Posts Tagged ‘entertainment’

International Students Club: Nightlife

Friday, October 11th, 2024

Let’s be honest. As amazing as Boston is, it can seem like a very 21+ city at first glance. It seems like the only way to have a fun nightlife out here is to drink in bars, and that is simply not doable for most college students. Especially as an international student, I remember feeling quite childish when I first realized that I couldn’t just walk into any bar or club like I could back home, where the legal drinking age is 18. Even if you don’t plan to drink, places simply won’t let you in based on your age. For many international students, not having the option to go out at night can be jarring and potentially cause some loneliness. Since nightlife is part of entertainment, this next chapter of International Students Club: Making Community Through Entertainment is about how to have fun without relying on a fake ID. These options may not be strictly “nightlife,” but are activities that are amplified by doing them during the nighttime! 

In addition to some of my personal recommendations and places my friends have recommended to me, I first wanted to share that Amy Laskowski lists some great options in Hub Hotspots for the Under 21 Crowd. Yelp also has updated options for 2024 in the Top 10 Best 18 Plus Clubs Near Boston, Massachusetts. The majority of these recommendations include clubs, but your nightlife can include more than just loud noises and dancing. For those who want more variety in their nightly activities, I have some great recommendations for your Friday and Saturday nights. 

One of my favorite spots is the Knight Moves Cafe in Brookline. It’s a lovely spot to drink hot cocoa, enjoy snacks, and play board games until 2 AM. The entrance fee for this cafe on the weekends is $15 and the waitlist usually moves quickly. The way my friends and I go about it is we take the T to Brookline, put our names on the waitlist at the cafe, and then go to Brookline Booksmith, that’s only five minutes away, to browse books until we get called back. The rest of the night is then spent drinking coffee, playing games, and enjoying a cozy night among fellow gamers. 

Knight Moves board games / Courtesy of Knight Moves Board Game Cafe 

The next options are Manray and Xmortis, a couple of 18+ clubs that my friends have enjoyed and raved about. Each Friday night at Manray is themed and offers fun opportunities to dress up, and Xmortis holds goth nights on the second Friday of each month. The dress code requires you to dress up in all black and it offers a chance to have some fun with goth-style makeup! Both of these clubs are also quite safe as they are 18+ and they would be fun to go to in groups. 

The next activity I recommend for large groups is late-night karaoke! Nothing feels quite as cathartic as blasting famous songs on the speakers and yelling lyrics at the top of your lungs without the need to sound even remotely good. The one I went to was Station Bistro & KTV in Chinatown, which I recommend. It had cute private rooms, an endless menu to choose from, and a great selection of songs. 

As a quick bonus, an inexpensive activity to tack on before your late-night adventures is biking! If you haven’t gone biking with friends from 6 PM to 8 PM, it’s one of the most fun experiences ever. The Esplanade in Boston was less crowded during that time, so we got plenty of room to bike around for however long we wanted to rent the bikes. 

Being underage in Boston doesn’t have to be boring! Look around, and you will find plenty of opportunities to make the most of your weekends. 

Enjoy 10% off Cambridge Naturals with this coupon and your student ID!

By Natia Kirvalidze 

Natia Kirvalidze studies Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper, serves as the Features Editor for Page Turner Magazine, and is the Managing Editor of Green Magazine. She enjoys playing chess, hiking, and making checklists. 

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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International Student Club: Film

Saturday, September 28th, 2024

When using entertainment to create our communities, film cannot be understated. International films enjoyed through cinemas or film festivals are the perfect way to escape stress. Like music, which I discussed in the previous chapter, film can unite people who may otherwise feel disconnected from their communities. 

To start with cinemas, AMC famously has student discount pricing. Students can bring their IDs to the box office and save money on any movie they want to watch. They also offer monthly subscriptions with AMC Stubs, providing different tiers. The AList tier, for example, offers up to 3 movies every week for around $25 a month. Film theaters are more readily accessible than film festivals, so it’s only fair to acknowledge them first and foremost. 

