Posts Tagged ‘college discounts’

Finding Your People in a City of 8 Million

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

New York City  can feel like you are dropped into a sea of strangers when you first arrive. The sidewalks are always crowded, the subway cars are packed, and even the local Trader Joe’s is always swarming with people. Despite being constantly surrounded by others, it’s easy to feel completely alone. I know firsthand that college students, especially those who’ve moved from quieter places, can feel this loneliness hit hard, like an oncoming train. Most kids have to adjust to a new school, which is already scary, but when moving to NYC, you’re building a whole new life from scratch in a city filled with 8 million people. So, how do you get through that? Well, there is no exact answer, no step-by-step guide or recipe to follow, but what I can say is the key to surviving and thriving is by having true friends by your side. 

When I got into NYU, I knew almost no one heading into the city. Like many other incoming freshmen, I turned to Instagram to find potential roommates and maybe even a few friendly faces to recognize on campus. That’s how I found the person who ended up being my roommate, but also my best friend. I was hesitant to reach out, but when I saw that we had a lot of similarities, I figured hitting send on a DM to her was worth the shot. We ended up bonding over a shared love for Harry Styles and our excitement for not having to use communal bathrooms at NYU. What started as a few DMs turned into something much deeper. The day we moved in, we connected instantly, and by the end of that first week, we were finishing each other’s sentences. 

My roomie and I excited over a billboard featuring Harry Styles & Florence Pugh

After countless midnight snack runs, sometimes even in the rain, we decided we wanted to connect with other students in our building. I had the unique idea of playing tic-tac-toe through our dorm room doors. Literally. We would scribble Xs and Os on paper and slide them under random kids’ doors and then sit back on the floor of our room eagerly awaiting for a paper to slide back under our door. We felt like kids passing notes in class, which was both nostalgic and comforting. It might have been silly, and maybe even a tad childish, but it made those first few weeks feel a little less scary. 

My relationship with my roommate was rare and something I still cherish today as we are going into our fourth year of living together. However, not everyone finds their people on day one, and that is both completely okay and normal. The truth is, it takes time to form real, lasting connections in a place as busy and quickly paced as NYC. You’ll meet hundreds of people in your first semester alone, whether it’s in the classroom, club meetings, or even the elevators. Some people may ask if the seat next to you is taken and then never see you again. Some friendships will fade, but the exciting part is that some will stick forever. 

Just a couple of days ago, I sat down on a bench waiting to meet my mom and stepdad for lunch, and a girl sitting next to me suddenly turned and started talking. She was visiting her friend in the city, and we chatted for 15 minutes about both everything and nothing. There was no agenda, no expectation. It reminded me that in this city, friendships often begin with the smallest gestures, like a comment about the weather, a compliment on someone’s outfit, or even a game of tic-tac-toe between two dorm doors. 

One of the most important things that I’ve learned over the past few years is that finding your people in NYC is a journey, not a race. You have to relax and trust that you will meet your people, whether it’s in your DMs, on a park bench, or maybe even in the room next door. And when you do meet them, hold onto them. In a city of 8 million, those few who truly get the real you, make all the difference.  

What better way to connect with new friends in the city than over a coffee? Use this student discount to get 20% off at Absolute Coffee for June & July only!  

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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Tasting With Thomas: Bareburger

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Welcome back! You’re tuning into the second edition of Tasting With Thomas, where I explore the affordable eats that New York City has to offer. As an avid connoisseur of dining atmospheres, interesting flavors, and a good sweet treat I hopped over to Bareburger’s Upper West Side location for a fresh dining experience.

Walking into the restaurant, I was immediately struck by its bright and welcoming ambiance. From the big windows letting in natural lighting, to the modern diner decorations, I could feel the space’s light and uplifting energy.

Before getting into my meal, I was able to take advantage of Bareburger’s happy hour. Inspired by the flowers blooming this springtime, I ordered a hibiscus margarita for only $9. Not only was I satisfied by the herbal flavors, but the elegant presentation with lime, sugar rim, and even a hibiscus flower left me swooning and satisfied!

By this point I’d worked up my appetite and was ready to order. With such a wide variety of options, from wraps to burgers to sandwiches, to even salads, I was having a tough time making a choice. Usually my vegan diet restrictions do most of the deciding for me, but I was more than relieved to find an amazing amount of vegan options throughout the selection.  

