Posts Tagged ‘college life’

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 9: Saying Goodbye

Thursday, August 14th, 2025

Part of me wishes college could last forever. The dorm sleepovers, late-night library hang-outs and chaotic coffee runs. Even the lecture halls hold a kind of charm. There’s a certain beauty to the rhythm of university life. Beyond aesthetics, it’s the final step before entering the adult world. It’s the last time you and your friends share the same calendar, the same milestones, the same breaks and goalposts.

But eventually, everything ends. And with that comes goodbye.

Friends tossing caps after graduating college. Credit: https://images

It’s not just a farewell to the school, professors and classes. You’re also saying goodbye to your friends. Some are close. Others are what I’d call “friends of convenience”. That may sound harsh, but it’s honest. These are people you see every day because your schedules align. You bond through routine, not necessarily through deep connection. And once the routine ends, so often does the friendship.

That doesn’t make those friendships less real, and this isn’t unique to college. You’ve had these kinds of relationships in high school, at jobs, summer camps and internships. You will continue to have these relationships throughout your life. Even when built around convenience, those friendships can be meaningful. They can brighten your day, get you through tough mornings or give you a reason to show up just to sit beside someone in class.

When those connections start to fade, it doesn’t mean they weren’t valuable. Sometimes life simply doesn’t allow space to maintain every relationship. And that’s okay.

Even the friendships you cherish most will shift. The closeness you feel while living in the same dorm, eating together every day and sharing every stress is hard to sustain. Eventually, you drift. Maybe not right away. Maybe you’ll live together after graduation or try to keep the same rhythm. But new jobs, routines and people will start to fill your time. The tight-knit group you once built becomes a web of separate paths. There might still be overlap, but there will also be space.

So this goodbye is just the end of a chapter. The story continues, you’re simply turning the page.

Winnie the Poo “Saying Goodbye” graphic. Credit: https://images.app

In a world where we’re all hyperconnected, physical distance isn’t the challenge it used to be. You can still meet up, plan reunions, send a message when someone crosses your mind. What you’re really saying goodbye to is the ease of it all. The built-in structure that made friendship simple. Letting go of that doesn’t mean losing the people entirely. It just means accepting change.

As I start my senior year, I’m writing this as both reflection and preparation. Part of me wants time to stop, to stay in this space a little longer. But most of me is ready for what’s next. Change is hard, but it’s also what makes life beautiful. It’s what gives this chapter meaning.

So here’s to this final year. I’m choosing to embrace it fully. To give myself grace when I mess up. To appreciate the ease while it’s still here.

Thanks for reading, and goodbye!

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By Logan O’Connor

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

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

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Balancing it All: Your City, Your Pace

Tuesday, August 5th, 2025

Living in New York City as a student can feel like being swept into a current that never slows down. There’s always something happening, somewhere to be, or something new to try. While it is exciting that the city is constantly full of endless opportunities, it can also be overwhelming. 

When I first moved here almost four years ago, I felt immense pressure to do everything. I needed to try new experiences. I needed to make new friends. And I needed to discover new versions of myself. That is what I thought college was all about.

However, I’ve learned that the key to thriving as a student in the city isn’t about chasing every opportunity. It’s about being intentional with your time, protecting your peace, and remembering that only you get to decide what your version of “making the most of it” looks like.

Maybe that means saying yes to a late-night comedy show, even when you’re exhausted, just to laugh so hard you forget why you were stressed in the first place. Or waking up early to run along the East River, where the quiet water and morning light make the city feel like it’s holding its breath just for you. Maybe it means carving out time for fitness, not to chase some goal, but because puppy yoga makes you laugh when a tiny dog climbs on your mat, or because hiking through The Ramble feels like disappearing into another world where no one can email you.

Balance does not always mean equal parts, either. Some weeks might be full of adventure, like constantly exploring different villages in the city, trying new restaurants, and making new friends. Other weekends may be filled with class readings, FaceTiming family because you are homesick, or finally doing your giant load of laundry. Both are a part of being a student in New York. 

The city is yours for the taking!