Film festivals, however, are where it gets exciting. Film festivals often show independent films that we don’t get to see in regular theaters. For anyone looking to watch international independent films, film festivals are perfect for us international student cinephiles. Massachusetts Film Office offers a comprehensive list of all the film festivals held year-round in the Greater Boston area, North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley, MetroWest & Central MA, Cape Cod & The Islands, and Western Massachusetts. Some notable festivals to note are the ones happening during the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Boston Asian American Film Festival / Courtesy of Eddie Vo / Taken from The Berkeley Beacon

Keep an eye out for the Taiwan Film Festival in Cambridge on September 28-29, The GlobeDocs Film Festival in Brookline & Cambridge on October 22-27, Boston Asian American Film Festival in Boston & Cambridge on October 17-27, the CineFest Latino Boston festival on September 25-29, Boston Jewish Film Festival in November, Wicked Queer Film Festival on November 15-18, and the Boston Palestine Film Festival on October 18-27. These are just a few options out of the many listed on the site. ScreenDaily and WBUR also provide helpful lists to stay on top of film festivals. 

For the spring of 2025, there will be the Independent Film Festival (IFFBoston) taking place in Somerville, Brattle, and the Coolidge Corner theaters during April 23-30, The Roxbury International Film Festival from June 20 to July 2nd, and the Boston SciFi in February held in a hybrid model between live and virtual. The Boston Underground Film Festival (BUFF) will be held in March 19-23.

Most of these festivals require paid tickets to attend, but many offer cheaper online programs and there are free film festivals during other times of the year. The annual Films at the Gate Festival, for example, is a free Chinese-language film festival in Chinatown typically held in August. The Boston Short Film Festival offers either low-cost or free screenings, and the Boston Film Festival may offer free college day screenings. 

It is no secret that films deeply affect our psychology. When we feel misunderstood or lonely, even when surrounded by people, movies can offer a sense of connection and understanding that we are craving, and impact our emotions simultaneously. Take advantage of these opportunities, whether it’s going to the cinema with your friends or taking the subway to go see a day-long film festival. Either way, there is so much culture to connect with. Happy exploring! 

Use this student discount to treat yourself to $10 off your Cafe Landwer mobile order!

By Natia Kirvalidze 

Natia Kirvalidze studies Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper, serves as the Features Editor for Page Turner Magazine, and is the Managing Editor of Green Magazine. She enjoys playing chess, hiking, and making checklists. 

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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International Student Club: Making Community Through Entertainment

Friday, September 20th, 2024

Finding people to connect with can be difficult, whether you’re an international student or a domestic student. However, it can be especially hard for international students who often have to travel across oceans to receive their college education. Cultural differences can be a huge hindrance in these cases, and no matter how well we get along with local students at our college, a level of loneliness persists. This space can usually only be filled by other things or people that remind us of home. Finding things that remind us of home can be tricky in a foreign country, but entertainment is a great tool to stay connected to our roots.

An accessible way to achieve that feeling of home is through music entertainment. Music makes us feel nostalgic, enhances our mood, and creates bonds between groups of people who particularly resonate with it. It’s one of the perfect bridges between where we are and our home. 

One way I felt closer to my Georgian roots as a student at Emerson College was by going to see a Georgian jazz concert with a few other Georgians from the universities in the area. At that point, it was my second semester of sophomore year. I know one friend from high school who also goes to college in Massachusetts, and he added me to a group chat full of other Georgian students. 

Giorgi Mikadze, a musician and associate professor at Berklee, would be performing jazz at Berklee College of Music and we decided to check it out. It was free admission too, which was also quite appealing. The concert was composed by Mikadze on the piano, accompanied by a bass player and a drummer. They played jazzified renditions of melodies drawn from prominent Georgian films, cartoons, and musical theater productions from the 20th century. “You know the Great American Songbook?” Mikadze asked the audience. “Well, this is the Great Georgian Songbook.” 


