DH Noodle is one of those spots that feels like a warm hug as soon as you walk in. The wooden tables, soft lighting, and cozy vibe make it the perfect escape from a busy day. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just looking for a quiet moment, the welcoming atmosphere and incredible food make it hard to leave.
The scallion pancakes are a game-changer—crispy, flaky, and packed with flavor. Pair them with one of their refreshing boba teas, and you’ve got the perfect combo. The menu has something for everyone, from steaming noodle soups to small plates you’ll want to share (or not). Plus, they’re always adding new items, so there’s always a good excuse to come back.
DH Noodle is offering college students a discount when they present the Campus Clipper coupon and their valid student ID.
Salon de Louie in the Financial District is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a modern, intimate salon with a warm and personal vibe. The space is small but clean and well-designed, with festive decorations that make it feel extra welcoming. You’re never just another appointment here—the staff take their time to listen to what you want and make sure you leave happy with your look.
What really stood out to me was how friendly and attentive everyone was. The stylists don’t just do your hair; they chat with you, tell stories, and make the whole experience enjoyable. It feels less like a chore and more like catching up with friends. If you’re looking for a salon that’s professional but still personal, I’d definitely recommend Salon de Louie.
Salon De Louie has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer Pace University students a 10% discount when they show their valid student ID.
When I was 18, I watched When Harry Met Sally for the first time via a pirated film service that no longer exists. I was cold and confused in September in Chicago, bawling my eyes out to a relatable Billy Crystal and his somber evening with Mallomars and dubious soliloquies. By Christmas, I had seen it probably more than 10 times.
First snow of the season for Boston!
During my undergrad, with several campus libraries at my disposal, I dove into everything Ephron had to offer. I watched all her films, I read all her books, I scoured the internet for her articles, recipes, and commencement speeches, and I solidified her as my writing idol.
Ephron’s use of humor paralleled with her examinations of mortality is something so valuable and necessary to make it through the harder parts of life. When Harry Met Sally’s witty dialogue makes the theme of impermanence a softer pill to swallow: Harry reads the last page of every book he buys first just in case he dies before he makes it to the end; Sally is petrified of eventually someday turning 40— “It’s just sitting there like this big dead end!”; Their awkward New Year’s kiss marks the end of their friendship and the beginning of their road to love. When we really look into it, the undertone of this fan-favored rom-com is actually quite pensive, reflecting on the various ways that people perceive the passing of time, especially in terms of love and loss.
In Ephron’s novel, I Feel Bad About My Neck, She tackles the subject of getting older with the same irreverence, blending comedy with the melancholy of losing physical vitality. While Ephron is always funny first, there is an intense poignant edge to her reflections, and right when she seems to be getting almost too serious for comfort, she throws a lighthearted life preserver to her audience: “Sometimes I think that not having to worry about your hair anymore is the secret upside of death.”
My ideal Sunday morning: Watching Gossip Girl in my reading nook.
The holidays always make me think of Ephron. When the leaves begin to die and the possibility of snow shows up in the forecast, I start to see her writing at every turn. It makes sense: the coming together of family and friends (or lack thereof), the traditions lost and new, my birthday, and the end of another year— Not to mention I manage to be surprised by the threat of mortality every December. Sometimes it feels like the holiday parties and birthday celebrations are simply fun ways to cope with the end of an era, whatever that may be to us personally. It’s a good thing! I think movies are something of the same.
More than a holiday party or birthday dinner to mask the existentialism of the winter, sometimes what we’re really in need of is some self-care–on our own terms. When I think of self-care during the ‘ber months, I envision mornings laying in bed until 9:00 a.m. and watching You’ve Got Mail over biscuits and coffee (Yes, for me, 9:00 a.m. is late). Often, all we really need is to feel close to the little things in life that bring us joy.
Speaking of things that bring us joy, The Carrie Bradshaw in me has been finding joy in new shoes, like these Berkleigh Blacks from Steve Madden. I quote, “When one door closes, a shoe box opens.”
Whether it be the general orchestrating stress of the holidays, the existentialism that comes with the seasons, or problems that hit closer to home, make sure you’re prioritizing your well-being this holiday season. For students in Boston, I’ve compiled a list of self-care activities for any kind of person, but all of which are quite Ephron-esque.
