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How to Attend the Met Gala (Sort of)

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

Let’s get one thing straight: I have not been invited to the Met Gala, (yet). But I have attended in my own way and it has been unforgettable.

For anyone unfamiliar, the Met Gala is New York’s most exclusive red carpet event, held annually on the first Monday in May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s where celebrities, designers, and cultural icons come dressed in high fashion (and often high drama) according to a theme curated by Anna Wintour, the former editor-in-chief of  Vogue. Official tickets reportedly cost tens of thousands of dollars, and even some A-listers don’t make the cut. So what’s a college student with a love for fashion, fame, and fun to do?

The simple solution is this: get creative and be bold.

The real magic of the Met Gala actually starts long before anyone steps foot onto that iconic staircase. Every year, dozens of celebrities get ready for the event at a handful of hotels near the Upper East Side. The two best-known hotspots? The Mark and The Carlyle. The Carlyle is my personal favorite. It’s a little more tucked away, less chaotic, and still delivers absolute fashion royalty.

Every year, a ton of fans wait outside The Met itself, eager to get a peek at the red carpet. However, with the massive tent setup, heavy security, and crowds of paparazzi, it’s nearly impossible to catch any real action, even if you manage to snag a spot right at the front of the barricade across the street. This is why I love visiting the hotels. I’ve made a tradition of heading to The Carlyle the past two years, and if you time it right, you’ll be that much closer to the action. My Met Gala strategy doesn’t involve barricades or elbowing into crowds. It’s about patience, timing, and good walking shoes.

I recommend heading to the general area of the Met Gala around 9–10 PM. While many streets will be blocked off, you can usually get fairly close to The Carlyle on 76th Street. Now, I’m not saying to push back against security or ignore barricades — definitely don’t do that — but I do suggest politely hanging around nearby. If you’re persistent and respectful, you’ll often find that eventually you’re allowed to stand surprisingly close to the hotel entrance.

I’ve seen everyone from Chris Hemsworth to Kendall Jenner step out of their SUVs after the Met Gala, heading inside The Carlyle to change into their iconic after-party looks. Seeing these showstopping outfits up close feels like watching your own private runway show and it’s absolutely mesmerizing. The vibe around the hotel is usually much calmer than the red carpet chaos, which means celebrities are often more relaxed and more likely to interact with fans.

Chris Hemsworth! I can vouch that he looks like a real God.
Sydney Sweeney and the true star of the Met Gala, her dog.

It’s important to say this: there’s a difference between being a fan and being intrusive. I always stay on the opposite sidewalk, don’t push to the front, and never follow anyone beyond that single moment. This isn’t about chasing celebrities, it’s about appreciating the rare, electric thrill of sharing space with a moment in pop culture.

So no, I haven’t walked the Met Gala carpet. I haven’t posed under the massive tent or climbed those steps in custom couture. But I’ve felt the buzz, seen the stars, and even caught a few waves and smiles. And in New York? That’s close enough to feel like you’re part of the story.

The next time the first Monday in May rolls around, don’t scroll through Vogue’s red carpet slideshow from your dorm. Throw on a comfortable outfit, grab a friend, and head uptown. Your Met Gala moment is waiting with no invite required.

Get your hair done, Met Gala Style! Use this student coupon for 20% off! 

By: Skylar Park 

Skylar Park is a Film & TV student at NYU with a passion for storytelling and city adventures. When she’s not writing or filming, you can find her running by the East River or hunting down the coziest bookstores in New York City.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 3: Parenting Apart

Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

For many, college represents the first real step into adulthood. It’s a time of personal growth, exploration, and, inevitably, distance from the comfort of home. Whether you’re just a few miles down the road or hours away by plane, the transition is rarely easy. It’s not just about leaving your bed or your family meals behind; it’s about redefining your daily support system. One of the most unexpected challenges I faced wasn’t the academic load or even the social adjustment- it was recalibrating my relationship with my parents.

When I moved from Long Island to Manhattan for college, I initially thought I was too close to home. A simple train ride away, I figured I’d be able to maintain my independence while still dipping back into the familiarity of home whenever I wanted. I had spent that last summer completely surrounded by my family, and I was more than ready, or so I thought, to spread my wings. I welcomed the idea of a break, some distance, a fresh start.