Giorgi Mikadze Jazz Trio: Georgian Songbook courtesy of the artist College.Berklee.edu/piano/events/giorgi-mikadze-jazz-trio-georgian-songbook

Although the music itself wasn’t necessarily familiar, (the melodies were drawn from older films I never watched growing up) going with other people from my home country, supporting a musician from my country, and talking about the show in our shared first language afterward made me feel truly connected to my homeland for the first time that semester. 

Music drives our need for connection and community, but don’t miss out on fun experiences if you have no one to go with. Experiencing this form of art can be quite rewarding as a solitary activity as well. I’ve experienced concerts all by myself, hosted by the Celebrity Series of Boston. This organization holds music events of all kinds — ranging from different genres, prices, and celebrities. The Celebrity Series of Boston and the Berklee College of Music are only two of the unlimited free event opportunities in Boston. Outdoor performances are a staple during the summer, and some organizations to watch out for during this time are ZUMIX, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Tanglewood, Lowell Summer Music Series, and many more. Watch out for concerts on Salisbury Beach, in the BPL courtyard, Prudential Center’s South Garden, Boston Common, North End Greenway, and overall citywide neighborhood concerts. 

If you’re an international student who craves art and music, keep your eyes peeled for the Berklee performances, Celebrity Series performances, and neighborhood cultural centers, and be sure to check The Boston Calendar. I would strongly encourage anyone going through homesickness to either make a group chat with people from your home country or join one. Facebook groups and Subreddit communities are solid ways to look around and see who’s in your area. Going out to experience familiar-sounding music with familiar people can help settle that stubborn loneliness.



I love Caffe Bene for its amazing coffee and pastries. Bring your student ID and use this discount for 10% off your order!

By Natia Kirvalidze 

Natia Kirvalidze studies Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper and serves as the Features Editor for Page Turner Magazine. She enjoys playing chess, hiking, and making checklists. 


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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Music to Study to

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

Music can be a powerful tool that connects us to distinct memories, evokes specific moods, and perfectly encapsulates feelings. The music I listened to during my college experience became increasingly significant as I reflected on how I connect music to memories, people, places, and emotions. Sometimes it plays in the background while you’re studying, blares in your headphones as you meet up with friends, or creates the perfect mood for wandering around the city by yourself. College was an important time for discovering music I loved because it acted as a de-stressor, a motivator, and a mood shifter. It made long hours in the library easier, relieved stress the night before a big exam, and motivated me to keep going despite the challenges and external factors in my life. Music is my biggest outlet for when I’m experiencing overwhelming feelings, many of which are evoked during time spent in undergrad. My taste developed significantly over those four years as I discovered new places and learned more about myself.

My experiences reflect that the benefits of music, especially as a student, can improve your mood amidst the numerous stressors in a student’s life. Music became not only an outlet for self-expression and stress relief but also a hobby. As my student guide describes in detail, attending live music events became one of my favorite things due to their low price and accessibility in New York City. Experiences enrich our lives, and especially as a student, engaging in activities outside the classroom is crucial for maintaining good mental health. Having a fulfilling personal life with hobbies and activities beyond an academic setting helps maintain a sense of importance once student life is over. Music was a significant part of how I discovered my sense of self, and I am increasingly grateful as I enter postgrad life. I never fully understood how music affects our mood and stress levels, but I recently began researching this topic.

Recent USC research underscores the profound impact of music education on adolescent well-being, revealing benefits that extend beyond the development of neural connections. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights how music education not only enhances cognitive function and creativity but also boosts mental health and emotional stability. Beatriz Ilari, a USC Thornton associate professor, notes that music can help students navigate emotions, strengthen their connection to school and community, and foster a hopeful outlook on the future. This research, especially pertinent in the wake of the pandemic’s impact on student mental health, underscores the importance of accessible music education programs in supporting positive youth development and addressing disparities in access, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.

