Lights, Camera, Action: NYC Live

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

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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What is “wellness” anyway?

June 20th, 2025

Wellness.

It’s everywhere, and it’s constantly making  its way into our daily lives. Whether it’s Tiktok influencers buying concerning amounts of expensive makeup and skincare to “prevent aging” and look as young and pristine as possible, or other influencers posting mind-boggling exercise routines to achieve unattainable body standards, it feels as though what was once known as wellness simply isn’t well anymore – it’s junk. 

It’s particularly overwhelming to consider the amount of young adults like myself who use these types of apps and succumb to this information. According to Pew Research Center, 78% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use Instagram, and 62% of 18- to 29-year-olds say they use TikTok. Looking at other studies, such as a survey done by Katrine Wallace, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, 56% of Gen Z use platforms like TikTok for health advice without double checking sources. Recent studies also show the way in which young adults are more unhappy than ever before, lowering the happiness curve which should be higher for young adults aged 18-29. When combined with uncertainties of the future and higher risks of anxiety and depression due to isolation from peers and family, how does that affect a time where one is supposed to find who they are, and find the people that will ultimately become colleagues or lifelong friends? How do we combat a never ending cycle of isolation caused by being on our phones for hours without end, while also making sure to take care of ourselves and enrich our brains?

Coming off from my first year of college at NYU, these are some tips I would encourage you to try in order to feel peace, happiness, and zen while balancing a new environment, peers, and classes.

I. Exercise

Running along the Hudson River Park.

New York City is the perfect backdrop to get into any form of exercise, but my favorite is running. Being a Cross Country and Track runner in high school, one of the first ways I tried to find community was through running, and luckily NYU has a running club where I was able to do many 5K, 10K and even my first half marathon with!

Me, excited after running the Brooklyn Half Marathon in April.

Even when it comes to exercising alone, running along the Hudson River Greenway has been one of my go to spots for tranquility, great views, and fresh air. Being cooped up all day in a dorm room, library, or classroom is not going to make you feel productive; being active often gives you the clarity needed to do assignments and tasks with your brain feeling much more resetted. Even if running isn’t the sport for you, finding time outside whether it’s window shopping, drinking a warm coffee on a rainy day while strolling the streets, or even hitting the gym for a good weight training session is enough to be a productive yet enjoyable break from the hustle of school work. Being in such a walkable city allows for exercise to happen even without thinking, and some of the best ways I have gotten around have been by simply running throughout New York and seeing what is out there.

II. Nutrition

Late night run to Joe’s Pizza.

I love NYC Pizza like anyone else, but if I had to constantly eat it I think my body would shut down. Finding ways to eat healthy (getting fiber, protein, carbs, and healthy fats) will ultimately lead you to feel satiated, energized, and may even improve your mood and alertness if you tend to feel fatigued. Oftentimes, college is the first time in which you are let go from the foods that your parents would constantly give you, and being on your own often leads to people struggling to find or maintain a healthy relationship with food. It is so important to learn what foods really fuel your body, because at the end of the day I find that money is best spent on what makes your body feel its best.

Mid-day lunch break at Le Botaniste.

One of my favourite places to have lunch in the city, Le Botaniste, has locally sourced plant based meals at pretty affordable prices. Eating there always makes me feel comforted, happy, and leaves me knowing that my body is going to feel rewarded with nutrients that will help me go about my day. My roommate and I also got heavily into making our own smoothies, which in NYC can be quite expensive. Buying ingredients such as frozen fruit, coconut milk, and getting bananas from the dining hall were ways in which we saved money while also eating something that is equally as nutritious as it is delicious. Being creative and economical is all it takes, along with some effort into researching, to find what foods are best for your body and will leave you feeling happy in the process. When you have a the late-night craving though, Joe’s is a classic to hit up.

III. Social Connections

Me, out with some friends on my birthday.

One of the most important tips I can give anyone entering college – GO OUT THERE!! College is the last time where you are in a generally controlled environment, often living with people roughly your age, and getting your first taste of what it’s like to be an adult. Find the people and circles where you feel heard, seen, and appreciated. There is nothing worse than having people around you that don’t care about you and your well-being, and finding the people who see you for who you are is what will make college feel like home.  Join clubs, try new activities, and share aspects of yourself that you once thought were silly or that you have never had the opportunity to do so otherwise. Finding the people is the most crucial step in making college feel enjoyable and doable, especially when classes start feeling rough and time feels like it’s slipping away.