My parents, Ed and Katina O’Connor circa 2000.

But reality hit hard. My dorm room felt cold and empty the first night. It wasn’t the physical distance that got to me; it was the emotional shift. I found myself calling home far more than I expected. I’d call to ask about little things like laundry or just to hear a familiar voice. It wasn’t my parents checking up on me; I was the one reaching out.And in those first few weeks, I went home three out of the four weekends. Looking back, I realize I was trying to straddle two worlds, not fully committing to either. As much as I wanted to build something new, I couldn’t let go of the old.

But this is where some advice I got during my senior year of high school came back to me. My guidance counselor, Mr. Spenato, told me something that really stuck:

“You will be homesick. Those first few months are hard. Many students go back home thinking they’re not ready, that they should take a gap year. And for a select few, maybe that’s true. But for most? They just need to push through. Call home as much as you want but, stay there. Give it a real shot.”

Graphic of girl feeling homesick while studying. Illustration by Ren Rader

So I stayed. I still called home often, sometimes daily, but I began putting more energy into life at college rather than life outside of it. I said yes to social events, joined clubs, explored the city, and slowly began building a routine. I carved out a space for myself in a place that initially felt so foreign.

It didn’t happen overnight. But little by little, what once felt strange started to feel normal. My relationship with my parents evolved, too. Instead of being part of every moment, they became the people I updated—my biggest fans from afar. As I grew more comfortable with my independence, our conversations became less about needing comfort and more about sharing my growth.

In hindsight, I see how important that shift was. You don’t lose your relationship with your parents in college;, you simply redefine it. They stop being your constant presence and become your foundation. And through that distance, I found a new appreciation for the bond we shared.

Family trip to Disney, right before I began my first semester at NYU.

College forces you to change both your environment and how you relate to the people who raised you. It’s a painful process at times, but it’s also essential. You come out of it more independent, more self-aware, and often, with a stronger relationship than before.

So if you’re in the thick of that first semester and wondering whether it gets better, know that it does. Push through the homesickness. Stay. Give it a real shot. And call home when you need to.


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By Logan O’Connor

Logan is a rising senior at NYU pursuing degrees in Journalism and Politics. She grew up on Long Island, but always dreamed of living in New York City. When she’s not in class or at her favorite local cafe, you can find her wandering the city (film camera in hand) or baking up a storm in her kitchen.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram andTikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for ournewsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Chapter 3: The Me in Me

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
Me in my High School Graduation Ceremony
A picture of me in my High School Graduation

I still remember graduation day. Actually—pardon me—I still remember how I felt during my graduation. For most people, graduation is a milestone, a celebration. But for me, it was something else entirely. It was a nightmare.

I had everything I thought I wanted. My family stood beside me. My amazing friends cheered. I wore the dress I had dreamt about. I had the honor roll title I worked so hard for, and even the flower bouquet I pictured in my hands. But still… something inside me refused to feel whole.

That morning, I started getting ready. First, the sunscreen. I rubbed it into my skin, and with it, rubbed in the thought that echoed in my head—‘I’m so ugly.’ Tears fell before I even made it to step two. I wiped them quickly. Foundation next. I kept applying, but the more I tried to cover up my skin, the messier it got. One hand held the sponge, trying to perfect the look; the other clutched a tissue, soaked in my tears. 

Then came the concealer. I dotted it under my eyes. I started blending, along with the thoughts that always followed—“Why do I have dark circles?” More tears came, of course, ruining all the foundation I had just put on. I sat there in front of my mirror, staring at the mess on my face. 

I gave up on perfecting it. I moved to blush. A soft pink, something that usually makes me feel alive. I swirled it on my cheeks, and—guess what? Yes, more tears. 

Eyeliner was the worst of all. I don’t know why I even tried. My hands were shaking, my eyes still glossy from crying, and every line I drew ended up crooked. I kept wiping it off, trying again, messing it up, wiping again. At some point, I just stared at myself and thought, Why am I even doing this? Why am I even crying? 

The truth is, I wasn’t sad that high school was over. I was sad about myself. About the way I was. About the way I looked. About the way my personality felt too much or not enough, depending on the day. That day, I felt like a failure. It’s like I haven’t done enough for myself. I haven’t accomplished anything compared to the people surrounding me. I felt like people hated me. 