Music’s role in enhancing mental health and personal development is evident both in my experiences and in recent research. Although I hadn’t fully understood the psychological impact of music until recently, learning about these benefits has reinforced my appreciation for its role in my life. Music remains a vital outlet for managing overwhelming feelings and discovering new aspects of myself as I navigate postgrad life.

Source; https://today.usc.edu/music-education-research/


Enjoy this super student special at Neat Burger!

By Georgie Fleming

Georgie Fleming is a recent graduate of Fordham University with a BA in Communications and French and Francophone Studies. While at Fordham, she frequently published articles in a music publication and worked as a barista. She grew up in Newport, Rhode Island. She spends her free time going to the beach, reading, and baking.


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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DIY Music: What to Know

Thursday, July 11th, 2024

DIY, arguably created around the 1970’s, is a community of artists writing, producing, performing, and releasing music made completely independently. It encourages artists to be self-reliant and evokes complete artistic freedom without associating with big labels. A Medium article by the DIY Report cites the ethics of DIY as: “self-sufficiency, personal relationship with fans, and freedom of expression” (https://medium.com/@thediyreport/what-is-diy-music-4093b78c00f0).  The idea of DIY is often associated with impromptu shows which are typically held in smaller venues or private homes. It’s well-liked amongst students because of its accessibility and the spontaneity of hosting a show within your own home for small audiences and at a low cost. 

I became introduced to DIY music through many of my musician friends, who upon coming to college, sought to find like-minded artists to collaborate with and form bands. DIY was an inexpensive route for student artists to start performing for audiences and try out new styles affordably and conveniently. My involvement with a student-run coffee shop and event space, Rodrigue’s Coffeehouse at Fordham, also contributed to my discovery of DIY. Rodrigue’s Coffeehouse is a club and an on-campus space for Fordham students where they can enjoy a study space with one-dollar coffee during the day, and concerts at night. We hosted concerts and open mics monthly where student performers could showcase their skills. Being a member of this club was my first exposure to DIY music and fostered my love for finding new artists and supporting up-and-coming performers. 

Beyond Rodrigue’s, Fordham has a substantial culture surrounding house shows. House shows would be hosted by many different students; my roommates and I would occasionally host some of our own. Typically, a band would play at their own house or approach a friend of theirs with better space and propose a date, time, and charge at the door. Since DIY musicians attempt to procure an accessible artist community, charges for house shows are minimal (less than $15) and costs either go towards furthering the band’s projects or a charitable cause. Particularly, during my spring semester, many house shows decided to make their concerts into fundraisers, donating proceeds to causes such as medical aid in Palestine. 

Rodrigue’s Coffeehouse at Fordham University

DIY is an enticing community of artists because it thrives on promoting creativity without constraints. It can be a way to find accessible entertainment within your community, discover new artists, or learn more about music culture. Beyond the university setting, DIY is all over New York City. While there are many designated venues for DIY artists, it never hurts to take a chance on a band performing at your local bar or restaurant. 


Working with a student budget? Enjoy $8.50 lunch specials at Lunetta Pizza Monday through Friday!

By Georgie Fleming

Georgie Fleming is a recent graduate of Fordham University with a BA in Communications and French and Francophone Studies. While at Fordham, she frequently published articles in a music publication and worked as a barista. She grew up in Newport, Rhode Island. She spends her free time going to the beach, reading, and baking.


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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Low-Cost Concert Venues

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

Finding affordable concerts in New York City can be difficult, amongst the countless pricey entertainment options. While getting a ticket to see an artist you love at a larger venue such as Madison Square Garden or Radio City Hall requires preparation months in advance to find the best prices, if you are looking for someone affordable and last minute – there are plenty of options. Finding live events does not have to be an expensive or time-consuming process, especially given the concentrated number of music venues in New York City. Here are some of my favorite spots, some of which are available to under-21 audiences, for a fun night out without pushing your budget!