Thankfully, the lovely staff referred me to the customize your own option near the bottom of their menu. Right away, I started crafting the perfect meal to satisfy my cravings. Starting with a spinach wrap, I added the sweet potato, kale & wild-rice patty protein base. Then I added buffalo frizzled onion, roma tomato, and alfalfa sprouts for veggies. I topped off my dream wrap with some shredded asiago cheese and Bareburger’s very own vegan “wham bam” sauce!

I’ll admit that the wrap appeared suspiciously petite when the server brought it to the table. This wrap, however, proved that looks can be deceiving! The wrap was filling enough, and beyond that it was tasty too!  I also got the chance to enjoy some crunchy onion rings along with my wrap, casually dipping them in some aioli and relish to my liking.

After more than a few refreshing sips and filling bites, my meal had come to its conclusion. While I was more than satisfied with my meal, I definitely left Bareburger excited for my next visit. Between the rest of the vegan options that I didn’t get the chance to try and the “wham bam” sauce, I’m sure I’ll be returning to Bareburger sometime soon! 


Make sure to take advantage of Bareburger’s $1 combo lunch special. This deal runs Monday – Friday until 3pm, and includes savory sides like french fries, sweet fries or a salad.

Written By Thomas Stewart, 04/29/2025

Author Bio: Thomas Stewart is an undergraduate student at Columbia University pursuing studies in creative writing and human rights in an effort to utilize media as a tool to vitalize our communities. When Thomas isn’t off overthinking in his journal, you can find him on campus volunteering for the local Housing Equity Project, organizing for the Black Student Organization, or playing a jam session at Columbia University Records club. Ultimately, his love for all things creative prevails throughout his life.


Connect with Thomas via Linkedin here!

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Just Around the Corner: The Seaport Deli

Sunday, November 24th, 2024

By Aidann Gia

Enter the back of the deli to find a wide range of snacks and pantry staples.

The Seaport Deli, a modest corner store near Pace University, offers an abundance of pastries, sandwiches, and other affordable conveniences for tourists and locals alike. With well-stocked shelves and diverse snack options, the deli caters to hungry students seeking pantry staples as well as Financial District regulars looking for a quick bite. Its seating area provides a cozy space for customers to unwind, chat, and enjoy the freshly prepared meals enticingly displayed behind glass.

Nadia Cook, a fellow Pace student, joined me for lunch at this local gem. We were greeted by an enthusiastic team of employees behind the counter, skillfully assembling sandwiches for a bustling lunch-hour crowd while maintaining cheerful, welcoming smiles. Their friendly banter and lighthearted jokes added to the deli’s authentic community charm. Toward the back, the store opens into a dining area and a section for browsing unique beverages, classic snacks, and basic cooking items, making the Seaport Deli a one-stop shop for meals and groceries.

Our weekday lunch included tea, chips, and paninis. I chose a peach oolong tea, jalapeño chips, and the Italian panini, while Nadia opted for a white mango tea, sour cream and onion chips, and the Oven Gold panini. These flavorful meals, paired with delicately sweet beverages, were the perfect midday pick-me-up after our long classes.

Our filling lunch in-between classes and meetings.

“The portions are great! For my first Italian panini, it was pretty good. If you like paninis, they have a lot of options,” Nadia noted. “I also liked how the store had a lot of different varieties of food, whether it’s snacks or sandwiches.”

The Italian panini featured tender ham and melted cheese layered with a generous spread of pesto, delivering a savory punch. The golden, perfectly toasted bread enhanced the flavor, making each bite satisfying. Paired with the tangy kick of my chips and the refreshing chilled tea, it was an excellent option for a quick but hearty meal.

For Pace students and Financial District professionals seeking a convenient and budget-friendly meal, the Seaport Deli is a true gem. Located just steps from Pace’s 151 Williams Street building, it offers freshly prepared options, from filling paninis to ice-cold drinks, all at affordable prices. Skip the chains and enjoy quality, community-based meals that won’t break the bank—perfect for students on a budget.

Thanks to a partnership with Campus Clipper, the Seaport Deli offers a 10% discount to university students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID.

Use this coupon at checkout!


