Posts Tagged ‘roommates’

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Niche-ing New York City: Building Your Community

Monday, July 21st, 2025
Our suite’s first walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

It was late August, 2023. I was hot, red-faced, dripping with sweat. My heart was racing – from the three trips up and down twenty-three stories or from the debilitating anxiety and uncertainty, I wasn’t sure. There were nine of us, plus a few siblings and too many parents, and we all tried to act cool around each other even though any one of us could have (and later would have) broken down and cried. It was late August when I unknowingly stepped foot into a too-small room inside a too-small suite that would change my life. 

My suitemates were my first community and, two years later, my closest community. We were each others’ therapists before we knew about the Counseling Center, we were each others’ financial advisors before we knew about Career Services, we were each others’ built-in friends before we even knew who we were going to become. It’s surreal to look back on this moment now; I seem to have forgotten the period of time in which we transitioned from roommates to family. Maybe it was when we played We’re Not Really Strangers the first night, or maybe it happened so slowly over our first year that I never noticed the change, but it feels like our community has existed as long as we’ve been alive; it feels like I know each one of them inside and out – and they me.

Me (right), Leah (second to right), and Caroline (second to left)

Two members of this community, Leah Eastwood and Caroline Lattanzio, offer their insight into the necessity of community in finding ourselves and developing our talents. Something I’ve found to be missing in conversations around a certain unifying skill, trait, or opinion is the importance interacting with a diverse range of talents. Yes, as an English major, I thrive in the community I’ve built within the English department. They commiserate with me on the struggles of research as much as they push me to dive deeper, to follow the rabbit hole. But if I was surrounded by this throughout my university experience – if Leah was only surrounded by Film majors or Caroline by Business majors – I likely would not only grow tired of it, but also fail to learn anything else. From Leah, I have learned nuances of screenwriting and directing I wouldn’t have otherwise. From Caroline, I have gained insight into the inner-workings of the music industry.

Caroline and Leah tend to agree with me. “I moved to New York City from Arkansas to avoid being around the same type of person every day,” Caroline notes. Similarly, Leah is glad that our suite had such a vast range of majors, interests, and talents. Seeing other suites break up because they were all members of the same – very competitive – major was disheartening. When we weren’t all competing with each other it was because we used our knowledge and talents collaboratively to help on a creative final or a research project and, miraculously, they all seemed to fit together perfectly.

The Pforzheimer Honors College at Pace provided us a similar diverse range of people, though who all had one thing in common: drive. Being around passionately motivated people – regardless of your talent or theirs – is necessary to keep going when it gets tough. Our Honors advisors are also a huge help in discovering our niches, assuring us that everyone has something that they’re good at, even if we don’t know it yet. Then, like our suitemates and our major departments, they push us to follow that niche, to try it out if not build a career in it. College is a unique time in which our lives are dedicated to perfecting a craft and to learning from everyone else’s crafts as they master their own. There is support and there is help everywhere around us, and it’s not hard to find if we only look.

However, there may be nothing so unique in this way as attending university in New York City. Leaving our tiny city campus, we find ourselves with exponentially more opportunity and community than we ever could have thought. Everyone you pass on the street is doing something cool, exciting, and necessary. Everyone has important knowledge and advice to impart. We just have to listen.

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By Lauren Male

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

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

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Crash Course Connections Ch. 2: Roommates

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frustrated woman confronting her roommate’s uncleanliness.

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

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

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

Have fun, and good luck!

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

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

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

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Making the Most of Your Circle

Tuesday, June 17th, 2025

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

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

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

Me on the Feast of San Gennaro Festival Ferris Wheel!

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

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

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

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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 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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Finding Your People in a City of 8 Million

Wednesday, June 11th, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Skylar Park

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

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

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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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People You Hate

Friday, November 10th, 2023

If there is one thing that is for sure going to happen in college, in life, it’s that you are going to meet people that you just don’t like. I go to a pretty small college, and for the most part I like to think that I can get along well with anyone. That being said, even in my small community, I have some opposition. There are a couple of people that I just do not like, for whatever reason.

My first year of college was online because of Covid, so my first year in the dorms was my sophomore year. I decided to go random for a roommate, and was matched with someone I seemed to have nothing in common with. I moved in without talking to her at all, with the exception of a five minute phone call discussing if the rug she wanted to buy would fit ok in our small shared space. I had a feeling that we wouldn’t be best friends, but that was ok with me. I thought we would at least be able to cohabitate.

