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Just Around the Corner: Orion Diner and Grill

Monday, March 17th, 2025

Aidann Gia Bacolodan, Pace University

I had never heard of Black Forest cake, a german layer cake composed of cocoa powder, cherries, and whipped cream, until my close friend Amanda abruptly squealed upon reading its name on the menu at Orion Diner and Grill. Apparently, she has failed to find her favorite dessert in Manhattan time and time again. As fate would have it, the quaint establishment we would be spending our evening in had it as one of their specialties. The Orion Diner and Grill, situated just around the corner from Baruch College, serves as a casual, sit-down restaurant for individuals from all walks of life, including famished college students.

The nighttime exterior of Orion Diner and Grill.

Diners welcome a feeling of nostalgia, friendliness, and comfort, emitted through their wide selection of foods and laid-back environment. Orion was no different. Amanda and I immediately sat in a cushioned booth, ready to order two classic milkshakes, a platter of mozzarella sticks, and a heaping portion of fried calamari. The two of us agreed that diners would never go out of style, and could always be a haven for reliable, delicious, hot meals. Our filling appetizers proved us right, arriving promptly and piping-hot to our table, served with generous sides of marinara sauce and lemon slices. The chocolate and vanilla milkshakes were creamy, smooth, and slightly sweet—all necessary traits for a beverage meant to wash down a three course meal.

Our vanilla and chocolate milkshakes to start!

“The calamari rings get bonus points. They’re my favorite,” Amanda reviewed. “For the mozzarella sticks, the ratio of breading to cheese is immaculate. Such a great cheese pull!”

After devouring our first plates, we decided to place an order for a cheeseburger with a side of curly fries and a chipotle chicken wrap with onion rings. Our main courses were served by a sociable waiter, eager to chat and make conversation. The crispy, golden brown curly fries were a diner staple. My cheeseburger had fresh tomatoes, leafy-green lettuce, and a soft brioche bun, which was perfect for a hearty dinner. Amanda had no leftovers of her wrap, and was visibly content with her meal.

A close up of our main entrees: a cheeseburger and a chicken wrap

“The wrap had a great portion size. The chicken was juicy and tender, pretty much cooked to perfection,” she reflected. “My meal paired well with the onion rings. Definitely a ten out of ten for those!”

Lastly, we wrapped up our evening with a caramel sundae and slice of Black Forest cake. My caramel sundae was rimmed with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzling, perfected with a warm brownie-like, chocolate, nutty base. The differences in texture between the various elements of the dessert kept the dish enticing and appealing. I preferred it over the Black Forest cake, though Amanda had a different opinion.

“I was so excited about it, because nowhere else in New York City has it,” she eagerly noted. “The portion slice was absolutely huge! There was a good amount of cherry, with a perfect ratio to the cakey portion.”

Our favorite aspects of the restaurant were the classic diner atmosphere, a plentiful menu of more than traditional American dishes, and the unique Black Forest cake. Amanda expressed a keen interest in returning solely just for her favorite dessert part. I’ll be back to try their selection of Greek foods! Overall, the Orion Diner and Grill is a great choice for casual dining after a long day of classes and office hours, especially with a group of friends. Thankfully, the establishment has partnered with the Campus Clipper to offer students a 15% discount when they present this coupon and their valid student ID.

The Campus Clipper coupon for Orion Diner and Grill. Valid with Student ID.


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Just Around the Corner: Cantiere Hambirreria

Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

After a week of studying for my College Board CLEP exam and passing, I needed to treat myself to a heavy meal once I received my scores. Upon figuring out a dinner place, I discovered an ambient Italian restaurant just around the corner from New York University. My friend, Amanda, and I indulged in a three course meal at their only establishment in the country. Thursday night wasn’t terribly busy, though the gentle chatter around us and up-beat music infused our environment with an energetic night.

The rustic interior of Cantiere.

”From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by the ambiance that was created here. the lights and decor were so fun and stylish, and really added to my entire dining experience,” Amanda noted.