You don’t have to put everything on your plate at once. It is okay to not go out every weekend. Maybe your comfort zone is a cozy bookstore, a quiet café, or the corner of the park where you feel miles away from the city’s chaos. That can be just as valuable. At times it is hard to swallow sometimes, but you do not always have to be “doing.” You are still growing and experiencing. Even in the pauses. 

So as you navigate your own path in this city, give yourself permission to go at your own pace. Let New York’s energy inspire you, but don’t let it pressure you. You don’t need to do everything, just the things that feel right for you. Learn to say no when your body or your mind needs rest. Learn to say yes when something excites you or challenges you in a good way. And most importantly, learn to listen to yourself.

This city will teach you a lot about people, art, culture, and ambition. But maybe the most important thing it will teach you is this: You don’t have to rush to belong here. You already do. Take a deep breath, find your rhythm, and move forward with one step at a time. This is your city, so live it in your way.

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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 andTikTok @CampusClipper, and sign up for ournewsletter to get deals straight to your inbox. To access the digital coupons, scan the QR code on our printed card—available in dorms, student centers, and around campus.

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 7: Far From Campus

Thursday, July 31st, 2025

If I could recommend one thing to do during your college experience, it would be to study abroad. After spending half of high school in lockdown, travel in coming to college started to feel like a real possibility rather than just a Pinterest board of pipe dreams. Eventually, I stopped decorating my walls with vacation photos and started packing my bags.

Since there are so many positives to this experience, I’ll start with the negatives.

The hardest part of going abroad is uprooting your comfortable little life. You don’t realize how much you take for granted until you’re away from it all – being close to home, your friends, your favorite coffee shop, or even just being able to speak the same language as everyone around you. It takes adjusting, just like moving to college took adjusting. But by the end of it, you come out of the experience as a new, and likely better, version of yourself. You become more cultured, more curious, and more empathetic. More human.

The more you embrace unfamiliar people, cultures, perspectives, and experiences, the more you discover parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed.

This series is all about connections, so let’s get into the people you meet abroad.

Study abroad friends from Florence, pictured on our first group trip to Vietri Sul Mare.

My first time studying abroad was in Florence, Italy. I was lucky enough to go with one of my best friends, which made for the perfect travel buddy situation. I quickly made new friends, fell into a rhythm of exploring Western Europe, and soaked up every moment. I’m still close with the people I met in Florence. In fact, I’m probably closer to them now than we were during the actual semester. Something about traveling together either bonds… or breaks.

When you’re sharing cramped Airbnbs and catching 6 a.m. flights with a group, tensions flare. Sometimes for no reason other than everyone being tired and irritable. That’s when you learn: you need a certain disposition to just go with the flow when things don’t go as planned. Because they won’t. And if you can’t, the trip will suffer.

I’ve traveled with people I thought I could barely tolerate for more than twenty minutes. But then we came home, stepped outside of the travel bubble, and became completely different people to each other. Some friendships really do blossom after the fact, but not all connections are meant to last. Fleeting encounters, whether platonic, romantic, or something in between, are practically a hallmark of solo travel.

For my second semester abroad, I went to London. Not exactly a massive departure from New York, but it was European enough to feel like an escape. This time, I went alone. I didn’t know a single soul going in, which made it both lonely and liberating.

A walk down Tower Bridge from my semester in London.

At first, the idea of traveling solo scared me. There’s comfort in having people to help plan, navigate, and share the experience with. Going to Marrakech, Morocco, by myself pushed me to manage all aspects of the trip—budgeting, timing, safety, and decision-making. I got to spend my time exactly how I wanted, without having to consider anyone else’s needs. I could fully be me, or I could be someone completely new. How exciting!

Solo travel forced me to connect in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise. From the person in the hostel bed next to mine to the local sitting beside me in a café to strangers in markets and museums, I had some instant connections. There was Puck in Dublin and the group I met in Barcelona. I flirted with strangers, danced merengue with people I’ll never see again, and made memories that feel almost dreamlike now.

And that’s okay. Those light, transient moments are beautiful precisely because they’re temporary. They exist in their purest form: no pressure, no expectations, no future to complicate the memory.