Enjoying some watercolor painting and coffee at Moshava Coffee.

Find the connections that will be there for you when you first come onto campus so that when those times come, you know who has your back. Another great tip I would advise is to enjoy your own company. College gets hectic and not everyone is available to hang out all the time, so learning to appreciate the amazing person you are and enjoy the variety of solo activities there are out there will help combat boredom, and maybe even help you find out new and exciting things about yourself.

Wellness means a lot of things for different people, but the main thing that comes to mind when I think of wellness is how subjective it is. Finding what makes me feel well, healthy, secure, and happy may be completely different to what makes you feel well, healthy, secure, and happy – and that’s completely okay! The main thing I would suggest is to be open to new ideas of wellness, confide in people who have your back, try new things, and take advantage of the resources, people, and opportunities that lie at your fingertips. 

Maybe that’s what wellness is. A community. Your community. Be brave, and open doors to find it.

After your workout, or even as a mid-day snack, try Playa Bowls! Get 10% off with your student ID on your next Açaí bowl, smoothie, or coffee!

By Avril Walter

Avril Walter is a Sophomore at New York University, majoring in Drama and Cinema Studies. Coming from an Argentinian background, she loves anything related to futbol, steak, and dulce de leche. When she is not in class, she can be found playing the violin, running, cooking, or at the movie theatre.

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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Niche-ing New York City: Finding Your Niche

June 18th, 2025

Finding Your Niche

New York City is particularly famous for creating particularly famous people. Lady Gaga, Timothee Chalamet, Cardi B, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Lena Dunham – all globally acclaimed despite their vastly different talents – each grew up among the 8 million New Yorkers we pass on the street, the neighbors whom we greet every day, and the strangers we squeeze against in packed subway cars. There’s something about this city – maybe it’s the reservoir water, maybe it’s magic – that produces talent like no other. Los Angeles may be teeming with Hollywood actors and London with members of the royal family, but New York City claims some of the most successful rappers, designers, and thespians, but also businesspeople, professional athletes, and politicians. New York City has a diversity in its people – and thus in its talent – equal to no other city in the world. 

An image of the crowd at Lorde’s free performance in Washington Square Park, Apr. 22 2025.

There is a reason why I moved here, why my classmates attend school here – the actors, writers, artists, business majors, and criminal justice minors alike – and it’s this: opportunity. The chance to meet people who could skyrocket your career – the scout who could sign you off the street, the friend of a friend who could refer you for a huge internship, or the 500th customer of your closing shift at Starbucks who would love to publish your sci-fi novel. New York is a city that allows you to find your niche and hone your talent with no judgment and with complete confidence. 

Me presenting research at the 2025 American Historical Association Annual Meeting.

Of course, there is a caveat: you must want it, you must try for it. You must leave your shoebox apartment and look for that opportunity. You must surround yourself with talented people and seek out community. You’ll need a support system through your failures and friends to congratulate you on your successes. You’ll stay motivated by motivating those around you, and you’ll learn from them as much as you teach them. 

Me with four of my freshman year suitemates — my very first community.

As a student, this can come quite easily. I was thrust into my community quite unexpectedly when I was assigned eight roommates with whom I would squeeze into a tiny New York City freshman dorm. Even as this community shrunk after move-out, it grew as we branched out, and soon we had a web that crossed apartments, dorms, clubs, departments, and even schools. In my freshman year I joined the Honors blog for a chance to try something new and beef up my resume, and I left with some of my closest friends – and most strategic connections, but we try not to make that too obvious. 

Caroline pursuing her talent.

As we will hear in the coming interviews, it is harder to build a strong community when you aren’t forced into a ten-by-ten box alongside them. It becomes even harder when you don’t know what your talent is yet, or you haven’t entered your niche. Some of us – like me – find out in grade school that there is only one subject whose homework doesn’t feel like a Herculean task, but others don’t encounter their talent until much later. As the coming articles will discuss, New York City is the place to be if you want to discover your talent and hone it, to turn it into a fulfilling career or simply a weekend activity. 