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Just Around the Corner: 118 Fulton St. Convenience

Monday, November 18th, 2024

By Aidann Gia

Just around the corner from Pace University, nestled amid the glass-and-steel modernity of the Financial District, stands an eclectic convenience store stocked with goods and necessities for students and staff alike. 118 Fulton Convenience recently opened near the famous Fulton Center station, its prominent fluorescent neon lights and colorful interior beckoning to passersby. This novel spot is packed with sweet treats, energy drinks, and essentials like toilet paper—everything a college student might need, all within walking distance.

An array of chocolate items within the neon-lit store.

The unique charm of 118 Fulton Convenience lies in its vibrant ambiance. Bright, colorful lights line the store, and the walls are covered with a variety of snacks. The bodega’s signage immediately catches the eye, drawing in a young crowd. I visited the shop with my friend Marlie Capuano to sample some of the sugary delights on offer.

“Even though they had a smaller floor plan to work with, the really high ceilings keep the space open,” Capuano noted. “The store was organized well to keep customers moving through instead of lingering in one area.”

The store’s wide assortment of affordable candies.

Most of the customers were teenagers and college students grabbing chips, cookies, and chocolate. However, the store’s selection extends far beyond snacks, offering items like incense, laundry detergent, and paper towels. A side wall features a mosaic of small comforts—Oreos, gummy bears, potato chips, and more. The shelves exude an artful chaos, brimming with assorted candies and packaged baked goods.

“They had an interesting selection of food! There were a lot of things I don’t normally see at a convenience store, so that was definitely fun,” Capuano added.

We picked up bite-sized hazelnut wafers, Nutella “B-ready” sticks, chocolate biscuits, strawberry yogurt-dipped pretzels, and strawberry jam-filled flaky puff pastries for a small gathering with friends. All of our items cost less than $20—a bargain for sweet treats to entertain six peckish students! The Nutella desserts were the crowd favorite, closely followed by the strawberry pretzels.

A wide range of chips for snacking.

118 Fulton Convenience, unlike many sterile and impersonal stores, has carved out a niche that feels exciting and fresh to the busy and bustling young professionals in the area. It’s perfect for students and employees in need of a quick bite or a bottle of detergent without having to trek to a big-box store.

The Campus Clipper is offering a 15% discount on grocery items at 118 Fulton Convenience to all university students, staff, and faculty who present a valid university ID.


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Connecting and Disconnecting

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

I’m the king of FOMO, so I’ve been told. I say yes to practically everything, and I do what I think people want me to do. I’ve been trying to work on being realistic about how well my social battery is doing and how I’ll feel after a long night out; my battery drains pretty quickly, after all. My girlfriend always uses this analogy called “spoon theory.” How many spoons are you able to fill with the feelings and thoughts of other people before you overflow? You can only hold so much at the same time, after all. 

Whether it’s for your social life, school, or your job, you’re expected to be on-call almost constantly. You’re expected to be accessible to the outside world, even in the safety of your home. That’s the downside to modernity. Well, one of them. Not to get deep here. I think about it a lot, though. How different these times are to any other time on Earth. In my bed I get email notifications on my phone, group chat messages on five different apps, and reminders and notifications clouding up my lockscreen. It can be overwhelming being expected to answer to so many people all the time. 

Being exposed to so many people’s lives and thoughts at the same time can be overwhelming. I mean think about it—we humans know so many people nowadays, and are able to keep up with the people we’ve known throughout our whole lives with the tap of a finger. People I haven’t spoken to in years, or ever, still like my instagram posts. I always think, “Is it meant to be like this? Is this good?” I guess there’s no point in asking this question, since it’s just how things are.

Time off my phone and social media helps me stay sane. But on the other side, being able to connect with people is a part of life that’s so utterly essential. My phone undeniably makes that easier. It’s easier for me to keep up with my friends who’ve moved away, my parents after I moved out, and my girlfriend when I studied abroad. Every so often I call my friends who are living in LA to catch up. Being able to keep that relationship despite how many miles are between us is something that’s new to modern times, and is wonderful. 

A picture I took on a solo stroll down Commonwealth Ave in Boston

There’s pressure to constantly socialize in college especially. In that first year, there were times where I wouldn’t leave a friend’s room all day, and to be totally honest it’s because I thought that I had to do that. I started feeling drained, like I was losing who I really was to who I was around other people. Constantly putting on a performance without any time to rest, I felt pressure to attend everything I was invited to, even if it felt like a huge hurdle to overcome. There’s this fear of falling behind socially that happens no matter what kind of relationship it is. You don’t want to miss out on important parts of your life, after all. That’s how I felt. I’d never again be right down the hall from my best friends, so I had to make the most of it.