Of course, I still try to exchange socials. Why not? We live in an age where staying in touch is easier than ever. But I also make peace with the idea that not every connection is built to last. Some people are meant to be shooting stars—bright, brief, and unforgettable.

My best friend and I in Paris, posing in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral.
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By Logan O’Connor

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

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

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 6: Dating 101

Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Ah, college dating life, where to begin? The lore of finding your “true love” on campus runs deep. We all hear the stories: two freshmen sit next to each other in an Intro to Psych class, and boom —they end up getting married ten years later. There’s a kind of romantic hope that college will be the time where it all clicks. High school was just practice for the real thing, a prequel to the great love story we’re meant to star in.

In reality, it’s quite brutal.

Some people fall into (and out of) relationships like it’s part of their routine. Others don’t date at all. And in between, there’s the strange, emotionally ambiguous purgatory that is the situationship: a non-committal “thing” that looks like a relationship, feels like a relationship, but is never named as one. It’s confusing and often exhausting.

In my world, the first year of college wasn’t about dating. I bounced around, got to know people, and explored different circles and sides of myself. I had no heavy intention to commit because I didn’t want to. I was curious and open and still figuring out who I even was. And on top of that, I knew I was going abroad to Florence, which added a natural time limit to any potential connection.

Studying abroad opens up an entirely new kind of dating landscape. In Florence, connections were usually fun, passionate, and short-term. People were in it for the experience, not the longevity. That in itself can be beautiful: learning how to live in the moment, how to flirt in another language, and how to appreciate someone’s presence without worrying about the future. But it also meant that any real commitment fell off the table until I was more grounded, until I was back “home.”

My friends and I roaming the streets of Florence, circa fall semester 2023.

It wasn’t until junior year that I went on what I would consider my first real date, right before I left for London, of course. (I seem to have a habit of falling into things right before I leave.) The idea of the date scared me more than I care to admit. Not because of the person, but because it was set up through Hinge, which comes with its own psychological rollercoaster. Online dating is, frankly, horrendous for forming genuine connections. It can work, but most of the time, it’s a quick spark of banter, a few days of chatting, then a ghosting from one side or the other. Tinder? Mostly hookups. Bumble? Well… it’s Bumble.

But Hinge—Hinge had potential, at least in theory. And that first date was sweet and chill and surprisingly easy. It helped set a gentle precedent: dating didn’t have to be a minefield. To this day, first dates still make me sick with stress and nerves. I overthink my outfit, my voice, and whether my smile looks right. But once I’m there, it’s rarely as bad as I imagine.

That being said, I have had bad dates. I’ve had awkward silences and forced affection. But I’ve also had wonderful ones, fun, flirty, or even completely platonic, where I left with a new friend instead of a crush. That’s the thing about dating in college: it’s unpredictable. If the hit dating show Love Island taught us something surprisingly real: sometimes you’re torn between committing to something good or holding out for something that might be great. There’s no easy answer.

Chris and Huda’s final date, Love Island Season 7.
credit: Ben Symons/Peacock

The best guide, in the end, is your gut.

Don’t commit just because you feel you’re supposed to. Don’t date just to prove you can. And definitely don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t had a “serious” relationship by a certain age. Everyone moves through this process at their own pace, on their own path. Love, however it looks, finds people in different ways and at different times.

That said, you do have to put yourself out there. That’s part of the process. Be open. Be brave. Be willing to laugh about the disasters and appreciate the little moments. But don’t let dating become something that drains you to the point of hopelessness. 

Dating in college should feel like an adventure, not a punishment. A search for connection, for romance, or just for a good story. Whether you’re looking for a life partner or just a dinner date who makes you laugh, remember: this is your timeline, and there’s no wrong way to move through it.

Just breathe, and have fun!

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By Logan O’Connor

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

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

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 5: The Third Space

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

College campuses are inherently conducive to connection and community. From frat life to campus food halls, cafes, and sprawling green lawns for picnics and post-class hangouts, they often serve as self-contained bubbles of social activity. It’s easy to forget the vastness of the world beyond your college gates when everything you need seems to exist within them. NYU, however, famously brags that though it doesn’t offer the traditional campus experience, “the city is your campus.” And honestly, that mostly checks out.