One of my favorite self-care activities last year was taking icy walks in the snow with the birds. I was freezing, but at least I saw some nature.
1. Visit a Cozy Café
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a warm drink. Head to a local café like Tatte or Caffé Nero and treat yourself to hot coffee or cocoa, soups, and pastries.
2. Take a Winter Walk in the Snow
Bundle up and enjoy the beauty of a quiet winter walk through areas like Boston Common, The Public Garden, or along the Charles River Esplanade. The fresh air and peaceful atmosphere can be incredibly refreshing. Researchers claim just five minutes of exercise in green space or snow space can help your mental health.
3. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Spend a few hours at one of Boston’s amazing museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, or the Institute of Contemporary Art (a favorite of mine!). Exploring art or history is both educational and a great way to escape the cold.
4. Take a Long, Relaxing Bath
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing like a warm bath to unwind. Add some Epsom salts, essential oils, or a bath bomb for extra relaxation. Light a few candles and play calming music to create a spa-like experience at home.
5. Attend a Yoga or Meditation Class
Winter can sometimes feel isolating, so attending a yoga or meditation class is a great way to stay grounded. Studios like Prana Power Yoga or YogaWorks offer a variety of classes, or you can find local options online for home practice.
6. Go Ice Skating at Frog Pond
If you’re looking for an outdoor activity, try ice skating on the Frog Pond in Boston Common. It’s a beautiful location to enjoy some winter fun. While you’re there, you can check out The Embrace sculpture and head over to Cafe Bonjour for some French cuisine.
7. Cook a Comforting Winter Meal
Take time to prepare a hearty, warming meal like a vegetable stew, chili, or homemade soup. Enjoying a homemade meal is a nourishing act of self-care, especially when paired with your favorite podcast or music.
8. Read a Book by the Fireplace
If you have access to a fireplace or a cozy corner, curl up with a good book and enjoy the warmth. Whether it’s a comforting novel, an inspiring self-help book, or even poetry, this is a perfect way to relax and unwind.
9. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
You could book a facial, get a massage, or try a DIY spa day with hydrating face masks, hand scrubs, and foot soaks. Exhale Spa and MG Spa (which offers 20% off to students!) are great local spots to relax and rejuvenate.
10. Of Course, Watch a Movie Marathon or Binge a TV Series
In my opinion, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with blankets and watching your favorite movies or TV shows. Whether it’s a holiday classic or a binge-worthy series, winter is the ideal time to indulge in a cozy movie marathon with your favorite snacks.
Head to MG Spa for some self-care this winter and get 20% off with your student ID!
Brenna Sheets is a graduate student in Emerson College’s Writing and Publishing M.A. program. She is also a teacher, currently specializing in middle school history. Her hobbies include going on long walks, reading and writing, and watching bad television.
The velvety blue seats and sprawling faux flora at the entrance of Gnocco.
Just outside the bustling charm of Little Italy lies a hidden gem of authentic Italian cuisine. Past the velvety blue seats, sprawling faux flora, and a chic bar area, you’ll find a refined yet welcoming space for locals and tourists alike. Twinkling lights snake through walls of lush greenery, casting a soft, inviting glow over patrons. The attentive staff, a group of charming young men armed with warm smiles and witty banter, enhances the experience with their thoughtful service. Nestled among the lively establishments of the Lower East Side, this inviting eatery—Gnocco—takes its name from its signature offering: pillowy, doughy bread.
The evening was brisk, with temperatures dipping below thirty degrees, but the restaurant enveloped us in its warmth. The air carried hints of butter and truffle, mingling with the buzz of conversation. Groups of young professionals laughed softly in the corners, their clinking glasses harmonizing with a familiar yet elusive tune playing overhead. Indulging in a hearty meal felt instinctive during the grind of finals season, especially after many days of snacking on processed foods.
We started with an assortment of appetizers. First came the gnocco fritto, deep-fried diamond-shaped puffs of bread that can be enjoyed solo or paired with cold cuts. The serving was generous, followed by a heaping order of crisp truffle fries sprinkled with parsley and paired with a rich black truffle aioli, leaving a buttery, savory imprint on the palate. The classic Italian meatballs, smothered in sweet marinara sauce, were accompanied by golden, toasted bruschetta. A beautifully curated antipasto platter featured various cheeses, cured meats, olives, and candied pickled onions marinated in balsamic vinegar. Each bite was a symphony of contrasting textures and flavors, with the pickled onions adding a delightful zing.