The focaccia bread, topped with mozzarella and cured meats.

We started the night with the most Instagrammable appetizer I’ve ever had: the betoniera dell’ operaio, a bread bowl of rustic apulian dough flooded with tomato sauce and a side of traditional meatball. The mariana sauce was seasoned well with basil and shaved parmesan, pairing well with crunchy, high quality bread that was satisfying to rip and imported from Italy. The moist, juicy meatballs were also dusted with parmesan. Our second appetizer was the crudo focaccia, consisting of chewy, sweet bread, topped with cured meat, fresh arugula, mozzarella, a salty-sweet balsamic glaze, and deep-red cherry tomatoes. Both dishes set the bar high for our expectations regarding the rest of our night. Cantiere—meaning construction site or worksite in Italian—did not disappoint. 

Our first appetizer of the night, big enough for two or three people.

The campano burger, oozing with mozzarella, prime beef, and pistachio pesto, was Amanda’s choice for her entree. My pugliese burger also had exceptional prime beef, but with smoked burrata, sweet Italian capocollo, pan-fried tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. Our main courses had glossy smooth brioche buns with branded fire stamps, showcasing the establishment’s signature “C” in a lavish typeface. Served with a side of salted, crispy french fries on a wooden platter, the Italian-American style burgers were bigger than our mouths could fit.

The grand displays of our burgers, fries, and appetizers.

Amanda described our tiramisu dessert as “homemade goodness” which was not too heavy on the espresso flavor and had “delicious handmade cream, crispy ladyfingers, and such a fun presentation” considering it was served in a real silver moka pot. Our personal favorites of the evening were the beautiful displays of focaccia and the burgers, washed down with fancy glass bottles of Coca-Cola. 

The establishment’s proud, classic tiramisu served in a moka pot.

“I loved my entire experience with Cantiere. The rustic and chic interior—amazing food made for an amazing night out for dinner!” she reviewed.

Cantiere was truly a perfect spot for the end of a long week for two students in need of a hearty, mouthwatering, succulent meal. The overall environment, characterized by warm lighting and entertaining music, made it a great dinner place for friends or family. The Italian burger joint has teamed up with the Campus Clipper to give students 20% off when they show their valid student ID. 

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Just Around the Corner: Colomba Cafe and Bakery

Saturday, February 15th, 2025

In between my classes, I wandered into Colomba for a quick and filling brunch—which is exactly what I got. This small business, situated not far from the New York University string of buildings in Greenwich Village, serves a variety of pastries and sandwiches to customers, alongside their unique menu of beverages. Ranging from drip coffee made from La Colombe’s beans, to lesser known flavors, like their limited edition, bright-purple taro latte. All students can find their cup of tea here, especially when the baristas are more than happy to help and have a high-spirited chat over the counter. Colomba Cafe and Bakery is just right when one needs to unwind, curl up in a chair, with a hot chocolate and a book, or if they’re running late for class and are seeking a quick bite.

A look into Colomba’s simple, welcoming environment.

Inside the quaint establishment were a few tables and chairs, some more eclectic in color and material than others. Their cliente ranged from hungry, on-campus college students to business professional regulars. Many of them have built a rapport with the baristas, engaging in continued small-talk about their studies, friends, and complicated little lives. It was a wonderful communal space to sit in, even if it’s just to watch others socialize and smile. One of the baristas, Garrett, helped me for the majority of my late breakfast. He seemed to know many of those standing in line, hopeful for their daily pick-me-up in the form of espresso and milk. 

I started with two drinks: an iced taro latte and a hot chocolate, both with oat milk. The taro drink was a deep, royal purple, which was initially unsweetened, but fixed with the simple syrup provided at the self-serve counter. It was unlike any latte I’ve had previously. It was unlike ube, but definitely resembles an authentic, earthy, taro taste. Meanwhile, the hot chocolate was warm enough to drink—not scalding hot to the point where I burn my tongue and all food is ruined for the day, which often happens at other cafes in the city. This cocoa was not overly rich, sweet, or heavy. It was just enough for a sugary start to my day, with a layer of foamy and frothy goodness sitting atop. 