Bowery Ballroom; https://mercuryeastpresents.com/boweryballroom/

One of New York’s most iconic venues, the Bowery Ballroom is a medium-sized yet intimate ballroom in the Lower East Side which has hosted artists from Kanye West to Lana Del Rey. This venue is one of my personal favorites because it is small enough where you can get a good view from basically anywhere in the crowd, without being too cramped. Upcoming artists playing this summer include Medium Blind and Mapache. Tickets here are typically around the $25-30 range and the majority of shows are 18+. 

Mercury Lounge; https://mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge/

Mercury Lounge is also in the area and has shows almost every night, some of which are 18+. This venue typically hosts independants up and coming artists and is smaller than the Bowery Ballroom. It’s a chill venue and is perfect for last minute stop as tickets are available at the door for under $20. Mercury Lounge is great late night spot if you’re looking for something laid-back and affordable. 

Knitting Factory – Baker Falls; https://ny.knittingfactory.com/calendar/

The Knitting Factory is another great venue in the Lower East Side which is 18+. This is one of the smaller venues with tickets that range from completely free to $20. Attending shows here is always great because there is usually one band out of the numerous that play that you might now know. Typically, nights at the Knitting Factory are stacked with about 3-4 bands, which is a great opportunity to experience new artists. 

Webster Hall; https://www.websterhall.com/shows/

Lastly, Webster Hall is the largest of these venues, but small enough where it provides a great concert experience. Close by to the other venues mentioned, this is the place to catch mid-size to larger artists – upcoming shows include Clairo, Duster, and The Lemon Twigs. Most concerts here are 18+ and tends to cater towards a younger crowd. Tickets can be on the pricier side than the other smaller venues, but if your favorite artist is playing, it is well worth it. 


Looking for a late-night bite? Check out Rosetta’s Pizza and get 20% off with your student ID!

By Georgie Fleming

Georgie Fleming is a recent graduate of Fordham University with a BA in Communications and French and Francophone Studies. While at Fordham, she frequently published articles in a music publication and worked as a barista. She grew up in Newport, Rhode Island. She spends her free time going to the beach, reading, and baking. 


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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A Student’s Secrets to Affordable Entertainment in NYC

Monday, June 3rd, 2024

New York City has been a cultural hub and home to artists across numerous disciplines for most of its history. One of the most exciting parts of NYC is its rich connection to music history and the hoards of artists which are attracted and inspired by the city’s vibrance. Music has always been an important part of my life. In fact, it was an emotional support archor during the pandemic; when creating a playlist for every mood, season, or activity was an ideal way to pass hours at a time. My engagement with live music prior to moving to the city was decently limited due to the inaccessibility of concert stadiums and venues from my small town. Coming to NYC, I could not have predicated that frequenting affordable live music venues would be a large component of my experience. However, it became one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend and become more connected with a sometimes overwhelmingly large city. 

Pretty Sick live at the Bowery Ballroom – November 2022

A brief history of New York music culture: a birthplace of hip hop, punk rock, disco, and new wave. The city is also recognized for the host of genres which it has popularized such as jazz in Harlem, folk in Greenwich Village, and bachata in Washington Heights. New York houses some of the most iconic venues as well, such as the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, and the Lincoln Center for Performing. Later on, I may even discuss how you can visit some of NYC’s iconic venues. It has continuously been a beacon of artistic freedom, inviting innovative creativity and supporting a large community of independent artists. The melting pot of cultures present in New York impact and shape how styles of music have mingled and merged. 

My own experience in New York has largely centered around music culture because it became one of the most accessible ways to find entertainment on the weekends as a college freshman and sophomore searching for under-21 nightlife spots. It can be difficult to find experiences which cater to 18+ audiences in New York despite the multiple universities in the city. Attending live music events became a gateway through which I could experience the city at night and an affordable way to socialize and foster new experiences. To continue nurturing my love for music, I also became involved in the burgeoning music scene at my own university. Fordham’s music community consists of numerous bands which perform on-campus and off in the nearby area and contains many students who go on to pursue music as a full-time career. Attending the performances of student-led bands because a way to meet new people and engage with my university community.