The assortment of appetizers.
Matia, the charismatic manager, added a personal touch to our meal. Throughout the evening, he shared stories of his hometown, cultural insights, and the journey that brought him to New York. At one point, he even pulled up a chair to join us, radiating enthusiasm as he connected with every table in the room. It’s rare to encounter such authentic human connection in a setting not inherently designed for it, but Matia and his team masterfully cultivated a sense of belonging. Their curated hospitality transformed the dining experience into something profoundly memorable.
The main courses showcased Gnocco’s dedication to Italian culinary tradition. The gnocchi, light and creamy, were nestled in a bed of buffalo tomato sauce and garnished with fresh basil. Each bite felt like a warm embrace, the sauce elevating the simplicity of the dish. The sliced Angus ribeye, topped with slivers of Parmigiano and served over baby arugula and grape tomatoes, offered a hearty counterpart, its flavors balanced by nourishing pearls of mozzarella.
The evening spread.
To complement the meal, I indulged in a ‘Guavissimo’ mocktail, a refreshing mix of guava syrup, lime, club soda, and blended berries. The balance of citrus and sweetness cut through the richness of the dishes, resetting my palate. Later, a lavender-infused mocktail with dried lime and floral elements brought a soothing, aromatic finish to the evening.
Dessert arrived as a delightful spread of almond biscuits and tarts, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. The simplicity of the presentation mirrored the understated elegance of the meal. Each bite struck the perfect balance of sweetness, leaving just a hint of stickiness on the lips—a satisfying finale.
The dessert platter.
Gnocco is more than a restaurant; it’s a haven where exceptional food and genuine connections converge. It’s the kind of place you’d eagerly return to—not just for the delicious cuisine, but for the warmth of its ambiance and the people who make it special. It’s where I’d bring my family for a cheerful gathering, knowing they’d leave with full hearts and even fuller stomachs.
We found the place to be a modern Chinese restaurant with soft lighting and a warm ambience.
As an Asian American student, I often find myself feeling homesick and longing for the flavors that defined my childhood. Dishes with notes of chili sauce, sesame oil, or other familiar ingredients in a warm and comforting meal instantly take me back to the halcyon days of my youth. Now that I’ve moved to New York City, hundreds of miles from my grandmother’s kitchen, I’ve been on a quest to rediscover those nostalgic flavors in local restaurants. For those brisk, harsh-weather days when Pace University students would rather not trek to Chinatown, there’s a perfect spot nearby: Dim Sum Palace.
We perused the lengthy menu for a while before finally deciding on our evening meal.
Fellow student Kimi Debarger-Gestring and I spent our evening exploring the menu at Dim Sum Palace, selecting familiar comfort dishes and venturing into plates we’d never tried before. Conveniently located on Williams Street, just a short walk from our university dorms, the restaurant stands out with its glowing neon lights and warm interior. Inside, a modern arrangement of tables and fish tanks welcomes customers. The lighting is soft and soothing, creating a calming atmosphere. The baby-blue fish tanks, filled with eels, king crabs, and a variety of other sea creatures, added a unique touch. We even watched a staff member carefully retrieve a king crab from one of the tanks—talk about fresh food!
Kimi reflected on atmosphere, stating that the “overall aesthetic was very clean and put together, especially with the bright lighting.”
As we settled in, we couldn’t help but admire the ambiance. The gentle murmur of a diverse crowd and the soft clinking of teapots made the space feel lively yet relaxing. While the restaurant featured a modern vibe, it still felt authentically Chinese. It wasn’t overly formal—perfect for a hearty dinner after a long day of classes—though the waitstaff were impeccably groomed and uniformed, exuding professionalism. The menus offered a wide array of delectable options, leaving us both delightfully overwhelmed.
Our drinks and first course!
To start, I ordered a hot chrysanthemum tea, served in a glass pot perched over a candle flame. It was perfectly brewed—neither bitter nor over-steeped—with a subtle sweetness and floral notes that made it irresistibly soothing. We enjoyed it so much that we ended up drinking three pots! Kimi opted for another drink, Mai Tai, which she described as perfectly balanced—not overly strong with alcohol and delightfully fruity. It was the ideal complement to the warm flavors of the meal to come.