That was the first time I had ever cried like that—not because something went wrong, but because, for the first time, I saw how deep my insecurities ran. How unsure I was of myself, inside and out. The reason I’m bringing up that day is because… yesterday, I almost felt that way again. 

Funny thing—yesterday was supposed to be just another beautiful day. And it was. It was an amazing dream. I was on a cruise for hours, surrounded by the people I love dearly. But I guess self-doubt always sneaks in at the worst times, right when there’s nothing to doubt. 

The thing about self-doubt is, no matter how many compliments you receive, it never quite feels real. You struggle to believe you’re enough. That you’re okay. That you’re already whole, just as you are.

Now that I am in college, where it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, I find myself constantly looking at how others present themselves—how effortlessly pretty or put-together they seem. It makes you wonder if you’re enough just the way you are. But I’m starting to realize that growth doesn’t always show up in the mirror. Sometimes it’s choosing not to pick yourself apart, smiling at your reflection even when you don’t believe it, or reminding yourself that beauty isn’t something you have to earn—it’s something you already carry.

I know I still struggle with that, but I am better than I was on my graduation day. It’s not easy, but there’s a quiet kind of power in choosing to trust myself—even just a little. And I’ve proven that to myself, in small ways: by still smiling with the people I love, by still taking pictures even when I don’t feel perfect, by trying to feel pretty—because everyone is pretty. We all deserve to see that in ourselves, not just in others.

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By Marzia Seemat

Marzia Seemat is a sophomore at NYU studying civil engineering and creative writing. She loves being close to nature, especially at the beach. Her favorite things include good food, morning tea, hour-long movies, and spending time with the people she loves.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Lights, Camera, Action: NYC Live

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

One of the most surreal parts of living in New York City is how casually you can stumble into pop culture history. A-list celebrities walk right past you, red carpets roll out on random weekdays, and entire TV shows are filmed just a few subway stops away. As a Film & TV student and certified entertainment lover, I have spent the last three years figuring out how to tap into this world as a college student without a lot of extra money to spend. However, from movie premieres to live tapings of your favorite shows, NYC has its own front row (if you know where to look). 

Let’s start with something unforgettable: my first time attending a Tonight Show taping. Just a couple days before moving into my freshman year dorm, I was sitting in my mom’s hotel room scrolling online for fun things to do once my parents were gone. I discovered the website, “1iota” (a site you should definitely bookmark) and signed up on a whim for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. A couple of days later, I received an invite in my inbox granting two tickets to the live show! A few weeks later, my roommate and I were sitting just two rows behind Jimmy Fallon. From the applause signs to the camera crew and the band warming up before the show, the energy in the room was electric. We got to see Cameron Diaz, Matt Smith, and a musical performance from the iconic Sheryl Crow. The best part of it all? The tickets were completely free. It felt like a backstage pass to something millions of people only ever see from their couches. 

This is me in the waiting room for Jimmy Fallon! I may have a mask on, but I am smiling underneath!

Beyond late-night shows, there’s a whole world of movie premieres and advanced screenings constantly happening across the city. Many studios host invite-only screenings in Manhattan, but here’s the secret: you don’t have to be on “the list.” Sites like Gofobo, See It First, and 1iota often release passes to the public if you’re quick enough. A lot of my friends assume that I have a secret “in”, but the truth is, I’ve just been lucky. If you consistently apply for tickets, you will get “lucky” too. I have been able to see Tom Holland on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, Finn Wolfhard at A24’s The Legend of Ochi screening, and so much more. These pinch-me moments remind me of why I love this city so much, you never know what you may get special access to. 

New York also offers more casual (but just as magical) brushes with celebrities and entertainment. I’ll never forget a moment that happened in the middle of doing laundry, when my friend texted me that Timothée Chalamet was filming on Bond Street. Without hesitation, I left my clothes in the wash and sprinted out of the dorm (and while I don’t condone laundry abandonment, for Timothée, I’d argue it was justified). Sure enough, when I got there, the street was nearly empty, and the crew was still setting up. Because the word hadn’t spread yet, they let me stand remarkably close to the action. I soon realized I was watching a Bleu de Chanel commercial, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. I stayed for hours, completely mesmerized. As time passed, more fans trickled in, but the experience remained surreal. And yes, Timothée greeted the crowd— I got to high-five him. It’s moments like these that remind you why living in New York is unlike anywhere else, the extraordinary isn’t rare here, it’s just around the corner. 