During the fall and spring, from West Houston to Union Square, NYU students are everywhere. We flood the cafes, comb through the thrift shops, linger at halal trucks, and turn every bookstore into a study nook. In a borough of nearly 1.7 million people, I still manage to run into my campus crush, my favorite professor, and my academic nemesis all in the same week.

But one of the most underrated perks of going to a school “without walls” is the natural encouragement to explore third spaces—places that exist outside of school and home. These are the environments where you start to find yourself beyond your student identity.

A third space is defined as any social setting outside of one’s home (the first space) and work or school (the second space). It’s where people gather, interact, and slowly, sometimes unintentionally, build community. Coffee shops, libraries, parks, gyms, and even online spaces can all function this way. For me, third spaces have been the key to experiencing connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Photo of La Colombe off Lafayette taken from bar.

One of my favorite third spaces is La Colombe—the location on Lafayette Street, specifically. It’s a chain, sure, but there’s something about this particular cafe that drew me in. It started out as my go-to alternative when Bobst Library started to feel a little too stuffy. I liked the light, the energy, and the cold brew. But then one of the baristas told me I looked like Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and I was hooked (pun very much intended).

From that point on, I became a regular—not just because of the caffeine, but because of the people. I got to know the baristas by name, and before long, they became my first real friends outside the world of NYU. It started to feel like its own little ecosystem.

Midterms season rolled around, and I needed an outlet. I’ve always used baking to decompress, but my roommates could only eat so many brown butter cookies and Basque cheesecakes. So, I brought a few treats to the cafe. The reaction was immediate and warm: ”thank-you” free coffee, and a new kind of reciprocity. I started sitting at the bar whenever I came in. Between rushes, baristas would pause to chat. Sometimes my new friends would slide into the seat next to me on their break and catch up for a bit. Eventually, they invited me to their Friendsgiving.

The infamous barista Friendsgiving.

There’s something grounding about having relationships with people who aren’t students, people who are still in their twenties and thirties but a few steps ahead in life. They aren’t worried about club e-board elections or what their thesis is going to be about. They remind me that life keeps unfolding beyond the classroom and that identity can exist outside of resume lines.

Third spaces give us the rare chance to be seen as full people—not just as students or workers, but as regulars, neighbors, and community members. In a city as overwhelming as New York, it’s easy to feel anonymous. But in a third space, you can start to feel known.

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By Logan O’Connor

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

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

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 4: Can Men and Women Be Just Friends?

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

“Men and women can never be just friends.” It’s a message we’ve heard time and time again from pop culture. From the classic will-they-won’t-they dynamic of When Harry Met Sally to the heartbreak in My Best Friend’s Wedding, the suggestion is clear: platonic relationships between men and women are rare, unstable, or inevitably romantic, unless one is gay or already taken (and even that isn’t a guarantee).

Since I didn’t have male friends in high school, I decided to test this theory when I came to college. What I found was far more nuanced than Hollywood would have us believe.

As children, gender doesn’t matter much in friendships. Sure, some of us have “kindergarten boyfriends” or giggle over crushes, but there’s no real romantic intent. That all begins to change when puberty starts. Suddenly, there’s an invisible pressure surrounding every boy-girl interaction, especially if physical attraction is involved. Even when there’s no chemistry, platonic intimacy between men and women often carries social baggage. People expect something more. And that expectation complicates things.

Despite this, I believe men and women can be friends—even when there is or was attraction involved. Over my time in college, I’ve had both successful and failed friendships with men. The determining factor in every case has been maturity. Mutual respect, emotional self-awareness, and clear communication are essential. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, because you can only control your own behavior, not how the other person feels or acts.

Man and woman signifying strictly platonic relationship https://qleanmarket.amanaimages.com/items

One of my first close male friends in college was Jack. We met in class and kept running into each other until casual conversations turned into a solid friendship. We had similar upbringings and a shared sense of humor. At first, I wasn’t sure how to navigate the friendship, and I wondered if he had ulterior motives or if I might be attracted to him. But over time, I realized we could genuinely enjoy each other’s company without anything romantic.