Our first course featured two flavorful starters: cold sesame noodles and mini sliced cucumbers with spicy Szechuan sauce. Both dishes had us eagerly diving in, their bold flavors setting the tone for the evening. The refreshing crunch of the cucumbers paired perfectly with the rich, oily noodles—a great way to begin the meal. Our main courses arrived shortly after. Kimi chose the Buddha Delight dumpling and spicy fresh mushroom dumpling, both vegetarian-friendly options that suited her dietary needs.
Our main course!
Meanwhile, I opted for a mix of shrimp dumplings, chicken dumplings, pork shumai, and shrimp shumai. The steamed traditional Chinese shrimp dim sum had a soft, delicate wrapping that allowed the seafood filling to shine. The shumai—both the shrimp and pork varieties—were hearty and flavorful, leaving me surprisingly full after just a few pieces. When paired with soy sauce and the cold sesame noodles, the dumplings made for a satisfying combination. My favorite dish of the night was the pork shumai, while Kimi’s top pick was her spicy mushroom dumplings.
“I think as someone who is Chinese and vegetarian, this was a great experience!” Kimi shared. “Oftentimes, I struggle to find Chinese restaurants with multiple options for me, but this place had four different vegetarian dumpling options—and that’s not counting the dishes we didn’t order. The interior of the restaurant felt modern and classy, and it reminded me of the Chinese restaurants I grew up visiting back home in California. I’d happily come back, especially to try more items!”
An array of sweet treats.
To end the night on a sweet note, we ordered taro buns and egg tarts, both of which were unforgettable. The taro buns were light purple, beautifully designed with swirls baked into their dough. They had a subtle taro flavor, incorporated into a soft, cakey, sweet dessert. The egg tarts, one of my personal favorites, had a flaky, crispy crust and a creamy, gooey filling. I may have eaten more than I care to admit!
The desserts alone—especially the egg tarts paired with tea—make Dim Sum Palace worth a visit. Overall, the meal was a delightful experience for both of us, especially as Asian American college students seeking flavors that connect us to our cultures.
Use this coupon to receive a discount the next time you visit!
Dim Sum Palace is offering students a 10% discount when they show their valid student ID and our Campus Clipper coupon!
Intern Katie leads today's discussion. We talk about the pandemic's effect on college students, since current juniors and seniors' college experiences have been largely defined by the pandemic. We discuss what it was like being sent home from college in 2020, navigating online classes and extracurricular activities, and the lessons we've learned from this whole […]
Welcome back to a new season of the Campus Clipper podcast! Intern Megan leads today's discussion. We talk about the activities that inspire creativity in our cities and how to balance creative hobbies with schoolwork and internships. We also discuss the uncertainty and insecurity that we often feel when putting our creative work out in […]
Intern Ehani leads today's discussion. We talk about the films, series, books, and other art that has touched our hearts, even when the world makes us want to be dark and cynical. We also discuss what role our passions have in our lives, and what passion means to us. Mentioned in this episode: Call Me […]
In this episode, our interns talk about going to college in a big city - from the cultural advantages to how they deal with the expensive cost of living. We also share our favorite things to splurge on. Mentioned in this episode: The Whitney Museum The Tenement Museum Tips for budgeting (even when you're not […]
In this episode, our publishing interns talk about why they love writing and how they use writing and creativity as a tool for personal development and mental health. Check out our publishing interns' writing on the Campus Clipper Blog. This episode was recorded at the new East Village, NYC location of Marinara Pizza. Click this […]
Anna leads today's discussion about her ebook, Balancing Your College Life: An Existential Perspective on Exercise and Entertainment. We talk about how we chose our majors and dealing with uncertainty. We also share our tips for coping with academic pressure and art and literature that inspire us. Check out more of Anna's work in her […]
Monica leads today's discussion. We talk about why we chose our respective college, coping with homesickness, and our internship experiences. We also share our tips for getting to know a big city. Check out more of Monica's work in her article "Chapter 2- The First Week at University (Full of Homesickness and Doubt)." Read about […]
Sydney leads today's discussion, and it's all about "Plugging in with Good Intentions." We talk about technology - from maintaining long-distance friendships to podcasts and music recommendations. We also share our tips for managing anxiety on social media. Check out more of Sydney's work in her article, "Plugging in with Good Intentions — Chapter 4: […]
