Share your story with Varsity.

As a team, we believe in the importance of the student voice. This Easter, we want to hear yours. Using a variety of creative forms, we work to uncover and confront truths within the University, to delve into our experiences as students here, and to see things from a variety of perspectives.

We’re looking for contributors to join each of the paper’s sections. Whether it’s through writing, illustrating, photography or videography, there’s a place for you to put your curiosity and ideas into practice. Don't worry if you don't have any experience – our team are more than happy to offer any support and guidance that you might need. Easter is the ideal term to try new things, whether you are a settling fresher, or a returning student, we want to cover every experience of Cambridge life through Varsity.

Above all, we champion diverse perspectives and outlooks on our University. So join us today, and help shape the conversation in Cambridge.

Below is the list of roles we’re recruiting for, along with information on how to apply. Got any questions about the roles? Pop an email to Elizabeth Haigh and Meike Leonard at applications@varsity.co.uk. 

Applications should be sent to the relevant section email by 5pm, Sunday 18th April

Newspaper 

Vulture 


Arts Columnists

The Arts section is looking for a columnist for Easter term! Whether you take yourself to be a modern-day Frank O’Hara or you have a shrewd eye and even shrewder opinions, we are looking for columnists to write a short piece, around 700 words, weekly or fortnightly.

We’re particularly keen to have a column that looks at the alternatives to a white male-dominated art scene - this could involve critiquing exhibitions or online events that occur throughout Easter or introducing Varsity readers to your favourite non-canonical/BME/LGBT+ authors, artists and poets, some of which may have a connection to Cambridge.

We also want to encourage a columnist to share a more personal insight and account into art and literature especially considering how it functions for students with a full-on degree and not a lot of free time. These may be pieces on the books that saved you, the art that spoke to you, the poems that got you through breakups/particularly harsh essay feedback.

These articles could come in a series or they may be unrelated to one another. Additionally, these are just suggestions, and we welcome applications for columnists on other topics as well. All we really need from you is passion about the arts and a great voice to tell it with.

To apply, please send us a short paragraph (150-300 words) detailing some general ideas for three pieces as well as any experience or things about you that you think would make you perfect for the role (although no experience is necessary!) Please also provide a sample column, (500-700 words,) which could work as your first article and from which we can get a feel for your style and tone. If you have another idea or angle for a columnist that you think works with our ideas do let us know!

Send your applications in to applications@varsity.co.uk, we can’t wait to read them!


Music Columnists

Music is looking for columnists for Easter Term! We’re looking for one or two student writers to cover all things music related, focussing on a particular topic area and exploring it from different angles. The writers would be expected to contribute 4 - 8 articles across the term of between 600 - 800 words per article. No prior experience in being a columnist (or even writing for Varsity) is necessary. There is no restriction on genre - it can be on classical music, pop, jazz, folk etc. As long as you have passion and drive to talk about music, we’d love to hear from you!

To apply, please send a pitch for the area you propose focussing on, including a sample article (c. 600 - 800 words) and two further developed ideas for future content (up to 250 words total). Please also let us know why you would be particularly suited for the role. Additionally, if you have any other ideas for topics you might like to write a column about, do let us know!

All applications should be sent to applications@varsity.co.uk


Fashion Columnists

The fashion section is looking for a columnist for Easter term! We're looking for a columnist to write weekly or fortnightly articles highlighting specific designers, depop stores or influencers, as well as one to cover fashion in the LGBTQ+ community. Pieces would need to be no longer than 700 words, and can take the form of an opinion piece, interview, reportage, personal essay, satire, photoshoot - your choice!

To apply please write us a short paragraph (150-200 words) giving ideas for the first three pieces you would write and any further details you think would make you particularly suitable for the role (previous experience is not required!). We’d also love to see a sample piece of around 600 words, which you might envision as your first week’s article. And if you have suggestions for any other topics you’d want to cover in a column, let us know here!

Send applications to applications@varsity.co.uk


Theatre Writers

Theatre is looking for a team of regular Reviewers to review the best of Easter Term theatre and also provide some behind-the-scenes insight by interviewing student writers, directors, producers and actors. No experience is required.

To apply just send along a sample review (no more than 800 words) of any theatrical production, film, or TV show you’ve watched recently.

We’re also looking for a regular staff writer: if you have a lot of opinions on theatre and are bursting to share, this is the role for you! You would have free reign to write around 3-4 articles over the course of Easter term, based around anything you like! From finding feminism in Ancient Greek tragedy, to exploring allegations of racism in “Hamilton”, whatever you want to write about, we’d love to hear from you. The articles can be a series or unconnected.

To apply send us a pitch outlining your ideas (no more than 500 words), and a previous example of your journalistic writing.

All applications should be sent to applications@varsity.co.uk


Lifestyle Writers

No prior experience is required to be a lifestyle columnist!

A lot goes on in Cambridge , and it can verge on overwhelming - it’s helpful to have a fellow student (or a group of them…) to turn to for advice. AskVulture provides just this: a group of fellow students answering your anonymous questions and and providing advice as well as they can. From adapting to Cambridge life to relationship advice, it’s the chance to help people see things in a new way, or to resolve a burning question/ issue. We’re looking for a team of dedicated writers to do this. You’ll work alongside the other AskVulture writers , each producing 1 to 2 articles a week, and liaising with the Lifestyle editors.

