Who I am, and Why Nostalgic Academia exists

Hello there! I’m Lara López and I’m so happy you’ve found your way here to Nostalgic Academia. Let me tell you a little bit about how this cozy corner of the internet came to be—and why it means so much to me.

A Little About Me

I grew up in Valencia, with the Mediterranean sun on my skin and the scent of orange blossoms in the air. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been the kind of person who gets lost in art galleries, scribbles marginal notes in every book I read, and takes photos of old buildings just because they look like memories.

After studying Art History all the way to a PhD, I found myself teaching cinema and education at university. I love my students and our lively classroom debates—but sometimes I crave a space where I can write exactly what’s on my mind, without worrying about footnotes or lecture schedules.

Why Nostalgic Academia?

During my dissertation—an exploration of internet aesthetics and Dark Academia after the pandemic—I fell headfirst into nostalgia. I started craving the feel of a leather-bound journal, the hush of a library, and the glow of black-and-white films. That wistful itch for “the past” made me realize: nostalgia isn’t just a wistful daydream. It’s a way to connect more deeply with art, stories, and even each other.

What to Expect

• Literature: Stories and poems that made me pause, laugh, or cry—plus my unfiltered thoughts about them.
• Art & Aesthetics: Favorite paintings, design quirks, and the little details in everyday life that feel like tiny treasures.
• Cinema: Reflections on the films I watch—scenes that moved me, directors I admire, and moods that linger.
• Journeys: Travel tales from my wandering—whether it’s a sunlit stroll through Valencia’s old town or a rainy afternoon in a dusty museum abroad.

Thank you for stopping by. I started Nostalgic Academia to share the things that light me up: the hush of turning pages, the glow of a silver screen, the texture of an old postcard. I hope you’ll find something here that stirs your own nostalgia—and maybe even inspires your next daydream.

Warmly,