If you’re someone who likes to be part of the excitement without a big crowd, you can still soak in the atmosphere by showing up early to events like talks, panels, or special screenings. The best part? Most of these moments cost nothing. You don’t need a fancy invite, a press pass, or thousands of followers. All you need is curiosity, a little research, and a willingness to be in the right place at the right time. Plus, there are often student discounts! Overall, Living in NYC means the entertainment industry isn’t just something you admire from afar, it’s truly woven into your daily life. For film lovers, aspiring creatives, or anyone who just wants to brush shoulders with the excitement of the screen, the city offers opportunity after opportunity. You just have to be willing to chase it a little.

If you want to catch the eyes of your celebrity crush on the streets of NYC, use this coupon to receive up to 20% off of your treatment! 

By: Skylar Park 

Skylar Park is a Film & TV student at NYU with a passion for storytelling and city adventures. When she’s not writing or filming, you can find her running by the East River or hunting down the coziest bookstores in New York City.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Harnessing Skills for the Workplace

Tuesday, June 24th, 2025

College offers young adults the chance to rediscover and redefine themselves. College is not an expectant space when you enter, many students start their college experience with an undecided major. Courses and human connections can help uncertain students find their purpose and apply their skills to relevant careers in their future.

I went into my freshman year as a Digital Cinema and Filmmaking major, hoping to hone my love for film into a possible career in my future. My freshman year advisor recommended that I take as many general education courses to start with, getting them out of the way. This way I was left to take my major-specific classes towards the end of my time at college. 

For my first semester I took a critical writing course that changed my entire outlook for my future. The professor was incredibly honest and transparent with us; he treated us like human beings, like adults. He showed us important events of history, current issues of racism, sexism, etc., and created a space in our classroom for open discussion and active discourse that engaged our class to think deeply about the world around us. I often left that class lost in thought about the weight of the world. My friend and I shared the same class and we would sit around for hours discussing what we had learned and how it affected the way that we think. My effort in the class resulted in a writing award for one of my essays where I wrote about my high school community. The official recognition for the quality of my work helped me to realize a skill that I had, a skill that could be harnessed and utilized to build a career for myself around writing. 

This small push encouraged me to rethink my major. Throughout my time in high school and elementary school, I had always been pretty good at conveying my thoughts on paper, but until I received this award in college, I had never recognized my writing ability as a skill. I had always taken the ability for granted. Now that I had someone physically proving to me that my writing was worth praise and widespread acknowledgment, I was able to see it as the talent that it truly was. With this newfound realization, I altered my plans for the future. I shifted my major from Digital Cinema and Filmmaking to Writing and Rhetoric and noticed a significant change. As I started my sophomore year, I began to take many major-specific courses. My workload increased, and it was often very overwhelming, but now there was a higher level of enjoyment. I had found a subject that I was both passionate about and efficient in.

It can be daunting to look at the sheer amount of job possibilities; there is a vast and ever changing job market. It can be difficult to narrow one’s career focus to one specific subject when there are so many different concepts floating around the job pool, tugging one’s arm in all kinds of directions. College offers all sorts of resources to help students manage and find careers that might suit their abilities. Counselors and advisors exist to guide students, general education classes offer students an insight into a variety of subjects applicable to the real world, clubs and athletics provide students with the opportunity to branch out and discover what activities or topics they may be interested in. Forming connections with peers and professors can help to expand a student’s network and broaden their understanding of what careers might be out there. There are always going to be other people on campus who can offer advice about finding a career focus. It can be very helpful to go to others to seek assistance when faced with uncertainty, especially in cases like this.

A late-night Burger King dinner studying in the library with friends.

It can be hard for students to build a plan for their life when there are so many decisions required and so many career options thrown their way. College exists to help and ease students into the eventual workforce, holding their hand if they need guidance in finding what subject they want to pursue and what topics make them happy.


Discounted pizza for students with valid student ID.