Simply put, that was stupid. I was exhausted and lost myself that year. So here’s my advice to you: deal with the FOMO! It won’t kill you. Lately I’ve been telling myself that. I’ve been skipping parties I don’t feel mentally ready to go to, taking time to walk around the city, and enjoying life all by myself just because I can. A little walk to get a coffee can make or break a day.

Even when I desperately want to attend something because I think it might be fun, I have to be realistic about my expectations. Will I really enjoy it? Are my spoons overflowing? 

I’ve been trying to focus on what makes me happy and keeping my priorities straight, because I’ve realized that that is what helps me maintain my relationships. If other people know my limits and are okay with them—well, that’s important in a friend, isn’t it?


Drop by Blick to get a student discount on art materials!

By: Meg Carey

Meg Carey is studying creative writing and publishing at Emerson College in Boston. They love reading and writing sci-fi, horror, and romance (bonus points if it’s all three), as well as poetry. You can find them on instagram @megcareywrites, and substack @megcarey.


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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The Grind Doesn’t Stop Until You’re Dead

Thursday, August 22nd, 2024

We Americans have the Protestant work ethic baked into our bones. Though Gen Z is significantly less religious than our parents and ancestors, we’ve successfully secularized and rebranded the Protestant work ethic for younger generations. Now, we simply call it “the grind” — a word that encapsulates (yet also glamorizes) the drudgery of day- to- day life. 

Though both male and female influencers contribute to grind culture, it has earned particular cache in the “manosphere.” In these toxic, male-dominated spaces, podcastors mythologize the “sigma male,” a self-stated lone wolf who chooses to isolate himself because “the grind never stops.” Such men look down upon making attachments to others and especially women, because modern women threaten a sense of masculinity lost by improved gender equality in the workplace. Often these men see womens’ increased success as a threat to their supposedly once-secure job prospects — as if those women never had the right to try and make it in this world as well. 

And make it in this world they will, or at least die trying. These types of influencers are full of bizarre tips to maximize your productivity and increase your profit. Want to make extra money on your days off? Take a paid vacation and then use that free time to work a second job! Feeling sluggish at the office? Try microdosing on psychedelics! Thinking of starting a side hustle? Invest in a pyramid scheme, or NFTs, or any other flimsy get-rich-quick scheme that will likely leave you more broke than you started out. 

Pictured: Gen Z has begun to push back against grind culture in the form of online jokes and memes. Sourced from Reddit.

The world the rise-and-grind influencers offer to us may seem like hell, and that’s because it is. But it is also not hard to imagine why they have gained a foothold in the cultural zeitgeist. After all,  is not easy for members of our generation to start their adult lives in this economy. In fact, half of Gen Z live at home with their parents, and may not have the freedom or money to socialize and go out with friends. For the commuter student in particular, it might be tempting to simply give up on trying to make friends when it’s cheaper to stay at home, put your head down, and work. And it’s comforting to think that if you simply work hard enough, even past the breaking point, that you will be able to live well — that your Protestant-work-ethic-sans-the-Protestant will afford you a clean, well-lit office in Midtown Manhattan.

Perhaps the greatest irony of the rise-and-grinders and then, is that they are not living well, or even doing what is best for their careers. First, if you’re a man, training yourself to dismiss women out of hand — when we make up half the population, half the workforce, and more than half of college students — is not exactly a winning strategy for success. Speaking more generally, isolating yourself from others also hampers your ability to make connections that can define your career path. 

But even if these lifestyle influencers are right, and becoming an all-work-no-play hermit is the best thing you can do for your career, it still wouldn’t be worth it. For the lifestyle they promote is hollow and lackluster, like a millstone that has been ground to dust. 

After all, what is the “grind,” anyway? Oftentimes, if these influencers are not trying to sell you on one scam or another, they speak very vaguely about the actual work they do. This is because the “grind” cannot be anything that matters to you. It is simply non-specific, meaningless work only meant to propel you to the next stages of your career (if it does that). You’re not supposed to like the grind — you’re not even supposed to care what it is, even though it presumably defines nearly every moment of your life. 