Garrett recommended the “parm sandwich” and breakfast croissant with ham and cheese for my meal, to which I indulged in. It was toasted for me and served on coffee-brown cardstock trays, lined with vibrant, yellow paper. The sandwich consisted mostly of a thick bed of arugula between two pieces of thick, chewy, white bread. Thick slices of mozzarella, prosciutto, and tomato fit perfectly into my breakfast, with a generous helping of olive oil slathered onto the classic baguette. The flakey, buttery croissant paired nicely with the salty, gooey yolk of my overeasy egg. The ham was a necessary and filling addition of protein. I was just able to order two desserts before taking off for my international relations class. 

My spread of delicious goods for the morning.

A little golden brown teddy bear stared at me through the display case, with chocolate decals in the form of a smiley face and buttons. I had to have one—so, I did! The madeleine-like treat has crispy edges and a moist, sponge cake texture. It was slightly sweet, unlike the black and white cookie I ordered. This dessert was much larger, which made it worth the price. The white frosting had a lemon flavor. The dried dark chocolate was velvety and sickly sweet. I enjoyed the cookie itself: dense, yet still airy and soft texture. Out of all the different delectables I sampled, I favored the teddy bear and hot chocolate the most.

The little golden brown bear that caught my eye.

Colomba Cafe and Bakery is a notable stop for university students within the area if they need a coffee to-go, or a wide selection of baked goods for a chat with a friend. Papa Pascel—the owner’s name. according to Garrett—had partnered with the Campus Clipper to give students 20% off their purchase with the coupon below and their valid student ID.


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Just Around the Corner: Kalye

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Aidann Gia, Pace University

I moved to the United States at eighteen months old from an urbanized, mountainous city named Baguio, located on the largest island in the Philippines. I’ve resided just north of Annapolis, Maryland since, attending mostly predominantly white institutions. I am currently a senior at Pace University, surrounded by peers with skin tones that do not resemble mine and cultural experiences that do not align with my own. To be surrounded by individuals that understand the same language, feel music that resonates with my collectivist values, and eat foods that resemble common suppers at grandma’s. Finding Filipino cuisine isn’t terribly difficult, as Little Manila in Queens flourishes and the Jollibee franchise grows throughout the city. These spots, however, lack the essence of fine dining and occurence of basking in all the senses a meal can offer. The elements I deemed necessary for an optimal dinner as a homesick first-gen college student were all found in Kalye, an Asian owned establishment within walking distance of my college campus. 

The dimly lit interior of Kalye, with projections of old Filipino films and small gilded table lamps.

Kimi, my close friend, ventured with me to try out their selection after our last class. She identifies as Chinese American, with some rudimentary knowledge and cultural appreciation for Filipino foods, but was ecstatic when I invited her to dinner.

“The space was very cozy and homey. The lighting was not harsh, which I loved. They were playing Filipino movies on a projector in the back which added a unique touch to the vibe of the restaurant,” Kimi noted. 

Although just a small touch, the restaurant presenting old films with movie stars of bronze complexion and jet black hair elicited an indescribable euphoria within my body. Modern gilded lamps illuminated the dining space, cascaded an ambient glow throughout the room. The walls exhibited drawings of caricatures and quotes written in Tagalog, strewn across the entire establishment. We settled in quickly and found the menu to immediately entice us. 

To start, we placed an order for two drinks. An ube-horchata mocktail was served with a smoking cinnamon stick, placed delicately between ice cubes. The drink was heavy on the ube and left a thin film covering my tongue in the sweetness of the ube yam. The Darna cocktail encapsulated a mix of tequila, mezcal, guava, agave, aperol, lime, thai chili, club soda, and glitter stars. Both had a gorgeous, vibrant-colored presentation. 

Our Darna cocktail and ube-horchata mocktail.