Jack became part of my friend group, and we even went on a group trip together that summer. But by junior year, tensions between him and others in our group escalated. Eventually, I was the only remaining tie between Jack and the rest of our circle.

I was torn. The conflict didn’t involve me directly, but I couldn’t ignore the emotional toll it was taking. I care deeply for my friends, and when they’re hurt or disrespected, I feel it too. Ultimately, I decided to create some distance between Jack and myself. That space brought clarity and peace. It’s important to recognize when a relationship is no longer mutual and nourishing (platonic or otherwise). You’re allowed to step away from connections that drain you.

Jack was my first real example of what platonic love between a man and a woman could look like. That experience helped me build fulfilling friendships later, like with Tyler, a barista I see regularly, and Brian, another friend from school.

Attraction can complicate things, but it doesn’t have to destroy the possibility of friendship. Sometimes it leads to a romantic relationship; other times, it fades or exists unreciprocated. If you sense romantic tension—yours or theirs—addressing it honestly is usually the healthiest path forward. It can be risky, especially if you have strong feelings, but clarity is better than emotional limbo. If your feelings are mild or unclear, it may be best to focus elsewhere and pay attention to how they interact with you.

If the other person is in a committed relationship, respecting that boundary is crucial. True friendship cannot thrive if it undermines someone else’s partnership.

In the end, friendships between men and women are possible, but they require maturity, honesty, and emotional intelligence from both parties. And like any meaningful relationship, they’re worth the effort.

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By Logan O’Connor

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

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

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How to Attend the Met Gala (Sort of)

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Skylar Park 

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

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

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

Friday, June 13th, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Ryder Huseby

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

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

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Crash Course Connections Ch 1: New Beginnings

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

Coming to college is starting from scratch—an exciting, sometimes nerve-wracking, chapter of life filled with possibility. Whether you’re attending a school close to home or heading off to a new city, college offers a fresh start. And before you’ve even found your footing, the pressure to find your new best friends can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, this pressure is universal, and you are far from alone.

Those first few weeks on campus are nonetheless crucial for laying the groundwork for new friendships. Everyone is adjusting, finding their classes, navigating dorm life, and figuring out where the best coffee is. During this time, people are especially open to meeting others, so be sure to take advantage.

Go to orientation events, campus tours, welcome mixers, and even cheesy icebreaker activities. These are designed to help you meet people and start conversations. You never know; your future best friend might be your accomplice in sneaking into the succulent planting welcome event that you never got off the waitlist for. That might sound oddly specific, but that is precisely how I made my first, and closest, friend here. 

We met in the first week before classes had even started, but it was only once we found ourselves appearing at the same social events time and time again that we became close. We started to realize all of our shared interests, from cafe-hopping to art museums, and just like that I had found a partner in crime. It is with her, my friend Ambika, that I met my other now roommate Taylor, and we quickly became a nearly inseparable unit. 

The “unit” in question- (right to left) Ambika, Taylor, and me

 It will likely happen like this, if it hasn’t already, for you as well. You have to be open to the opportunity, but the right acquaintances will, with both rapid speed and gradual commitment, become family. So maybe keep your headphones out at the school bookstore, compliment that girl’s jacket, and dive into a conversation about how you both love thrifting. Let the world in, and I guarantee the rest will fall into place. 

 Join clubs, sports teams, or student organizations that interest you. Whether it’s an intramural volleyball league, the school newspaper, or a club for people who love baking, getting involved is a fantastic way to meet people with shared interests. These groups give you a natural space to interact and bond without the pressure of having to “make friends” on the spot.

You also don’t need a big circle of friends. In fact, it’s often better to focus on forming a few genuine connections. Meet as many people as you can handle, but don’t feel pressured to sustain all of these relationships. If you click with someone- great! Follow -up, grab coffee, and invite them on outings or to group hangouts. If you are finding it difficult to deepen a friendship, try stepping back and directing that energy towards expanding your network or fostering other connections you’ve made. 