To someone who has embraced this mentality, it may appear I am missing the point. Yes, the grind is simply a means to an end, a tool to accumulate wealth and power. But remember, “the grind never stops” — meaning there is no light at the end of the tunnel, no moment you can simply kick back and relax. Even if you’re rich or happy with your success, you are supposed to continue working for work’s sake — repeating the same routine ad nauseum until you die.

And what’s the joy in that? What’s the joy in working to earn a job with more vacation days, if you can’t use them? What’s the joy in making more money, if you can’t use it to have fun with others? Perhaps this is why, after a certain level, having more money does not increase happiness.

Pictured: Data collected by The World Happiness Report on the correlation between wealth and happiness. Happiness initially jumps with increased wealth, but starts to plateau after a certain point. This suggests that once financial security is met, additional money does not have much of a positive effect.

The Protestants lived short, difficult lives. They worked so hard partially because it was necessary for survival, and partially because work gave them a sense of order and purpose in a chaotic new world. They sought to put people in corners — men on one side, women on the other — and keep them there using intense mechanisms of social conditioning and public shame. Once again, this was to create order in their otherwise chaotic, difficult, and fleeting lives. 

Life is still chaotic, but it’s gotten much longer since the Protestants. We’ve learned we don’t have to confine human potential to have a stable society — in fact, doing so causes quite the opposite. And unlike the Puritans, we have a choice. We can grind ourselves down to the quick, or we can enjoy our days in the sun, alongside our friends and family. So when you reach the end of your life, what do you want to remember? The millstone, whole and hardy, or only the dust it has left behind?


Take a break from the grind with a soothing Seratonin Smoothie!

By Renee Ricevuto

Renee Ricevuto is pursuing a double major in English and Music at Hunter College, along with a certificate from the Thomas Hunter Honors Program. She has published her work at the University of Chicago’s Harper Review and received writing awards at her institution. She’s currently working on a research project with the Mellon Public Humanities and Social Justice Scholarship Program. When she’s not writing or researching, she loves to read, draw, sing, and embroider.


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.  Paragraph

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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All That Glitters is Not Gold: How to Surround Yourself With The Right People

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024
A picture I took at the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum, a fun place for a friend date.

In college, it’s important to have friends who support you through the good times and the bad. When things get rough, having people to reach out to for help and support can make a world of difference. During some of my roughest times, I was lucky enough to have friends who did everything they could to make me feel better. But finding an amazing friend group was no easy feat.  

At the beginning of freshman year, I was determined to make as many friends as possible. In high school, I was extremely shy and stuck to a small group of friends, never branching out. While I was happy living this way, I knew that I limited myself to the same people because I was afraid of being judged for putting myself out there. In this new chapter of my life, I was determined to try something new. I didn’t want to let my anxiety stop me from meeting amazing people. So during orientation, I pushed myself to my social limit and spoke to every person who’d listen. It was difficult since I wasn’t used to being so social, but not impossible since orientation was a time for everyone to put themselves out there. I met a lot of different kinds of people from different backgrounds and places I had never spoken to before. It was exciting to immerse myself in an environment full of people from all around the world. But at the same time, it was exhausting, and my social energy slowly drained throughout the week. By the time classes started, I was back in my introverted shell, dreading all of the icebreaker activities during syllabus week. 

In my efforts to expand my friend horizons, I met many great people but also some not-so-great ones. I’ll never regret putting myself out there, but I do regret my decision to ignore my gut feelings about people under the guise of being open and welcoming to new people. I had a friend first-semester freshman year and the first time we met I remember feeling like he was nice–but there was something off about him. In my efforts to form close friendships with as many people as possible, I ignored it in favor of getting to know him better. At first, our friendship was normal, we talked a lot about music and books since we were both music lovers and writing majors. As the semester went on we started closer than I ever expected we would be. That strange feeling from when we first met remained, but since I exhausted myself from pretending to be a social butterfly, I didn’t have the confidence to tell him how I felt. Slowly, as I started forming closer relationships with other friends, he started to get upset and felt like I owed him my time and friendship. By the end of the semester, I had to end our relationship after he became hostile towards my other friends. As it was all unfolding, I felt guilty that I let this person hurt my friends because I didn’t trust myself in the beginning. While it’s important to put yourself out there, your comfort and safety always have to come first. If I never pushed myself beyond my social limit and trusted my gut feeling about that friend, I would’ve been in a better place to create more meaningful relationships. In the end, it all worked out because in future relationships I trusted my gut and ran for the hills when I felt uncomfortable or strange. Now I have the best group of funny supportive friends, who are always there for me when I need them.