We selected two appetizers: a traditional platter of pork lumpia and bowl of laaing. Lumpia is essentially crispy spring rolls stuffed with minced garlic and a sweet pork filling. The six pieces and complementary sweet chili sauce served were the staples of the evening. This bowl of laaing was comprised of dried taro leaves and coconut milk to create a dip for the side of pita chips. 

”The laaing with chips was so addictive. I couldn’t stop eating it. The salty chips with savory dip and spicy chili is a great combo,” Kimi raved. “The lemon adds to its very unique flavor. The coconut taste was delicious.”

The laaing with chips (left) and pork lumpia (right).

For our main courses, Kimi ordered the mushroom sisig, a vegetarian take on the Filipino classic pork sisig. An assortment of diced mushrooms and a mix of chickpeas was placed on our table, alongside a large scoop of plain rice, as the intensity of onions and peppers did not subside quickly. 

Kimi took notes, “The mushrooms were well-cooked and not overly chewy. It’s a very savory fish.”

To my surprise, family-sized lechon was on the dinner menu. Of all Filipino dishes in existence, this was my favorite. It is served at every thanksgiving my family hosts, with elated cousins, aunts, uncles, and godparents devouring handfuls of rice and pork, with banana leaves replacing typical ceramic dinnerware. A wave of an unfamiliar emotion came over me as it was brought out on a woven plate. The incredibly fatty, tender, juicy chunks of pork melted in my mouth, perfected by the sweetness of mang tomas, a thick, brown sauce made especially for lechon. 

The beautiful displays of mushroom sisig and pork lechon.

Our last dishes were a portion of ube ice cream and a mango float. The smooth bright-purple ice cream was topped with little slivers of white jelly and a sea-salt taste. I preferred this dessert, while Kimi favored the mango float. Frozen mango slices, sandwiched between two layers of mango ice cream, sat on a base of graham crackers in this final dish. To the side was a dash of cherry compote, a pleasant surprise for my evening companion. 

A seemingly petite portion of Kalye’s mango float.

“Around 7:30 they started having live music which elevated my dining experience and made the space more fun. The waitress was very informed when asked questions on the menu and the service was quick,” she reviewed. “Overall my experience was very positive and I’d love to go back for one of their Sunday drag brunches.”

I had two major takeaways from the night: a.) this small hidden gem of a restaurant can be one of the safe havens that I can look to when I am in need of familiar language, food, and faces b.) the restaurant was filled with people of all ethnic backgrounds and was enjoyable for anyone who was willing to try new foods, music, and atmosphere. Thankfully, Kalye (Rivington St.) has partnered with Campus Clipper to give students 20% off when they show their valid student ID and the coupon below.

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Just Around the Corner: Ambo

Tuesday, February 4th, 2025

Aidann Gia, Pace University

Indian cuisine is one of my favorite foods, particularly when the school season has been droning on and academic work has grown tedious. I typically take the New Jersey transit or the PATH train to Hoboken for affordable, quality dishes. This is not always a feasible option for me when I crave garlic naan, considering I’m a student in the financial district of Manhattan. Ambo, a fast-food Indian eatery, stands by the New York University campus, which is much more convenient to travel to compared to crossing state lines. Marilisa, one of my close friends from school, and I ate a simple, but delectable lunch at their establishment. 

The simple storefront display, showcasing their quirky chalkboard menu to customers.

The vegan samoas had a chewy, doughy exterior with peas and an easy-to-eat textured center. The garlic naan, packaged in foil to keep hot, was adorned with minced garlic toasted into the bread and layered butter. The dark, golden brown bottoms added a crunchy texture to style soft tops.

I ordered a bowl of marinated chicken, mashed potatoes, basmati rice, seasoned chickpeas, and assorted chopped vegetables. The soft, surprisingly sweet potatoes seemed to melt in my mouth. A heaping portion of slightly spicy turmeric rice paired nicely with the bed of chickpeas, along with the bitterness of the diced tomatoes. The chicken stood out as the strongest contender in the match to be the most powerful flavor. It was soft, well-cooked, and deeply marinated in a savory sauce, with biryani dressing drizzled on top. Marilisa, on the other hand, selected a falafel bowl with eggplant dip and plain rice.