By Ryder Huseby

Ryder is going into his Junior year as a Writing and Rhetoric major at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York. Ryder is a passionate reader and enjoys going to the movie theater as often as he can.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 2: Roommates

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

Your roommates might be the first people you meet in college. Maybe you click instantly, living together is a breeze, and you’re naming each other maid of honor by mid-September. Or maybe they become your nemesis. More often, it’s something in between: you coexist peacefully but keep your distance, or you barely interact at all. So how do you navigate this wide spectrum of roommate relationships? I’ve experienced both ends (and everything in between), so let’s talk about it.

My first roommate—let’s call her Jennifer—was one of my first friends at NYU. She was sweet, but tension started building when she consistently avoided doing her share of the chores. Jennifer was more reserved, so I went out of my way to include her: I welcomed her into my friend group, invited her to hangouts, and tried to help her feel at home in a new city. But that generosity eventually became a burden. Her dependency began to impact my social life and personal experiences.

I remember a road trip to D.C. early in freshman year. Jennifer brought only heels and struggled to walk around the city, making it hard for her to enjoy or participate in our planned activities. When asked what she’d prefer to do, she offered no suggestions. By the end of the trip, she had to be reminded to make her own meals and clean up the Airbnb, arguably basic responsibilities she seemed to struggle with.

In situations like this, open and honest communication is crucial. I shared my frustrations with her multiple times about her lack of contribution to our living space and her passivity in our friendship. She always received the feedback politely, but nothing changed. Eventually, it started affecting my ability to stay close with her.

When you don’t have a strong relationship with your roommate, a lack of communication can lead to some… interesting surprises. One night after dinner, I came back to our room to find a camping tent on Jennifer’s bed. She had placed her mattress inside it for “privacy” and to block out light. Soon after, she became almost fully nocturnal, taking advantage of her online classes. That shift only added more distance between us.

Here’s what I learned from that experience:
First, not every friendship, no matter how close it once felt, is meant to last. Sometimes, the more intimately you know someone, the more clearly you see your intolerable differences. Letting go is healthy. Friendships require effort from both sides, and when that effort isn’t mutual, it’s okay to step away. That’s not cruelty; it’s self-preservation.

Second, even the people closest to you can’t read your mind. While I communicated my bigger frustrations to Jennifer, I let a lot of smaller irritations build up silently. That resentment took a toll. You don’t have to nitpick every minor inconvenience, but speaking up calmly and clearly before things spiral is often much easier than bottling everything up. After all, you’re sharing a space. Both people deserve to feel comfortable.

Frustrated woman confronting her roommate’s uncleanliness.

Now, let’s flip the script: what if you’re rooming with your best friends? That can be a dream come true or a fast track to disaster if you’re not prepared for the shift in dynamics. Yes, they’re your “besties,” but now they’re also your roommates. Respect their time and space, and don’t let your friendship make you slack on your responsibilities. A clean, welcoming living environment is still the goal.

As someone who has now lived with her best friends for over a year, I can say this with confidence: communication is everything.

Living with people you love requires the same toolkit as living with strangers. You will disagree, but it’s how you handle those moments that defines the experience. Be open to compromise. Maintain your boundaries and respect theirs. Do that, and you’ll not only survive: you’ll make some of the best memories of your college years.

Have fun, and good luck!

Holiday party at my roommates’ and I’s apartment last semester.
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By Logan O’Connor

Logan is a rising senior at NYU pursuing degrees in Journalism and Politics. She grew up on Long Island, but always dreamed of living in New York City. When she’s not in class or at her favorite local cafe, you can find her wandering the city (film camera in hand) or baking up a storm in her kitchen.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Juggling Relationships: Making Time for Friends and Family

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

Graduating from high school marks a significant chapter in a person’s life. It symbolizes a shift that propels a person forward into a life far away from home. Students are separated from their friends and families and are expected to form bonds and connections with new people on their own. It can be hard to build a stable bridge between the relationships that already exist in your life and the ones that are being constructed in college.

In my first year of college the transition to life amongst new friends and new people felt quite natural. I jumped at the chance to participate in campus events and other social engagements that Pace University had to offer. I worked with people in class and found like-minded peers who shared similar interests with me, prompting out-of-class studying and socialization. 

A group of friends and I share a laugh.

