Why we started "The Cloister". Our Manifesto.

Why We Started The Cloister

The University of Glasgow is home to a number of excellent student publications, including the Glasgow Guardian and The Hillhead Review. With such strong outlets already contributing to student journalism on campus, it is fair to ask why we decided to launch The Cloister.

The answer is simple: we believe there is room for a new kind of publication—one that reflects how students consume news today and the kind of conversations they want to have.

A Magazine–Newspaper Hybrid

There is no doubt about the power of print media. For decades, newspapers and magazines have been the primary way people access the news, informing and educating billions across the world. Print journalism has a long and important tradition, and student publications have played a vital role in shaping campus conversations for generations.

However, the way people engage with news is changing. Today’s students often want journalism that is not only informative but also engaging, creative, and responsive to the issues that matter to them. With The Cloister, we aim to bridge the gap between traditional reporting and more reflective, idea-driven writing.

Our goal is to create a magazine–newspaper hybrid: a publication that delivers timely news while also providing space for thoughtful commentary, cultural analysis, and creative perspectives.

A Different Approach

One of the defining features of The Cloister is that we are a fully digital publication. By operating entirely online, we are able to focus on speed, accessibility, and flexibility.

Students today lead busy lives. Between lectures, coursework, jobs, and social commitments, many simply do not have the time to sit down with a printed newspaper. A digital publication allows readers to access stories wherever they are—on their phones, laptops, or tablets—whenever it suits them.

Being online also means we are not limited by traditional print deadlines. If a story breaks that affects students, we can report on it quickly and publish it as it happens. Our aim is to ensure that students are informed about the issues that shape their university experience in a timely and accessible way.

Different Voices

While The Cloister is rooted in the student community at the University of Glasgow, we also believe that valuable perspectives can come from beyond campus.

For this reason, we welcome a limited number of contributions from outside the university where they bring insight, expertise, or viewpoints that are relevant to student life. By opening the door to these voices, we hope to enrich the discussions taking place within the student community and introduce ideas that students might not otherwise encounter.

At the same time, students remain at the heart of what we do. Our primary mission is to provide a platform for student writers and to reflect the experiences, concerns, and interests of the student body.

Proudly Non-Partisan

In an age where media can often feel polarised, finding reliable and balanced news has become increasingly difficult. At The Cloister, we are committed to a non-partisan approach to journalism.

We do not believe it is the role of a news publication to tell readers what to think. Instead, our aim is to inform, educate, and encourage thoughtful discussion. By presenting stories with accuracy and fairness, we hope to give our readers the information they need to form their own views.

The Cloister is ultimately an experiment in modern student journalism—one that is digital-first, open to new voices, and committed to thoughtful, independent reporting.