What I do know for sure, however, is that talent – and the chance to tend to it – is necessary. It is what makes us feel good about ourselves, what makes us feel useful. It is something that nurtures our ego after a failure or a rejection, and something that drives us to work past it. It brings us together as friends, as New Yorkers, as humanity, and I want to help you find it. 

Cool down this summer affordably! Take 10% off with this coupon and your Student ID on a refreshing acai bowl or smoothie.

By Lauren Male

Lauren Male is a senior at Pace University majoring in English and Communications, with a minor in Journalism. She is pursuing Pace’s M.S. Publishing program. When she’s not reading, Lauren can be found trying new coffee shops, thrift shopping, and spending all of her money on concert tickets.

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

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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Dreamland Ch. 2: Surefire tricks to get your relatives to stop asking you about school

June 18th, 2025

Money. It makes the world go round, or something like that. I may have decided my passion from a young age, but I hadn’t decided on a job, not in any practical way. The hard lesson everyone learns between ages 17 and 21 is that choosing your dream is different from choosing your major, which is yet again different from choosing your career. I learned this lesson the moment I fostered my love for creative writing, and I keep learning it every day.

It’s not so bad, really. I’m studying English, which is very transferrable to a number of different fields, no matter what people will tell you. You only have to engage in a quick cursory scroll through any social media platform to understand that people lack writing skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills. People lack empathy and can’t formulate nuanced opinions. I’m not suggesting that everyone become an English major, but I do encourage a reworked perception of what the field can offer. 

So I don’t regret what I’ve chosen; I only regret not pushing myself out of my comfort zone far sooner, all the way back in high school, in order to learn the skills I’d need to shape my career in English. In freshman year of college, I unfortunately hesitated to join extracurriculars and attend general meetings that would allow me to meet new people and find things I might be interested in. I’ve since overcome that hesitation, thankfully, and now I know that I enjoy journalistic writing, marketing, communications, and more generally, learning new things.

That doesn’t mean the insecurity doesn’t creep in every once in a while. Every month, I spend at least one evening freaking out about what I will do after I graduate, and I panic-apply to a million jobs that I ultimately don’t hear back from. My parents are incredibly supportive and love to hear about school, but I’ve noticed that my family friends, the aunties and uncles, aren’t quite sure what to ask or if there is anything to even discuss. I get it, truly, but I can’t help but compare myself to my sister and others in our family who’ve chosen something more recognizable.

If you’re in the humanities, you probably understand this feeling—the tugging sensation that suspends you between your wildest dreams and the real world below. The Icarian knowledge that either side will damn you. Most of the time, it doesn’t feel quite this theatrical, but I don’t think anyone is immune to the chilling realization, even if inaccurate, that the things you do as a teenager determine the rest of your life. Such is the condition of being a teenager in the first place. Why can’t we all just do what we love, right?

NYU’s Silver Center for Arts and Sciences, home to English majors and others. Image Credit: https://meet.nyu.edu/locations/silver-center/

The divide between your passion and your career prospects might feel chasmic now, but there are ways you can reconcile even the most distant of pipe dreams and the most mundane 9-to-5 jobs. 

I used to work for NYU’s outreach and fundraising organization, which was often the bane of my existence, but I took every shift as an opportunity to learn about other people and their backgrounds. I learned about their fields of interest and the ways they used their schooling to propel them into careers that suited their niche interests. I once spoke to someone that illustrated tarot cards. I still quit that job after a semester, but I have plenty of stories to tell. which makes the semester of asking strangers for money sort of worth it. I don’t intend on continuing that sort of work full-time, but I know that if I keep collecting stories and experiences like that one, I’ll find joy in any job.

My ultimate goal is to have a job that sustains me financially and doesn’t make me dread it every night and morning, but I think eventually I’ll come to accept that your job won’t and probably shouldn’t be your life. If I completely turn creativity and writing into my source of income, will I still covet them as I do now? 

If you siphon all your passion into the thing that you have to do or you lose your stability, is it still passion? 