My sophomore year, I joined the Nature Club and made friends with some of my fellow club members, finding a small but strong community of people who care about the same things and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking. However, I am most thankful for making an effort to form strong relationships with my freshman year suitemates. Both of my suitemates were on Pace’s Swim and Dive Team and because we became such close friends, I was often invited to social gatherings with the rest of the team, despite not being a swimmer myself. I found some of my favorite people on this team and I am forever grateful for making the connections that I have, even when the connections seemed so simple to begin with. This process of making new friends was never easy though, as a lot of these friendships took time to build. Some relationships did not last very long, with some of them ending very badly and some of them slowly deteriorating over time. I only ever joined one club and I have never been a part of college athletics, but I did my best to take advantage of situations where I was surrounded by new people to create a fresh life for myself. 

It was very challenging to make enough time for friends and family back home amidst the influx of work and the new friends that I was trying to build relationships with. In order to maintain these relationships with old friends and my family, I made an effort to text them as often as I could throughout the week. We would exchange stories and give updates on our separate lives so that we stayed involved and engaged with each other even while we were physically apart. I would try my best to schedule Facetime calls at least once a week with friends and family. It helps to communicate over text but when you really miss the people you love it can be hard to go without seeing their faces and audibly hearing them laugh. I found a lot of value in making time for those Facetime calls. Sometimes things would get extremely hectic and busy and our schedules wouldn’t align in time to make a call, but we wouldn’t let it discourage us from making a call the next chance we were free. I found it very important to make that sort of communication consistent as much as possible, and I have stayed close friends with those who I remained consistently in contact with. 

Beyond making time for your relationships with others, it is important to fit in enough time to maintain your relationship with yourself. It can be overwhelming when it feels like there are so many different people to spend time with, but it is also necessary to allot certain points in the week purely and solely for yourself, free of others. I found that going on periodic walks helped to clear my head and give me the alone time that I needed every once in a while. There were certainly periods of time when I felt suffocated by socialization and I realized that I needed a break from dedicating so much time towards others.

The key to juggling relationships is just working out a plan, either mental or physical, that divvies up enough time for all of the people that you care enough about. Putting in the time and effort towards others emphasizes care and compassion; no matter how hard things are or how busy things may get, consistency is essential.  

Discounted prices for students at Auntie Anne’s in Downtown NYC.

By Ryder Huseby

Ryder is going into his Junior year as a Writing and Rhetoric major at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York. Ryder is a passionate reader and enjoys going to the movie theater as often as he can.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Chapter 2: The silent sacrifice

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
My Commitment Post

I have always considered myself to be selfish. My parents say it all the time—and honestly, they are not wrong. As a kid, I was laser-focused on what I wanted. At the mall, I’d hunt down my stuff first, and the second I had it? I was ready to go. Didn’t care who else needed to shop; I had my things, I was done. 

When I grew up, the idea of being selfish started to haunt me. Sometimes, it hurt to think that maybe I was the person who always put herself first. Deep down, I wanted to be different. I wanted to be the kind of daughter who gave her whole heart to her parents. But no matter how much I cared, my actions never seemed to say it loudly enough. I was caught between wanting to give everything and not knowing how to express it, so I often said things I didn’t mean—things that probably sounded like the opposite of love.

Maybe that’s why when college decisions came around the corner, my heart leaned toward what my parents wanted. It wasn’t pressure, exactly— they never forced anything. But I could feel it. They saw their childhood in me. The chances they never got, the roads they couldn’t take. 

At first, I didn’t fully understand. I thought they were just being vague when they said, “It’s up to you.” But it didn’t take a genius to hear what they weren’t saying. I could read it in their eyes, in the way they paused, in the way they tried not to persuade me but persuaded me anyway. Their silence was filled with hope, and I felt it sitting beside me every time I opened a college portal.

I prayed for my college decisions to keep me in New York City. I grew up here—it’s home. And as the oldest daughter of immigrant parents, the thought of leaving felt like too much. I couldn’t imagine settling somewhere far and starting over without them nearby. But that didn’t stop me from wanting it all—to get into every school I applied to, to have the kind of choices I never thought possible. 

What I didn’t realize was that this second wish would send my life into chaos. I got into Columbia for writing and NYU for engineering. Two schools. Two dreams. Both in my city. Both too real to ignore.