If you’re looking for a great meal with friends, use this coupon for 15% percent off at Smashburger.

By Sidnie Paisley Thomas

Sidnie is a Sophomore at Emerson College in Boston studying creative writing and post-colonial literature. In her free time, you can find her hitting up her local thrift store, playing her favorite records, or reading a new book.

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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In Sickness and In Health: Balancing Work and School Under The Weather

Thursday, February 29th, 2024
A picture of during freshman orientation frolicking the city at night for the first time.

It seems that no matter how hard you try, sickness always creeps up on you in the worst moments. My first semester of freshman year was one of the busiest times of my life and I was terrified of getting sick. I was juggling a heavy course load, a staff writing job, and dance team rehearsals. Because of all this, being sick and out of commission for days didn’t feel like an option for me. All around me friends and classmates were falling victim to the “freshman flu,” a sickness with no cure, no timeline, and no perceived end that always made its way around freshman dorms during the fall semester. I heard stories from classmates in years above me of catching it during orientation week and fighting it off until Thanksgiving break which only worsened my health anxiety. 

I did everything I could to avoid it. For weeks I wore a mask everywhere, washed my hands constantly, and took loads of immunity vitamins. Then one morning I woke up with a tickle in my throat and an ache in my head. By that afternoon I was bedridden with a fever, so I dragged myself to the health center the next day for tests. Flu, COVID, and strep all came back negative and I felt relief wash over me. But in the glimmer of hope that came with negative results, I saw the truth; I had the freshman flu. 

My CVS haul post freshman flu diagnosis.

I fell ill on a Friday and had a mandatory dance rehearsal on Sunday and a paper due on Monday. I was already stressed to tackle this workload as it was, so my sickness only caused more anxiety for me to manage. I decided to take all day Saturday to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take some medication. Then, by Sunday I’d be able to go to my rehearsal and write my paper for Monday. I spent my Saturday in bed trying my hardest to rest, but my mind couldn’t stop racing about all of the things I’d have to tackle on Sunday. I tried to ignore it by reading or watching movies, but as the day went on my stress built and built. After my attempt at a day of rest, I woke up on Sunday better, but nowhere near perfect. I got up early to write my paper before rehearsal to ease my anxious mind. I worked so hard I forgot to eat breakfast and by the time it was lunch time I had to run off to dance. I danced for three hours, then had a quick dinner before I went home and revised my paper all night. 

My eyes barely cracked open Monday morning. I rolled over and groaned as my alarm went off. My roommate saw my rough condition and asked if I was ok. When I went to respond my throat burned with pain. I could barely croak out the word “No.”

Sickness, whether it be the freshman flu or strep throat, is unforgiving. It doesn’t reason, or accommodate, it demands your time and attention. Prioritizing work and school is important, but if you’re too sick to think straight you can’t prioritize anything. I learned the hard way that when rundown with sickness, the most important thing to do is take time for yourself. I spent that next week feeling a little bit better, then pushing myself to get up and work until I couldn’t anymore. Each time I’d force myself to get up and work, my anxiety about falling behind was soothed, but my health would get worse. What you have to understand is that resting and taking care of yourself is not a waste of time. If you don’t take the time to eat right, get proper rest, and prioritize your health, you won’t be able to do any of the things that are important to you. Your health always has to come first, when you’re rested and healthy you’ll be ready to deal with all of the challenges and obstacles college throws your way. 

By Sidnie Paisley Thomas

Sidnie is a Sophomore at Emerson College in Boston studying creative writing and post-colonial literature. In her free time, you can find her hitting up her local thrift store, playing her favorite records, or reading a new book.

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.

One of my favorite sick day treats is Le Macaron, use this coupon for 15% off your next purchase!

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Chapter 10: Not Goodbye Just See You Later

Monday, November 20th, 2023

I suck at goodbyes. I always cry or make inappropriate jokes to get everyone to laugh instead of being sad. With that being said, I’m absolutely terrified to say goodbye to some of my best friends at the end of my senior year займ 10000 рублей.