Having live music available within my own neighborhood of Belmont in the Bronx was certainly a privilege, but I still frequented my favorite Manhattan spots often. Overall, music has been a gateway for me to access all that New York has to offer, connect with its rich culture, and maybe even find my own place in an overwhelmingly large city. I want to connect students like myself to these experiences and share tips and tricks for finding affordable entertainment. In the coming chapters, I will both explore my on-campus and off-campus music venue experiences and even include an interview with a Fordham alumni and New York based musician. This will be my ultimate guide to accessing all New York has to offer music-wise including 18+ accessible locations within a student’s budget!


Enjoy 15% off hair services with this special discount for students!


By Georgie Fleming

Georgie Fleming is a recent graduate of Fordham University with a BA in Communications and French and Francophone Studies. While at Fordham, she frequently published articles in a music publication and worked as a barista. She grew up in Newport, Rhode Island. She spends her free time going to the beach, reading, and baking.


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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Are You Still Watching?

Sunday, July 24th, 2022

Surely we have all come across this question once or twice before in our lives—the one Netflix asks you when you have been watching TV all day and they want to do a cute little check in to make sure you’re still there. At which point you pause, think to yourself, “wow, have I really been watching all day?” and then you proceed to hit “continue watching.” What fun!

If there was a time that we needed entertainment the most, it was during the pandemic. We were cut off from our friends, our family members, our neighbors, and basically everyone who we didn’t already live with, and aside from worrying about our safety, it was a time of mass boredom. We seemed to have so much time on our hands, so what were we to do with it?

At the beginning, for me at least, keeping busy took the form of watching TV. It was easy to do before, in between, or after Zoom classes, and it doesn’t take a lot of energy to keep you engaged. I had just gotten Disney+ the previous winter, and during a time of increased isolation, you could say I was feeling a bit nostalgic. I started watching some of my favorite childhood TV shows like Wizards of Waverly Place. Then, I obviously had to undertake the very strenuous task of watching all of the Marvel movies in timeline order. I later started watching the more predictable teenage fan favorites, like The Vampire Diaries and Outer Banks, and after finally succumbing to all of the traction it was gaining on TikTok and Twitter, I regrettably watched the first season of Tiger King (key word, first). As many I’m sure can agree, it was a time that was favorable to consuming all kinds of content in whatever way we could get it.

But the allure of the television could only last for so long, and soon I was looking for other things to do once my time freed up after classes were done for the semester. First, it was making friendship bracelets (which turned out terrible), then it was painting any and everything in my room (not as bad as the friendship bracelets but still not my best work), and finally it was doing 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles (subtle flex, I know).

My family was also trying to find new ways to spend time together, since we were all getting caught up in the monotony. We started getting takeout every Wednesday so we could have a treat to look forward to, even though we usually just rotated between our usual favorite restaurants. When the weather started to get nice and it was safe to spend time with people outdoors, we took our dog on a family walk every Sunday at nearby parks and trails. Although I did not love getting up early on weekends, it was a nice way to get some exercise, leave the house, and spend time with my family.

Hunter, the 15-year old dog in question.

At school, trying to find ways to be social and have fun while keeping myself and others safe was also a challenge. We couldn’t go back to doing all the things we enjoyed doing at college, but we just had to find new things and expand our horizons. For instance, during the fall of 2020, my roommates and I went to a pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins and get ice cream. It was a great way to do something fun while also abiding by COVID-19 guidelines.

Self-explanatory.

Out of all the activities I did to keep myself occupied during the pandemic, the thing that I did the most was read. Throughout my life, I have always loved reading—getting lost in fictitious worlds, being inspired by my favorite characters. When I was little, I would go through books incredibly fast, especially if they came from the Magic Tree House series. Of course, children’s books are shorter, but I also just had more time and energy to immerse myself in a good read. In middle and high school, I still loved to read, but I didn’t make it as much of a priority as other things—like homework, sports, and extracurriculars. It wasn’t until quarantine that I truly began to rekindle my love for reading. I would take my books, lay outside in the sun, and read for hours. I also started to read a little bit each night before I went to bed, which had one of two effects: either it would help me fall asleep, or it would keep me up half the night turning the pages. Regardless, I made a promise to myself that I would read a little bit each day, even while I was at school; reading was not only something that I loved to do, but it was also a great form of escapism during a time when many of us needed it most.

