exciting Stadium (@ ending a miserable run of 40 games Klopp claimed Liverpool’s irst Premier Manches- wrestle back their crown, it’s already side at Brighton, with a similarly JALEEL_AKBASH) without an away win against the tradi- League crown last season, with 99. ter City hard to see anybody else catching the impressive performance at New- tional “big six”, with a classy perform- Yet, while many anticipated a return Premier League’s modern-day football- castle showing them to be equally ance to shut down José Mourinho’s to Earth for the two stratospheric and Liv- ing juggernauts. organised and incisive. In par- Spurs. hey followed that up with a super-clubs this season, the early signs erpool has ticular, 19-year-old full-back Tariq stylish 5-2 thrashing of West Brom last suggest that there are still very few, if Crystal Palace and Bright- Lamptey was unstoppable, epito- weekend, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin any, who can catch them. produced on show that the League’s mising Potter’s expansive brand grabbed a poacher’s hat-trick. While a Liverpool, despite scraping through a of football – a meticulous young red card for their opponents naturally chaotic opening day encounter with some of mere mortals are more manager who is also able to rely helped he Tofee’s cause, there is a Leeds, comfortably dispatched of Chel- the best competitive than ever. on the quality of exciting young serious buzz of optimism down on sea last weekend: a team who, after centre-back Ben White, alongside Merseyside after two eyebrow-raising splurging nearly £200 million in the football the As more and more money is pumped the attacking irepower of Leandro performances so far. summer, have been tipped by many Premier into the Premier League, clubs with Trossard and Neal Maupay. he trio of new signings in midield, to disrupt the Manc-Mersey dynasty. smaller budgets have been forced to Potential dark horses this season, powerhouse Abdoulaye Doucouré, However, after a red card for defender League has not only look for the bargains in the deinitely keep an eye out for workhorse Allan and superstar James Andreas Christensen and with the help transfer market, but also to develop Brighton in the weeks and months Rodriguez, have completely trans- of yet another Kepa clanger, they were ever seen and perfect a system to make them to come. ❝ formed the mood down at Everton, easily swept aside by the Champions, ❞ ‘hard to beat’. No mid-table team has with James in particular providing who, despite being far from their best, done so better than Crystal Palace. And lastly, can Everton It’s hard attacking quality that hasn’t been seen never really looked troubled in their As a smarting Gary Neville remarked inally push for Eu- to believe at Goodison for quite some time. With 2-0 triumph. on Saturday, watching his beloved a wand of a left foot and a keen eye City, on the other hand, having started Manchester United as they were rope? that just for a penetrating pass, he’s helped to the season a week later than their title dismantled by Palace, Roy Hodgson’s provide plenty of chances, alongside rivals, picked up an impressive three team are extremely “awkward” to It’s hard to believe that just under under two the busy Richarlison and the devastat- points at Wolves – a result not to be play against. And, while United were two years ago, Everton had just ap- years ago, ing delivery of Lucas Digne, for the snifed at, considering their recent admittedly poor, their underdog op- pointed relegation-specialist Sam free-scoring Calvert-Lewin down the troubles against Nuno Esperito Santo’s ponents still possessed the quality to Allardyce, in a desperate attempt Everton middle. side. he Blues were scintillating in the pounce on their mistakes, ripping the to stop he Tofees from slipping had just Despite a lingering defensive frailty, opening 45 minutes, as their relent- Red Devils apart as if they were the and sliding towards the bottom laid bare by Yerry Mina in particular less pressing and electric passing and ones with the £500 million squad. three. appointed on the weekend, Everton will be hope- movement produced a dominant irst- It was a sensational counter-attacking Now, with one of the greatest ful that James’ magic can keep this run half performance that culminated in a performance from Palace, who used managers of the modern era at relegation- of form going, with the Merseyside fabulous team goal to put them two- the pace of Andros Townsend and the helm, and of the back of a specialist Derby on the horizon. For the season, up after 32 minutes, leaving the game Wilfried Zaha to expertly cut through sensational transfer window, the though, it’s deinitely worth keep- just out of the reach of a resurgent United time and time again. Well- Merseysiders look set to rule a Sam Al- ing a look out for he Tofees, as their Wolves in the second-half. drilled, it and hungry, the Londoners, few feathers amongst the Premier lardyce shiny, brand new all-star midield will We may only be two weeks in, but if anything, will be disappointed that League’s elite this season. certainly excite throughout. with Liverpool adding the ter- they didn’t win by more than three Carlo Ancelotti’s new-look team ❞