The Student (newspaper)

The Student (newspaper)
source
Name	The Student
Type	Student newspaper
Foundation	0 1887
Owners	The Student Publications Board
Headquarters	Edinburgh, Scotland
Publisher	The Student Publications Board
Editor	Elected annually
Website	studentnewspaper.org

The Student (newspaper). It is the United Kingdom's oldest independent student newspaper, founded in 1887 at the University of Edinburgh. Published in print and online, it provides news, features, and commentary on university affairs, local Edinburgh events, and national issues. The publication is entirely student-run, operating under the auspices of The Student Publications Board, and has served as a formative training ground for numerous prominent journalists and public figures.

History

The newspaper was established in 1887 by a group of students including future Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who served as its first editor, and John George Bartholomew of the famed cartographic family. Its early years were marked by vigorous debate on campus politics and contributions from notable figures like Arthur Conan Doyle. Throughout the 20th century, it reported on major events affecting the University of Edinburgh, including both World War I and World War II, and maintained a tradition of editorial independence. Key moments in its modern history include the launch of its website in the early 2000s and a significant redesign of its print edition in 2015, ensuring its continued relevance in the digital age.

Content and sections

The publication's content is divided into several distinct sections, each managed by a dedicated team of student editors. The **News** section covers stories from the University of Edinburgh, the Edinburgh University Students' Association, and the wider City of Edinburgh Council area. The **Comment** section features opinion pieces and editorials on topics ranging from National Union of Students policies to international affairs. **Features** provides in-depth interviews and long-form journalism, while **Science** reports on research from institutions like the Roslin Institute. Additional regular sections include **Arts**, reviewing events at venues such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Traverse Theatre, and **Sport**, covering teams like Edinburgh University RFC and Edinburgh University AFC.

Notable alumni

The newspaper has launched the careers of many distinguished individuals in media, politics, and literature. Notable former editors include Winston Churchill, Iain Macwhirter of The Herald (Glasgow), and Magnus Linklater, former editor of The Scotsman. Among its writers and contributors are novelists Muriel Spark and Alexander McCall Smith, as well as broadcasters Gordon Brewer and Sally Magnusson. Political figures such as Sir Menzies Campbell, former leader of the Liberal Democrats (UK), and Robin Harper, the first Scottish Green Party member of the Scottish Parliament, were also involved during their studies.

Awards and recognition

The publication has received significant acclaim within the student media sector, winning multiple awards from the Guardian Student Media Awards and the National Union of Students. It has been frequently shortlisted for categories such as Best Publication and Best Website by organisations like the Scottish Student Journalism Awards. Individual contributors have won accolades for investigative reporting, feature writing, and design, often judged by panels from major media outlets including The Guardian and BBC Scotland. These honours underscore its reputation for high editorial standards and journalistic innovation.

Operations and funding

The newspaper operates under the legal and financial umbrella of The Student Publications Board, a registered charity. Day-to-day editorial and business decisions are made entirely by the elected student team, which includes the Editor, Deputy Editor, and section editors. Primary funding is derived from advertising revenue, both from local Edinburgh businesses and national advertisers, supplemented by an annual grant from the University of Edinburgh. Additional support comes through sponsorship deals and fundraising events, ensuring its financial independence from the Edinburgh University Students' Association and university administration.