Unfortunately, studying in Edinburgh means some exposure to J.K. Rowling is unavoidable. I would like to add fuel to the fire by basing my argument on her claim that ‘[i]f you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.’ My proposal is that if you think student writing isn’t for you, you haven’t found the right publication. And hopefully I can help with that!
Whether you are a first-year medic or a fourth-year artist, Edinburgh’s student writing scene has something for you. It should come as no surprise that my first recommendation is to engage with The Student, which is Europe’s oldest student newspaper. Alongside this accolade, The Student is a friendly, vibrant, and diverse community. The writers’ meetings, held every Monday, are a great way to get involved. Grab a pitch from any of the various sections, or suggest your own!
If you’re looking for something more specific, many schools and disciplines publish journals and magazines, too. History, Classics, and Archaeology students should check out Retrospect Journal, currently recruiting columnists, copyeditors, and illustrators. Retrospect publishes interviews and reviews alongside collections of essays organised around a specific theme – all historical, of course.
Similarly, creative arts magazine and society The Creator adopts a thematic approach for each issue. Previous editions have been arranged around ‘Heartbreak and Healing,’ ‘Veiled Connections,’ and ‘Reflection.’ If you are interested in poetry, photography, or art, The Creator could be the magazine for you.
It’s not all about the humanities. There are student-led journals as far as the eye can see: The New Real explores ways of using AI; the Open Journal of Biodiversity and Ecosystems looks at conservation and ecology; re:think focusses on ethnography.
While most student publications are open to general submissions, it is important to note that some have prerequisites. Often, a membership will be required; however, these are rarely expensive and always worthwhile. It is worth noting that some journals, such as Hydra: Interdisciplinary Journal of Social Studies, only accept submissions from postgraduate students.
New writers will always be welcomed warmly. Though it may seem intimidating at first, getting involved with student writing and publications is a fantastic extracurricular activity. It provides opportunities to meet like-minded people, contribute to academic debates, research something you are interested in, and hone your writing skills. If you are worried about adding to your workload, fret
not! Some publications, such as The Student, work on a more casual basis with shorter word counts and no commitment to write every week.
Ultimately, student writing is a wonderful, rewarding, and accessible way to share your passions and interests. There really is a space for everyone, so don’t hesitate to get involved.
“Reading the park newspaper” by Joshua Tree National Park is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0