Victoria McKinley-Smith

Jan 19, 2025 | cherwell.org | Victoria McKinley-Smith

The trial of Gisèle Pelicot exposes the disturbing reality of consent ignorance, even among those convicted of sexual violence. This case underscores the need for more effective, comprehensive consent education to address widespread misconceptions on the topic of rape and assault. CW: Sexual Assault “No means no.” We’ve all heard the phrase, repeated in a variety of settings; ranging from public campaigns to Freshers’ Week consent workshops.

Nov 29, 2024 | cherwell.org | Laurence Cooke |Victoria McKinley-Smith

The results of Cherwell’s unprecedented investigation into students’ drinking habits are finally in. We have received over 1,250 responses – nearly 10% of the University’s undergraduate body – across every year, college, and course. Data can now tell us conclusively which colleges and courses drink the most and the least, and reveal the scope and nuances of Oxford’s relationship to alcohol.

Oct 29, 2024 | cherwell.org | Victoria McKinley-Smith

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

Aug 11, 2024 | cherwell.org | Victoria McKinley-Smith

As Oxford students, we are supposed to like reading. Reading critically, reading for our tutorials, reading for our essays. But what happened to reading for pleasure? Amidst the endless lists of books and academic journals from your tutor which you *definitely* read, it’s easy to end up not reading anything for fun at all. Ever felt like you were suffocating under a pile of books, making the idea of picking up yet another feel utterly daunting? You, my friend, were experiencing a reading slump.