My hope is that I can look down that cavernous gap and feel security in traveling between both sides of it. My hope is to make just enough money that I feel content waking up each morning—though I certainly wouldn’t be mad if I made a little more. Money might sustain you, but your passions will keep you alive.

Students receive a 10% discount at Dim Sum Palace at three locations in NYC. Redeem now for authentic Chinese dim sum.

By Oshmi Ghosh

Oshmi Ghosh is a rising junior at NYU’s College of Arts and Sciences, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Creative Writing, History, and Entertainment Business. You can usually find her appreciating the simple things in life: tea with milk and sugar, a good book, and/or intensely competitive board games.

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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The Body I Brought To College

June 17th, 2025

The first thing they tell you when you enter the world of college is to make your health and wellness a priority and that downtime is important. As a college student, you are constantly thinking about the assignments to turn in, the exam you need to cram for since it’s worth forty percent of your grade, or the big group project that your professor recommends starting two weeks into the semester even though it isn’t due until the end of the year. 

Your health and wellness is an essential part in being successful in your college experience, but it isn’t about hitting the gym or eating a salad. They’re about how your body functions, how you manage stress, and how you show up for yourself every day. In college, it’s easy to treat your body like an afterthought and not prioritize the key functions such as sleep, nutrition, and movement. When you don’t listen to your body, it starts speaking louder through exhaustion, illness, and burnout, which can make it difficult to perform at your full potential best in all areas of college.

A college student suffering from burnout. Image credit: https://songdochronicle.com/2384/latest-posts/am-i-lazy-or-exhausted-academic-burnout-rises-among-university-students/

My entire life, I have suffered from severe scoliosis, a condition where my spine is curved in an “s” shape. Although I have managed this condition throughout my life, when I entered college, it gave me several different challenges that I didn’t realize I’d have to face. Nurturing a proper sleep schedule, having good eating habits, and maintaining minimal movement are important in college, as it can balance out the academic stressors. Before college, I never really thought twice about my body. Even with my medical condition, I ate when I was hungry, slept when I was supposed to, and was at my peak physically. Once I entered college, I didn’t realize that the pressures of academics in combination with my medical condition would make my time in college even more challenging than expected, forcing me to rethink everything about wellness and fitness. A lot of days, my body feels like it’s working against me. I wake up tired, my muscles ache, and I can’t push myself the way other students can. It’s frustrating and isolating, but it’s also taught me the importance of listening to my body and honoring its limits.

I’ve learned to be intentional about rest and my sleep schedule. At night, I give myself a 9 p.m curfew and a bedtime of 10 p.m, which allows me to relax before I close my eyes so that I can sleep better at night. I’ve also had to redefine what fitness meant for me, meaning going on nice, long walks around the city, doing yoga, or choreographing dances to keep myself loose. Everybody’s health and wellness looks different in college, but there are very consistent ways to make sure that your health and wellness are acknowledged and prioritized. First, sleep is non-negotiable. It is recommended to get 8 hours of sleep, so aiming for 7 to 9 hours is best. You should fuel your body consistently. It’s okay to eat what’s available, but try to include whole foods when you can, especially fruits, protein, and complex carbs. You should also move with intention, even if it’s 10 minutes a day. Find movement that feels good for you. Although it’s okay to push yourself, you shouldn’t push yourself too hard, because it’s supposed to feel invigorating and reviving instead of feeling like an obligation. The most important aspect is to be honest with yourself and your needs. Whether you live with a health condition or not, give yourself grace and adapt your routines accordingly. 

Wellness and fitness isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being aware. Although college stresses the importance of academics, it is important to prioritize health and wellness. Your body is the one place you have to live in during college. Take care of it like it’s your most valuable asset.

Nibble Fitness is a great way to help you with your wellness and fitness! Use your student I.D to schedule your complementary fitness assessment!

By: Yamilia Ford

Yamilia Ford is a rising senior at Pace University with a major in business management and three minors in journalism, creative writing, and film studies. Her passion for writing allows her to inspire through her own creative lens, giving people the opportunity to relate to her.

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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Juggling Relationships: Making Time for Friends and Family

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

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

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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