Our noticeably different lunch bowls, alongside our foil-wrapped samosas and garlic naan.

”I think the chickpeas were nice with the sweet mango chutney. The potatoes with—I think turmeric—elevated it nicely. The cucumber raita was definitely classic and refreshing,” she noted.

To cleanse our pallets, we enjoyed the creamy and sweet house-made alphonso mango lassi. If I had to suggest one item that anyone would enjoy, it would be this sugary bottle of energy. I personally am not a mango fan, yet this rich, luscious beverage would be the main reason I return to Ambo. 

The multitude of candies and treats available for purchase on exhibition.

Marilisa voiced her final thoughts, “Prices are really good for the amount of food they give you and great quality. A nice spot for 1-4 people to sit and eat. Cutely decorated and has great variety!”

One of our main takeaways of the restaurant was that it served delectable, authentic, simple Indian food in an area geographically in proximity to our school. The prices were student-friendly with the offered discount and the location wasn’t packed with people, allowing us to get our food in a timely manner. We enjoyed the smooth mango lassi the most, but also found great enjoyment in the bowls themselves. I would return for their chicken shawarma, though I would try out the tacos instead.

The quaint establishment is home to shelves of foreign candy, a kitchen of well-balanced meals, and seats full of happy, stuffed customers. Ambo is offering students a discount when they present the coupon below and their valid student ID.

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Just Around the Corner: Salon De Louie

Thursday, December 26th, 2024

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.

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An Ever-Evolving City

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

After completing an entire school year at Columbia University, so many people have asked me “how did you like your first year?”. It’s safe to say that I left campus a changed person. I learned, I laughed, I got off at the wrong subway station more times than I can count. When I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time,  I was so sure I had made the right decision to move across the country. When an East Coast storm flooded the streets, the subway, and my shoes, my heart ached for home. It was all so much. The one constant about New York is that it’s always changing. Buildings are erected and dismantled in the blink of an eye, while the scaffolding at the corner store stands tall and immortal. The subway takes millions of passengers across the city every day, each with a different destination in mind. At times, New York can feel like it’s moving too fast. 

A photo of the world trade center, one of NYC’s most recognizable and imposing buildings. Taken on 35mm film.

Over the course of the past few chapters, I’ve investigated the different miracles and mishaps that come with one’s freshman year in New York City. Finding community is essential to maintaining sanity while finding your place in this whirlwind of a city. Exploring your neighborhood, joining clubs with similar interests, and practicing small acts of kindness are a few ways to promote a pleasant and healthy shift into undergraduate life from the shelters of high school. At the end of the day, these have been a few tools and tips I’ve laid out to help support the incoming college freshman. Questions, however, are still bound to arise even after these practices are put into action. What happens after freshman year is over? How can I make new friends after the first semester? Can I survive this place for three more years?

Though I can proudly claim I’ve survived a year in New York, I’ve still got a long way to go before I’ve fully realized all that the city has to offer. The honest truth is that I don’t have everything figured out yet, but another truth exists in tandem: I don’t have to! The opportunities, lessons, and experiences available in this metropolis are as sprawling and infinite as the city itself. One could spend a lifetime and a half living in New York and barely scratch its surface. It’s unrealistic to try and master it all, but it’s worthwhile to experience as much as you can. As young adults in New York City, it’s our privilege and responsibility to squeeze as much as we can out of our time here. Emphasis on “as much as we can”, nothing more. Take in as much as you can bear with grace and move forward. 

My family visiting me in the city, a photo that reminds me that hope and love can exist here too. Taken on 35mm film.

Adaptability and growth mindsets are your best friends when it comes to reconciling with life in the Big Apple. The power of the growth mindset, believing that your current can be developed and is not fixed, is dynamic and cherishable. The ability to change yourself for the better is crucial when it comes to that smooth transition home sweet home to the urban jungle. Whether you’re anxious to start your first year in New York City or you’re frustrated because your subway is delayed again, retaining that growth mindset is one of the best ways to get through it all. So while you’re out living your dreams in the city that never sleeps, remember: New York City is ever-evolving, so we should be too.