Our lives are so busy that we rarely take the time to pause and do things for ourselves. We always come up with excuses or push things off, but it’s important to make time for things that matter to us. Of course, work will always be important, but finding small moments every day to do something for you—even if it’s just a chapter a night—can be just as important, whether you are at school or at home. Honestly, if the pandemic had not come along to slow things down, I might not have realized just how caught up I was in the motions of everyday life. I think that sometimes we feel like entertainment is synonymous with wasting time, but it’s always important to take a breather, blow off some steam, and immerse yourself in something that makes you happy. It won’t always come easy, since as I’m sure we can all attest, these last few years have introduced us to a feeling of fatigue like no other, one that makes social activities or hobbies feel just as draining as work. Finding what gives you joy comes in bits and pieces and changes all the time, so just remember to be patient with yourself. 

And, if you’re looking to start your own version of take-out Wednesdays, use this coupon to get 10% off Indian cuisine from Punjab Palace!


By: Katie Reed

Katie Reed is a senior at Villanova University studying English and Communication. She is in utter disbelief that she just admitted to being a senior. She loves to read, but has made barely a dent in the increasingly large pile of books on her bookshelf that she told herself she would read this summer. She hopes to enter a career in the editing and publishing industry.


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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From New York to…Nassau

Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

Living in a city that’s fairly popular can be disgruntling sometimes. You’re just trying to get to work or class and there are about 75 thousand tourists in your way like that guy with a “I <3 NYC” hat and that person standing in the middle of the road trying to take a picture. It can get pretty annoying after the novelty of living in a big city wears off. There’s nothing you can do about the tourists, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few good ways to handle the idea of tourism in your city. If you think NYC’s bad with crowds of people that don’t know where they’re doing, Nassau is worse.

https://www.shutterstock.com/

https://www.shutterstock.com/

Taken by Jainita Patel.

Taken by Jainita Patel.

If you live in a big city, you’re going to eventually go through the 3 stages of tourism anxiety and here are just a few ways to cope:

Stage 1: Avoidance.

That’s right. It can be as simple as that: avoid the places with lots of tourists. Broadway? Avoid it no matter where you are. Battery Park? Nope. Midtown? Not today. Tourists can be avoided if you stick to neighborhoods that don’t have too many tourist attractions. Lesser-known tourist attractions in the boroughs are the best places to avoid the hoards of camera-wielding families. I’ve suggested it once and I’m going to suggest it again: Green-Wood cemetery is virtually empty and it’s gorgeous. Park Slope is mainly residential and has a lot of cute shops and places to eat. If you’re hell bent on staying in Manhattan, the East River is generally less tourist-filled than the Hudson. If you really want to get away, Hoboken has the best view of the skyline and only locals tend to live there. In the Bahamas it’s a bit harder to avoid tourists. The main key for Nassau is to stay away from Atlantis and avoid the straw market and downtown. That’s where the cruise ships let off and you don’t want to be there the first thing in the morning when hoards of people dock. Instead, try going to the other side of the island to Clifton Pier. If you need to stay near downtown, try going to Loop View instead, where you can get an amazing view. Cabbage Beach is also a good place on Paradise Island that’s pretty isolated but close enough to the resort to walk.

https://www.nycgo.com/i

https://www.nycgo.com/i

Cabbage Beach. Taken by Jainita Patel.

Cabbage Beach.
Taken by Jainita Patel.

Stage 2: Acceptance.