We’re also looking for columnists! As we head into yet another strange term, we are looking for a touch of the familiar. Can you whip up an incredible meal in a Covid-converted kitchen with just a rice cooker and a microwave? Do you have intel the best Cambridge cafes to escape noisy housemates? Do you have a passion which you’d like to share with readers? You would be writing up to 8 articles over the term on a given theme - and that could be anything (and we mean anything) Lifestyle related! Underrated walks/ household activities  to keep the boredom at bay/ skincare routines that hide a term's worth of exhaustion and stress/ tips for online supervisions… the world is your oyster!

To apply (AskVulture writer): Tell us why you want to write for AskVulture , and what areas (if any in particular) you think you could tackle (300 words maximum).

To apply (Columnist):Tell us why you want to be a columnist for Lifestyle, and which areas you’d be interested in covering (250 words maximum). Please also send the working titles of three potential articles in this subject area, with at least two well-fleshed out ideas.

All applications should be sent to applications@varsity.co.uk


Film & TV Columnists

Film & TV would love some columnists this Easter Term! We’re looking for a few student writers to cover all things entertainment - particularly someone with a specific interest in women in cinema, race/ethnicity in cinema, disability in cinema or queer cinema. We'd also welcome a columnist / aspiring critic dedicated to producing weekly reviews of new film, or someone passionate about the social impact of film and television - perhaps looking at a documentary series. The writers would be expected to contribute 4 - 8 articles across the term of between 600 - 800 words per article. No prior experience in being a columnist is necessary.

To apply, please send a pitch for the type of content you'd like to produce - either that we have mentioned, or that you feel would work particularly well within the section - including a sample article (c. 600 - 800 words) and two further developed ideas for future content (up to 250 words total).

All applications should be sent to applications@varsity.co.uk


Digital 


Video Team

Varsity’s Video Team is responsible for producing all of Varsity’s video content across all its social platforms. Members of the Video Team can be involved with pitching, presenting, shooting or editing. From short to long form videos and series there is always something exciting to work on! Joining the Video Team is an amazing opportunity to learn new creative skills (no experience is required), help tell the stories that mean the most to you and ensure that students’ voices are heard in an insightful, inspiring and engaging way.

This is a great opportunity to learn all about the video production process, improving your practical and technical skills on set and in editing.

To apply:

● tell us why you want to be a member of the Video Team and detail any relevant experience, though none is required. (No more than 300 words)

● Describe two ideas you have for short-form videos and one idea you have for a long-form video – these can be series or one offs. (No more than 500 words total)

We are also looking for a Technical Supervisor! Your role will be to shadow those on the video team and take charge of the technical aspects of the video team. This will involve being the point of contact for equipment, editing and other tech-related queries whilst also contributing to the video team through shooting, editing etc.

To apply: tell us why you want to be the Technical Supervisor and your relevant experience (No more than 300 words). Tell us about any challenges you foresee in producing content in a Covid-19 climate (with restrictions, possible lockdowns etc.) and how you would choose to overcome these. (No more than 400 words).

Send all applications to digital@varsity.co.uk


Podcast Team

Switchboard, Varsity’s podcast, is looking for people to join our team to help with:

●editing the podcast: both arranging content and audio production

●social media: finding out what stories students want us to cover and promoting episodes

We’re happy to be flexible with the roles based on your interest and availability.

No previous experience needed! If you’re interested please email switchboard@varsity.co.uk detailing why you want to be involved and what you think you could bring to the podcast (300 words maximum).


Marketing and Media Team

As the University’s leading student paper, Varsity is always looking for new ways to engage with its readership. Help us connect with more students on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by joining our social media design team; it’s the perfect opportunity to develop your creative skills and be part of one of Varsity’s most exciting and dynamic departments. Roles are available for both illustrators/graphic designers, and animators/videographers

To apply: Send a brief (250 words max) summary of your opinion of the Varsity and/or Vulture social media. We are particularly interested in your thoughts on brand and design. Tell us a little about yourself and any experience you have in design, including what software you use and any technical expertise (150 words max). Attach a portfolio of recent work (this can be either your own personal creative work, or something you might have done for another society/job etc.) Any videos can be sent as attachments or links.

Designers will be able to work on content for both Varsity and Vulture social media channels, but if you have a preference for either please make this clear in your application. Experience is preferred but not required.

All applications should be sent to digital@varsity.co.uk. If you have any questions feel free to email, or send us a DM on Instagram via @varsitycambridge!


Additional roles


Staff Illustrators

Varsity relies on a strong, dynamic visual presence. As a staff illustrator, you’ll have the chance to be at the forefront of that change, joining a creative space where you’ll be encouraged to experiment, and creating art that speaks to student perspectives. Staff Illustrators will work closely with our Illustrations Editor and will be expected to provide 2-3 pieces throughout the term. Whether you are an artist, graphic designer or cartoonist, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply: Please provide details of any skills and experience you have (including a link to your portfolio if possible).

Send all applications to applications@varsity.co.uk


Photography Team

Our photography team keeps the newspaper looking fresh and vibrant with new and original photographic content, particularly the News and Sport sections. As a staff photographer, you will work with the photography editor and receive training, and will also have the chance to pursue the creative projects you are interested in.

To apply: Please send an informal email outlining any skills and experience you have (attaching images you have taken, or including a link to your portfolio if possible).


Keen to contribute to the paper without taking on an official role? To hear about upcoming opportunities in sections you're interested in, join the relevant Facebook groups for interested writers, and sign up for our section-specific mailing lists. We’re always open to pitches, on any issue or theme which may interest you, so please drop us an email with your ideas at any time!

Don't hesitate to apply! We’re excited to receive your application.