By Thomas Stewart

Thomas currently attends Columbia University and plans to double major in creative writing and human rights. At Columbia Thomas is a staff writer for the City News section of the Columbia Daily Spectator, where he publishes articles that concern the West Harlem community. In his free time, you can find him practicing music or trying new vegetarian recipes

Theres nothing wrong with treating yourself every once in a while. Students can get 15% off a meal at The Grand Feast by showing a coupon and student ID.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Relationships with the City

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Making the move to college can be an incredibly overwhelming and stressful process, but moving to college in New York City can be even tougher! Just like that, you’re tossed into a bottomless melting pot full of cultures, people, religions, you name it! In the mix up of decorating your dorm and forming new relationships, it can be difficult to understand the major transition you’re going through. Building a community is much like building up a relationship from scratch. Though it’s the key to a successful transition to college, sometimes New York itself can feel unapproachable or oversaturated.

In order to learn how to approach the city, it’s crucial to understand it first. In an effort to better understand the culture of New York, I reached out to Professor Marry Rocco. As Director of Engaged Scholarship, Community Engagement and Inclusion at Barnard College, Professor Rocco holds extensive knowledge in the fields of urban planning and community development. Not only is Professor Rocco knowledgeable about urban studies in general, but she has also completed numerous research projects and programming centered around the New York City region. Professor Rocco’s background makes her the perfect authority to better understand what keeps New York’s gears turning. Only when you comprehend how the city functions are you then able to find your place in it. Somewhere amongst the thousands of gears, wheels, and cogs, there’s a missing screw that only you can fit in.

A Día de los Muertos Performance in front of the New York City Public Library at Grand Army Plaza. At the time, the library was paying homage to Jay-Z with Black Lives Matter and other Black themed decorations. An interesting intersection of communities, taken on 35mm film.

While you might be excited about living your New York City dreams to the max as soon as possible, it’s important to first recognize the intersecting communities that you are joining upon move-in day. Prior to leaving home, you’re already a part of a distinguished set of communities. Whether they are based on your racial identity, shared interests, or common beliefs, some communities will be easier to adjust to from previous experiences. On top of those, however, are a bundle of new communities that you are entering. It’s important to consider that you are automatically entering the New York City community as well as your university community. With so many different spaces to belong to, Professor Rocco suggested starting with your homebase. Before going out and exploring the fashion scene in SoHo or checking out the artists down in Bushwick, consider getting to know your own campus first. Make the most of your orientation week and walk around the neighborhood that your campus resides in. It’s important to use this time to acclimate yourself as a college student first and a city resident second. 

A community I’ve found at Columbia, my end of the year Aikido Club practice in Central Park.
Taken on 35mm film.

 According to Professor Rocco,  engaging with a community is like engaging with any other relationship. Like relationships with people, you must dedicate time and understanding to advance them. You don’t marry someone after the first date, you take the time to assess their personality and your compatibility. The same logic can be applied to entering a new community! Beyond whether or not you share any common characteristics that would enhance your addition to the given community, your approach and intention are major factors that play a role in how well received your transition may be. In our conversation, Professor Rocco called attention to the privilege of being able to toss around phrases like “I want to get involved in the Harlem community.” She stressed the importance of entering communities with a curious and open mind as opposed to intervening with a goal/idea in mind. Deliberation and consideration on all aspects of this new relationship are essential in developing into a valuable and appreciated community member.

Internalizing and implementing all of these ideas can help determine whether or not your experience will be pleasant, additive, or accepted. New York City is densely populated and intricately regionalized, but by approaching communities like other relationships, you can find your community wherever you may end up.