After a while, avoiding all of the places with tourists can get a bit boring. After all, the reason people go to places is because those places are interesting. Sometimes you just have to be okay with the fact that you live in a cool part of the world that a lot of people want to see. That doesn’t mean going out of your way to avoid tourist-filled areas, but it doesn’t mean purposefully going to those areas either. Union Square get pretty touristy during the summer, but if you have to go through it, just put your headphones in and keep walking. The second stage of living in a city is just knowing that you signed up for this and being ready for it. For Nassau, if you need to go through downtown, walking through the sunlit streets can actually be pretty pleasant even with the hoards of tourists buying rum cake and souvenirs.

Union Square https://en.wikipedia.org/

Union Square
https://en.wikipedia.org/

Pompeii Square in Downtown Nassau. Taken by Jainita Patel

Pompeii Square in Downtown Nassau.
Taken by Jainita Patel

Stage 3: If You Can’t Beat Them, Join Them.

Since love and hate are pretty close emotions, if you hate tourists, eventually you’re going to become one. Whether it’s in your own city or another, but the good part about being a tourist in your own city is that you can actually go out into the world and enjoy every part of the your city that makes it so famous. Haven’t gone up the Freedom Tower yet? Now is as good as any other time. Haven’t been to the Met in a while? Go for it. Lived in New York for 3 years and haven’t walked across the Brooklyn Bridge or seen the Statue of Liberty yet? Well now’s your shot. Don’t let tourists stop you from going to see these things. Sometimes it’s just better to say “screw it” to feeling like a local and just getting out there and seeing your part of the world. For Nassau this can be especially fun. If you’ve been there for a while and haven’t gone snorkeling now’s your shot. You can even get discounted Bahamian Atlantis passes if you’re there for long enough. Downtown—except Sr. Frog’s, avoid Sr. Frog’s at all times—can be extremely fun if you’re willing to commit to just enjoying yourself instead of blending in.

Freedom Tower http://www.theepochtimes.com/

Freedom Tower
http://www.theepochtimes.com/

Atlantis Resort. Taken by Jainita Patel

Atlantis Resort.
Taken by Jainita Patel

Have fun with it. You’re going to go through the three stages of tourism anxiety no matter where you move. At first you feel like one of them and then you become jaded enough to try to avoid being one of them, but like most things in life, that too will come full circle in the end. So if you like New York for how many tourist attractions it has, you’ll love Nassau and vice versa. Hopefully you’ll get to visit both some day.

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By Jainita Patel

Jainita is a Campus Clipper publishing intern who is double majoring in English and Environmental Studies at NYU. Though writing fiction and painting are her two main passions, she also has a love of travel and adventure that has taken her across the globe.  Jainita writes under the pseudonym Jordan C. Rider. If you like her posts, you can find more of her work here or follow her on Twitter. 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 encourage 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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Free Weekend (Week of 10/1/2012)

Friday, October 5th, 2012

Electrified ft. David Blaine

David Blaine is throwing a special launch party for his new illusion. What exactly is the illusion you ask? Well, Blaine will spend three days and three nights standing in the middle of a million volts of electric currents streamed by Tesla coils.

It should be quite the experience so be sure to RSVP.

 

Lazerpop ft. Girl Unit, Dubbel Dutch, Nadus

If you’re down for a late night party, Lazerpop  (aka Popgun) will be having a shindig at Grasslands Gallery. Dance/club music stars Girl Unit, Dubbel Dutch and Nadus all have sets tonight.

Tickets start at 5 dollars, but the fun you’ll have will be priceless.

more info here

 

Wild Belle

The chillwave/reggae fusion of Wild Belle is coming to Zebulon tonight. Wild Belle are duo Natalie and Elliot Bergman (we don’t know if they are brother and sister, husband and wife, or what, but that doesn’t matter, does it)?

They’ve gotten rave reviews earlier this year with performances at SXSW and Coachella, making this a must-see on a Friday night. RSVP before it’s too late!

 

Stop by 123 Burger before or even after your weekend festivities for a buy 1 get 1 free deal on burgers.

 

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Carlos L., Monroe College. Read my blog!!  Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

Click here to download the Campus Clipper iTunes App!

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