Luckily, I am a part of my university’s five year Master’s program and a few of my other friends are as well. But there are still a few that I’ll have to say goodbye to that I’m worried will likely end in all of us sobbing hysterically.

Not that there’s anything wrong with crying. Crying is an extremely healthy way to let out emotions and anyone who says otherwise is jealous of the way we are capable of portraying our emotions. The only reason I’m scared to cry when saying goodbye is because I’m a very ugly crier, but that’s just me.

I learned throughout my years at college that crying is seen all around campus. Which may sound depressing as hell, but it’s really not. Sometimes I’ll just be walking to the dining hall during finals season and I’ll hear someone sniffling and no one bats an eye because it’s so widely accepted. This was much different than my experience in highschool, but it was a new kind of difference that I was excited to welcome into my life.

Anyways, back to saying goodbye.

This isn’t my first time having to say goodbye to my friends. When I left high school, all of my friends and I went different ways. It was scary, but we knew it was for the best. Specifically when saying goodbye to my best friend of 16 years (at the time it was only twelve years), I knew there would be some tears. Her school was online for the first semester due to COVID and my school was open so I was moving to my new home for the next four years. We spent almost every day together during the summer, even with the pandemic going on. We found ways to hang out outside and wore masks so that we were still safe while taking in all the time we had left together. But when the day came where I had to leave, we still cried.


My best friend and I our senior year of high school, before COVID

I realize now that it was a bit foolish of us to cry. We still see each other and keep in contact all the time. It wasn’t really a goodbye, but more of a “see you later!”. The only difference in our friendship was that we weren’t seeing each other everyday, but even still we can text each other whenever.

And with that, I’m reminding myself all throughout my senior year that things won’t be completely different to how it was last time. Even though we won’t be living on the same campus, only a few minutes walk between each other, I know I will still see my friends and my roommate again. We’ve already discussed how we’ll meet up whenever we can and will aim to continue our tradition of a “Friendsgiving”.

Like I said before with my high school best friend, we also can text each other whenever. Thankfully we live in a technology based society now and it is much easier to keep in touch with friends than it used to be. We can send each other TikToks or funny videos on Instagram just to let each other know that we are still thinking of one another. We can also keep up with fun things happening around us and make plans to meet up at such events. For example, my friends and I are both fans of the same book series and one of us discovered there’s a themed ball/gala to celebrate that book series happening after graduation. We all are excited to see if we can go to celebrate the start of continuing our friendship after school.

When my friends and I finish walking across the stage with our diplomas we won’t say goodbye. We’ll just be saying see you later.


Some great memories of me and my friends!

Summary:

  • Saying goodbye has always been difficult for me
  • Crying is normal and healthy!
  • I had to say goodbye to my best friend after high school, but we still kept in touch so it wasn’t really a goodbye
  • How to stay in touch with friends after college

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By Mia Ilie

Mia Ilie is a student at Pace University, graduating in May 2024 with a degree in Writing and Rhetoric and a focus on publishing. She grew up in Rockland, New York and is currently living in Westchester, New York where she attends school and works at a local bookstore. You can always find her with her nose in a book or screaming to Taylor Swift with her friends.


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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Chapter 9: Interview with Writer and Professor Dr. Vyshali Manivannan

Tuesday, November 14th, 2023
A brown-skinned woman with black glasses, pink lipstick, and a black faux hawk grins at the camera. She is wearing a bright blue sleeveless blouse, a gold chain, a nose ring stud, and brass triangular earrings with a patina. Photo Credit: Sara Fuller.
Photographer’s Website: https://sarafuller.com/

Last week I discussed the importance of forming a relationship with your professors. I have gotten close with a few of my professors throughout my student career at Pace University and I’m so thankful for all that they have helped me with. This week, one of my professors that I have had several classes with was willing to help me out and take part in an interview for this week’s blog post. I interviewed Dr. Vyshali Manivannan, Dr. Mani for short.

Dr. Mani is an assistant professor in the department of Writing and Cultural Studies at Pace University on the Pleasantville campus. Her research focuses are both creative and critical and specializes in medical rhetoric, disability studies, decolonial studies, and online teaching and accessible design. I thought Dr. Mani would be the perfect person to interview for this blog because a lot of my posts are about how I managed my first year of college throughout the pandemic and Dr. Mani is a professional in regards to online modality in a classroom setting.