On one hand, there was Columbia, an Ivy League—prestigious, poetic, the kind of place that would take my writing seriously. It felt like choosing the part of me that always struggled to express herself.  On the other hand, there was NYU, one of the best for engineering. Practical. Respected, which felt like choosing the part of me that thrived on building, solving, and understanding how the world worked. Which one do I choose? Which one is better for me? For my family? 

Whichever one I chose, I knew I would have to let go of a part of myself. My identity. Not because I didn’t want both, but because sometimes two dreams just don’t fit in the same life. 

In the end, I chose engineering — not just for me, but for the version of me my parents always believed in. I chose it because it was my first dream, even before writing. I chose it because I already was a writer, with or without a degree. And I chose it because it felt like building something, not just a future, but a bridge between who I was, who I wanted to be, and who I wanted to make proud.

Maybe I am selfish in other ways, but no rule says selfish people are heartless. Choosing engineering wasn’t just about me—it was the only way I knew how to love them back.

For my mom, it was a way to say her sacrifices were seen. That every meal made after a long day, every quiet worry she carried, every time she put her own life on pause—it all mattered. If I couldn’t always find the words, then let this choice be my way of saying thank you.

And for my dad, it was something deeper. He once dreamed of this path for himself, but life pulled him in another direction. I chose engineering partly because he still carries that dream. And because I wanted to carry it with him, to make him feel like he didn’t give it up for nothing.

So if I couldn’t always say it out loud, let this be the way I show it. Not just a degree. Not just a future. But a quiet promise that I acknowledge them.

Get 20% OFF your next slice (or whole pie — we don’t judge). Swing by Baby John’s Pizzeria and treat yourself— because good pizza with a discount is a win-win.

By Marzia Seemat

Marzia Seemat is a sophomore at NYU studying civil engineering and creative writing. She loves being close to nature, especially at the beach. Her favorite things include good food, morning tea, hour-long movies, and spending time with the people she loves.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Making the Most of Your Circle

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

Once you find your people in New York City, the city changes in a magical way. The chaos remains, but suddenly you are no longer facing it alone and life starts to feel like a shared adventure. The city that once felt enormous and anonymous becomes a little smaller, a little warmer, and a lot more fun. 

My circle started with my roommate, but before I knew it my bubble started to expand as we continued to meet more people. Late-night ice cream runs with the girls from our hall turned into real connections, and joining campus groups like a sorority introduced me to women from all over the world, all eager to find friendship and community in the city. It did not happen overnight, but the more I put myself out there, the more New York shifted from a dreamlike haze to a real home.

There’s something special about learning a new city with people who are just as wide-eyed and curious as you are. The closer I got with my friends, the more eager we became to explore the city together which led to countless adventures. Whether it’s venturing into Brooklyn for strawberry matcha or watching Timothee Chalamet shoot a Chanel commercial in Soho, doing it together turned every outing into a core memory.  Some of my favorite memories in New York are things that I would never do alone. I’m not the type of person who just shows up to a festival in Little Italy, but when my roommate insisted, I went along with it, and it ended up being one of the best nights of my first month living in the city. We rode a ferris wheel- something I never knew existed in the streets of New York. That’s the magic of a good circle; they nudge you outside of your comfort zone, while still making you feel safe. They bring both the fun out of the city and you.

Me on the Feast of San Gennaro Festival Ferris Wheel!

Your people also ground you when things start to feel overwhelming, which happens often living somewhere as busy as the Big Apple. It is completely normal to feel on top of the world one moment, and the next, you’re crying on the packed subway because your Apple Pay keeps getting denied and you’re already running late. I’ve had friends drop everything just to meet me for an emergency matcha, or walk with me in silence, or both just because I needed company. The best part of having a close circle is that when you are surrounded by people who care about you, the hard moments soften. 

What I’ve learned from the people I’ve grown close to has both elevated and transformed my entire experience living here. Your people are the ones who send you Insta reels about the next restaurant you have to try, or sit with you on the steps of a Brownstone you dream about living in one day. Your people will grow with you, and help hold you up when you need it. They will be there for every win, from successfully hauling a cab or passing your final exams. My people have transformed New York from an impossible maze into an open playground, and yours will too.