By Thomas Stewart

Thomas currently attends Columbia University and plans to double major in creative writing and human rights. At Columbia Thomas is a staff writer for the City News section of the Columbia Daily Spectator, where he publishes articles that concern the West Harlem community. In his free time, you can find him practicing music or trying new vegetarian recipes

First impressions are everything when it comes to making new relationships. Get 20% off at Daniel’s Barbershop with student ID and coupon to look fresh and clean for any new relationships you encounter!

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Balancing The City

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Screeching metal wheels, passing footsteps, and foreign languages flood your senses when walking down the average New York City street. For myself and many others who didn’t grow up in the hustle and bustle of the city, it can be quite an adjustment. Exploring and understanding your new college environment is a challenge on its own, but I believe it’s important to venture beyond campus walls and appreciate the city that is at your fingertips. Even if you’re moving into the city with an open mindset, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. While my time in New York has been limited so far, I’ve picked up on a few tips that might be helpful to the average New York City freshman. 

First things first, it’s very important to understand your immediate surrounding area. New York City is gigantic, complex, and diverse. With a population that speaks over 200 languages, includes over three million foreign born residents, and houses the most ethnic enclaves in the country, there’s certainly a lot to discover. Even though there’s a whole city to explore, it’s best to start with a home base. Get familiar with your surrounding community! The best way to accomplish this is to walk around, which is convenient, since NYC is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S! As a student at Columbia University, I took it upon myself to become aware of the surrounding Harlem area. I remember walking to so many places that seemed interesting to me during my first few months of college. From cafes, to barbershops, to parks, I was intentionally exploring all my immediate area had to offer me. Ultimately I found success and satisfaction in doing so! One of my favorite cafes in the city is just a 15 minute walk from campus, and my barber is only 10 minutes. Google Maps can be really helpful when it comes to finding destinations. Virtually scanning for nearby restaurants or cafes is a great way to mentally plan out your excursions. Granted, it’s important to do your research on the safety of your given area. Use your best judgment, especially when traveling alone. No matter what region or borough your school is located in, I believe that exploring on foot is one of the best ways to go.

My current google maps view, showcasing all transit lines and saved locations.

Depending on your area, you might be able to get familiar with your surroundings within the first month of college. When you feel comfortable enough, you should take your ventures out past the university area. Seeing as college campuses typically alter the culture of their immediate surrounding area, it can be refreshing to explore the city outside of the “university bubble”. While your immediate neighborhood is the most accessible, it’s worth it to take the extra step to experience a more authentic side of New York. For destinations outside of walking distance, public transit is your best friend. New York’s subway system is incredibly extensive, boasting 472 subway stations and 3.6 million daily riders. Thankfully, the system is always accessible and can whisk you from one side of the city to the next with ease. One tip that helped me when it came to exploring the city was setting my Google Maps to transit mode. This allowed me to not only see the subway lines that I would be taking, but also get used to the layout of the system over time. It’s important to have some idea of where you’re going before you get on the subway. Since phone service can get shaky in between stops, I try to carry a paper map with me whenever I can. You can get a portable map for free by simply asking the worker at the booth near the turnstile. In my experience, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Most important of all, it’s important to find a balance during your time at college. While life at university might feel suffocating at some points, it can be strenuous (physically and financially!) to go out on the town every night as well! Scheduling at least one outing with friends per week was what worked best for me. It gave me something to look forward to during the school week. I suggest trying out what schedule works best for you. Asking questions like “can I afford a $6 matcha five days a week?” or “is it smart to leave campus so late?” can help formulate a plan that makes sense. Finding this balance between campus life and exploring the city is what really makes going to college in New York City worthwhile. So whenever you make the time, I encourage you to get out there and explore all that the city has to offer!

By Thomas Stewart

Thomas currently attends Columbia University and plans to double major in creative writing and human rights. At Columbia Thomas is a staff writer for the City News section of the Columbia Daily Spectator, where he publishes articles that concern the West Harlem community. In his free time, you can find him practicing music or trying new vegetarian recipes

If you’re like me and love looking for new acai bowls, use code PYGCK at Tropical Berry Cafe for 40% off.