Remember, friendships take time to grow. You might not find “your people” in the first week or even the first month, and that’s okay. Keep showing up. Keep reaching out. Be open to different ideas and perspectives, and talk to as many people as possible. 

Reinventing yourself in college can be exciting, especially when you’re in a new environment. While growth is a natural part of the process, try not to lose sight of who you are. The strongest bonds come from a foundation of authenticity. Let people get to know the real you—the you that loves photography, longs to travel, despises techno music, and has strong opinions about politics.

Vulnerability is scary, especially when you don’t know anyone yet and you don’t want to close any doors. But being honest invites others to do the same, and in turn allows you to filter out the people who were never meant to stay in your life.

You will also feel lonely at times, especially in the beginning, when your family is done helping you unpack and you’re left sitting in your dorm room alone. This is all a part of the process. Everyone experiences moments of homesickness, anxiety, or awkwardness during the transition. It’s not only normal but expected. I assure you, it will pass. But, in the meantime, reach out for comfort—turn to a roommate or call a hometown friend. 

College is about so much more than academics. It’s about the relationships you build, the memories you make, and the people who will shape your journey. Friendships will evolve over time. Some will be short-lived, others lifelong. All of them will teach you something.

So take that first step. Say hello. Sit down at a new table, because you never know who will be sitting across from you.

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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 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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Is There Ever One “True” College Experience?

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

College is often dubbed “the best years of your life” as it is filled with personal freedom, growth, and discovery. Although college brings you amazing memories and provides you the chance to learn a lot about who you are, the overall experience can be very draining and tough. 

For many of us, college is the first time we are away from the only thing we’ve ever known for the first eighteen years of our life. When we go away, we are expected to live our lives in our own way, which can be overwhelming for anyone, whether you are freshly eighteen or a forty year old adult. The pressure of college can have an adverse affect on even the most prepared and put together personality, so it’s very important to take care of yourself and know that success doesn’t have to mean perfection. 

A college student stressing over academics
Image Credit: https://eduadvisor.my/articles/avoid-stress-college-7-stress-management-tips-students

In the world of college, one of the hardest truths I’ve had to accept throughout my time is that everyone’s college experience is different. When I first arrived in college, I thought I was the most put together and prepared I could have ever been, which allowed me to have the mindset of being the staple college student that everyone wants to be. As I progressed throughout the years, I realized that there are so many different ways to do college. Some people show up with a full ride scholarship, while others take out loans due to financial stress. Some people have an amazing support system, while others carry emotional baggage. Some graduate on the usual four-year plan, while others graduate earlier or later. In college, I learned that nobody is on an even playing field and that it’s ok to walk a different walk than anyone else.

My college thus far has been anything from a “normal” experience. There have been many ups and downs. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the person I want to be through the experiences I have had, the difficulties I have faced, and the lessons I have learned and will continue to learn as I go into my final year.

When I first started college, I went into it thinking it was all about making friends and prioritizing getting the best grades possible. Although I knew there were more factors that went into college, I always thought that those were the two things that carry your college experience. I also knew that college would be physically and mentally draining, but not the extent to which I’ve experienced throughout the years. 

As I reflect on the three years I’ve been in college, I look back on all the times I felt fatigued and exhausted, simply due to the lack of sleep I was getting, the minimal movement and exercise I was doing, and not fueling myself with nutritious foods and water. Because of the demanding nature that comes with college, in large part of the academic stressors, I’ve realized that by not prioritizing these things affected both my mind and body alike. If I didn’t get enough sleep, my focus throughout the day suffered. If I didn’t take the time to go on walks or exercise consistently, my body felt stiff. If I didn’t eat properly, my energy throughout the day would decline. 

College is more than academics and social life. It’s a journey of learning how to take care of your whole self. As I enter my final year, I’ve learned that real success in college isn’t about perfection, but about balance, resilience, and gaining self-worth. Whatever you do, what your college life brings you, it’s important to recognize that you should be proud of who you are and the accomplishments you have and will continue to do. 

And to those of you looking for a way to relax and prioritize your wellness, check out beauty and bliss spa where you can save 10% with coupon or student I.D!

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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