It’s easy to feel alone, but the right people will make New York feel like home. Sometimes all it takes is one or two people who get you, who show up, and who make even the most ordinary moments feel memorable. So yes, finding your people takes time, but once you do, make the most of them.

There’s nothing like sharing a slice with friends! Stop by Grandma’s One Pizza for 20% off with this coupon and your student ID!

By: Skylar Park 

Skylar Park is a Film & TV student at NYU with a passion for storytelling and city adventures. When she’s not writing or filming, you can find her running by the East River or hunting down the coziest bookstores in New York City.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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All Work and No Play: Exploring the Newfound Freedoms of College

Friday, June 13th, 2025

One of the most challenging elements of the college experience is finding enough time for everything important. It is such a unique period of life that can be so complicated to navigate, it can be so difficult to make enough time for yourself and your priorities stepping into the unfamiliar and uncertain college scene. College exists in a realm between the irresponsibility of youth and the responsibility of the real-world, creating a space where students learn to be self-sufficient, while maintaining a sense of freedom.  

Living on an academic campus, I realized how intertwined life and academics truly were now that I was at college. We have our dorm rooms all to ourselves where we have the chance to live how we want, slowly learning how to function on our own without the guidance of our parents. However, practically every day is dedicated to academics, with a large chunk of the day being spent walking across campus to class and sitting through lectures, discussions, presentations, etc. Dedicating this much time solely towards education can be particularly draining in many instances, especially while you are developing a newfound sense of freedom and individuality. It can also be difficult when some of your courses do not exactly align with your interests, whether it be on account of the professor’s methods of teaching or on account of the subject itself. I have taken a couple classes that just did not draw my attention at all and I felt very disengaged from the course content. When I felt disengaged from the course I found it hard to justify the amount of time spent dedicated towards the class; sitting through boring lectures, spending hours studying at the library when I could be spending time with my friends instead, going out to eat or to the movies downtown. This was a dynamic that I had to learn to balance.

While, yes, one of the primary focuses of college is on education, it would be a disservice for any college student to not take advantage of the freedoms that college offers. Sometimes it’s worth it to blow off a night of exhausting studying to sit on your friend’s floor talking about something that’s troubling you, to share a few laughs with someone or to get some necessary time alone to decompress after a long day. However, managing and balancing this can be a slippery slope. There have been times when I overindulged in my freedoms and found myself struggling academically. In one of my classes where we had weekly readings, I started to fall behind because I would put off the readings until the night before. When it eventually got to the night before, I would have little motivation to read because it was late and I was tired. When it came time to take my midterm and final exams I was incredibly unprepared, having not read some of the more important texts. My grades reflected my minimal effort and I learned from my mistake for the future. 

A group of friends and I taking advantage of our free time.

There is such a thing as spending too much time and energy on academics as well. Devoting too much mental energy towards schoolwork can be debilitating and affect your happiness, as I have learned through personal experience. When I don’t get a chance to see my friends or get time where my brain is free from the constant state of completing work and consuming information, there is always a notable shift in my demeanor. It is always important to stay on top of the school workload, but never to the detriment of your emotional wellbeing. I have always believed that investing strong emotions into schoolwork is dangerous. I have seen friends align their self-worth with their academic performance and fall hard when they are unable to meet the unattainable expectations that they create for themselves. A certain level of passion and commitment is essential to succeed, and in some classes I developed a very deep care and affection for the subject matter, but never to the point where I felt completely and entirely emotionally bound to my success.

I believe that college is a great opportunity for young adults to discover who they are, free from the influence of their parents. With the fresh space that college offers, students, like myself, are given the chance to find the necessary time in their schedules to live freely, an opportunity that I think is limited, in many cases, in later adult life.      

$50 off for student groups of 8 or more looking for fun in Upper West Side NYC.

By Ryder Huseby

Ryder is going into his Junior year as a Writing and Rhetoric major at Pace University in Pleasantville, New York. Ryder is a passionate reader and enjoys going to the movie theater as often as he can.

For over 25 years, the Campus Clipper has helped college students in New York City—and later in Boston and Philadelphia—save money and succeed in city life. We offer a digital coupon booklet with discounts on food, clothing, and services, plus an Official Student Guidebook with real advice on how to navigate college life in a big city. Our internship program lets students build skills, earn money, and publish their own e-books. Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for our newsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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