I started off by asking her what started her interest in writing and how old she was. Dr. Mani informed me that she has been writing since she was young and at the age of 11 wrote her very first fantasy novel (although she claimed it was not super well written since she was only 11). She sent the “fantasy epic” to a publisher and received a response from a publishing agent to “keep writing”. By fifteen, she had written her first proper novel and after a few years managed to get it published. Since then Dr. Mani has had numerous other projects published throughout her career.

I then asked her how she manages to stay motivated with writing and how she managed to keep in contact with peers/coworker/and students during the peak of COVID. Dr. Mani’s response was extremely real and motivating at the same time. She claimed that, “it’s not possible or normal to stay motivated, let alone productive, all of the time. And sometimes a lack of motivation is actually a form of productivity that we just haven’t translated for ourselves yet.” And I genuinely couldn’t agree more.

The start of quarantine took place in the middle of my senior year of high school and any motivation to get work done felt impossible. I had to learn to be patient with myself for not being able to get as much done as I used to or anticipated at the beginning of my senior year.

Dr. Mani also brought up the method of socializing online and how, at least for our generation, it is not such a strange thing to interact with groups online. Dr. Mani is a part of different online communities, specifically online scholarly communities, disability communities, and advocacy groups. Because of this familiar concept, it was a bit easier to remain in contact with people during the peak of quarantine, which, in a way, “kept me motivated while unmotivated” as Dr. Mani stated.

She then mentioned a special issue of a rhetoric journal she co-edited with a group about how COVID has impacted their life and their writing. Having read this special issue, it was an incredibly eye opening and motivating piece. It was written by several people who struggled to continue writing while also trying to take care of their families, and even themselves, during COVID. Dr. Mani mentioned how helping some of her peers edit/write this project had also helped her stay motivated.

When I questioned what Dr. Mani thinks the best way to make connections with students through online learning is, she once again mentioned how communicating online is not an unfamiliar concept. We discussed that especially for my generation (Gen Z), we grew up online so it’s easy to get to know people through an online classroom. Dr. Mani teaches in a unique way and uses Discord for her classes rather than relying on our university’s class instruction portal website. Through different Discord chat channels, we can comfortably discuss our class readings and work as a team to decipher what is going on in our assigned texts. I have found myself interacting with students more effectively in Dr. Mani’s classes than some of my in-person classes. Of course, all students are different and may feel differently, but Dr. Mani has always managed to make the most out of online classes and makes sure that all students feel comfortable within the classroom environment.

A lot of this interview was eye-opening and almost like a breath of fresh air. To see someone as successful as Dr. Mani honestly states that they were essentially not motivated during COVID, and how that is okay, was a relief to me. It is important to value how you feel and if you think you need a break in your work, then it is best to listen to yourself and take that break. Having alone time or talking to people, online or in-person, can help bring you back to your work and feel that passion again. I admire Dr. Mani’s skill of reminding everyone that we are human and we simply cannot do everything all at once. Dr. Mani has published many different projects and repeatedly mentions that it is a long process that requires connections with people, but a process that is worth it.

Summary:

  • Dr. Vyshali Manivannan is a professor at Pace University and a successful writer
  • She has published a novel, several lyric essays (one of which was nominated for a Pushcart Prize), interactive nonfiction, scholarship, and performance art
  • It was difficult to stay motivated during Covid, but by reaching out to people it helped
  • A list of questions I asked:
    • Your name, career, and anything else you would like to add
    • What got you started/interested in writing?
    • During the peak of COVID and lockdown, how did you manage to keep your motivation with writing and how did you stay connected to your peers/co-workers?
    • What do you think the best way to make a connection with students is through online learning?
    • Why is making connections, online or in person, important to you and your career and what advice would you give to your students/aspiring writers?
    • If you wish to know more and read more of Dr. Vyshali Manivannan’s work’s her website is here: https://vyshalimanivannan.com/ 

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By Mia Ilie

Mia Ilie is a student at Pace University, graduating in May 2024 with a degree in Writing and Rhetoric and a focus on publishing. She grew up in Rockland, New York and is currently living in Westchester, New York where she attends school and works at a local bookstore. You can always find her with her nose in a book or screaming to Taylor Swift with her friends.


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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