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Buy Some Cowboy Boots

Friday, October 13th, 2023

My roommates and I have recently gotten into line dancing at one of the local bars here in Boston. Every Sunday and Tuesday night, there is a bar about a mile and a half from our apartment with a big dance floor and a whole bunch of honky-tonking, boot-stomping individuals dancing their hearts out, brew in hand. The atmosphere is absolutely electric, people sporting cowboy boots and hats, cutoffs, bolos—the whole country thing. It’s awesome.

None of my friends grew up line dancing or doing anything remotely similar. All of us are New England born and raised, never worn a pair of cowboy boots, and had little connection to the southern lifestyle. We didn’t know a damn thing about line dancing. Of course, we know the basics like “Cotton-Eyed Joe”, but nothing like what you see at a country bar like this one. 

I had no idea what to expect the first time we ever went. One of my roommates had gone a few weeks earlier and was really eager to take us as soon as possible, so I was really excited despite having no actual clue what it would be like. I love to dance, so I knew I would have a good time, I just didn’t know exactly what that would look like. Unsure of what to wear, I just ended up going in the jeans and tank top that I had on that day.

The dance floor was already packed by the time we got there, but we claimed some space towards the back of the dance floor and jumped right into the fun. Every thirty minutes they had a tutorial on whatever dance they were playing next, but most of the time you were just expected to automatically know what dance went with which song and how to do it. Some of these dances were really hard, too. We tried to learn some on the spot, but it was mostly just us stumbling around and trying to mirror the people in front of us as best we could without a lot of success. Some we sort of got the hang of, but most we didn’t even come close. A lot of them are super complex, and you just have to come in knowing everything. You are just supposed to know! And we came in, a bunch of city slickers with absolutely no knowledge. We knew that we needed to study up and come back stronger.

We left that night absolutely drenched in sweat. Drenched. Throughout the night we had gone to the bathroom about ten times to wipe ourselves down, but we were sweating. Sweating, dancing our hearts out to songs we didn’t know and moves we couldn’t master. We had the time of our lives, and decided that we absolutely needed to do this every week. A few days later, we headed off to the thrift store to find some cheap cowboy boots. Yes, after one line dancing session, we needed to purchase cowboy boots. We pranced around the boot section and practiced some twirling and sliding to make sure we got the perfect ones. We tried on some cowboy hats, just to get into character, but didn’t end up buying them. We did, however, all leave with a pair of cowboy boots. You gotta play the part, and at this point we were fully committed to our new country lifestyle. When we got home, we watched a ton of tutorials and mastered some moves, so by the next week we were ready to dazzle. 

My mom’s well-loved cowboy boots that she gifted me. These girls have seen some stomping!

Now every week we show up in our cowboy boots, dance the night away, and leave soaking wet. We have the best time, every time. I think that part of the reason that we have so much fun doing this is because we really committed to making it the most full experience it could be. We found something that we all really enjoyed, and we doubled down. We bought boots. We learned the moves. We go every week. We make time to do this together. 

I think that it is too easy to get bogged down with busy schedules and not make enough time to play and have fun. My roommates and I struggle with that a lot. Despite living together, we don’t actually see each other that much. It means that our time together, when we get it, is really special. There have been times where I almost didn’t go because I had too much work or was too tired, but every time I have been so happy that I chose to take a break and have fun with my friends. Yes, school is important, but it is ok to choose yourself and your friends over an assignment. Now is the time to make memories with your friends, so go out! Going line dancing with them every week, making the time to do it together, it makes my heart feel really full. I think that when you find something that you love, people that you love, you should always try to make that extra effort. Devote yourself to the experience. Lean into it. Enjoy it whole. Buy some cowboy boots. 

Line dancing is no low energy task, use this coupon for 15% off and fuel up! You’ll need something hearty after all of that stomping!

By Erin O’Brien

Erin is a student based in Boston, MA studying Communications and Studio Art. She is drawn to telling stories about love and friendship, with themes of humanity and connection at its core. In sharing her personal truths, she hopes to provide readers with nuggets of learned wisdom and college survival skills

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.


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