Wrong. I’m going to skip the details, for my sake and yours, but we did not get along at all. We had some problems that we could not resolve without getting residential life involved, and it put an extreme strain on our already foundationless relationship. I ended up moving rooms two weeks into school and we hardly saw each other after that, but once in a while we would run into each other on campus. No words were ever said, but every look we exchanged was charged with strong mutual dislike. In truth, I hated her. 

Me and my new roommate get along much better!

Now, I understand that maybe hate is a strong word, but in my case it is accurate. When everything was fresh, seeing her would rile me up. Heart rate increased, face hot, stomach turning–the whole thing. Laying eyes on her fired me up to the point of significant distress, and I fed into the toxicity that is hatred. I talked bad about her to my friends, I gave her dirty looks, I blocked her on instagram. I am not proud of the way I handled our conflict, but because I felt that my feelings were justified, I didn’t realize how my own negativity was poisonous to my mental well being. Why should I carry all this anger with me over something that had long been over?

Time, as it does, diluted those strong feelings greatly, and now, in my senior year, I do not really think about her at all. Or at least, I hadn’t in a while, until we ran into each other in the bathroom at a local bar. The two of us made eye contact, but our eyes didn’t hold any tension or malice anymore, it just felt awkward. It seemed that we had both moved on. We sort of smiled at each other, and said a polite hello as I washed my hands. Sitting in that politeness for a moment, I complimented her boots and started to dry my hands. 

“We don’t have beef anymore, right?” she asked. I wasn’t really sure. It all felt so far away now, we had both moved on. My hatred had turned to apathy.

“No, we’re good.” It was time to let go. Even though I hadn’t been thinking about her much lately, it felt good to have some closure. Hate is just not fulfilling, and I didn’t have room in my heart to carry it anymore. We chatted for a few more minutes in the bathroom, and though we will probably never be friends, it felt good to let go of all of that anger I didn’t know I was still holding on to.

Sometimes you have to feel your hate, and that is totally ok, but you cannot let it overpower your joy. Hate is a parasite. It is draining, and heavy. You do not owe anyone your affection or friendship, especially when they have wronged you in the past, but hatred is ugly and wastes energy. It’s one thing to not want to be around someone, it’s another thing to let them live in your mind constantly. Protect your peace and don’t waste your time in anger. You have better things to do.

Hate doesn’t look good on anyone, but a new haircut does! Use this coupon to save 15% on a fresh cut

By Erin O’Brien

Erin is a student based in Boston, MA studying Communications and Studio Art. She is drawn to telling stories about love and friendship, with themes of humanity and connection at its core. In sharing her personal truths, she hopes to provide readers with nuggets of learned wisdom and college survival skills

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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Buy Some Cowboy Boots

Friday, October 13th, 2023

My roommates and I have recently gotten into line dancing at one of the local bars here in Boston. Every Sunday and Tuesday night, there is a bar about a mile and a half from our apartment with a big dance floor and a whole bunch of honky-tonking, boot-stomping individuals dancing their hearts out, brew in hand. The atmosphere is absolutely electric, people sporting cowboy boots and hats, cutoffs, bolos—the whole country thing. It’s awesome.

None of my friends grew up line dancing or doing anything remotely similar. All of us are New England born and raised, never worn a pair of cowboy boots, and had little connection to the southern lifestyle. We didn’t know a damn thing about line dancing. Of course, we know the basics like “Cotton-Eyed Joe”, but nothing like what you see at a country bar like this one. 

I had no idea what to expect the first time we ever went. One of my roommates had gone a few weeks earlier and was really eager to take us as soon as possible, so I was really excited despite having no actual clue what it would be like. I love to dance, so I knew I would have a good time, I just didn’t know exactly what that would look like. Unsure of what to wear, I just ended up going in the jeans and tank top that I had on that day.

The dance floor was already packed by the time we got there, but we claimed some space towards the back of the dance floor and jumped right into the fun. Every thirty minutes they had a tutorial on whatever dance they were playing next, but most of the time you were just expected to automatically know what dance went with which song and how to do it. Some of these dances were really hard, too. We tried to learn some on the spot, but it was mostly just us stumbling around and trying to mirror the people in front of us as best we could without a lot of success. Some we sort of got the hang of, but most we didn’t even come close. A lot of them are super complex, and you just have to come in knowing everything. You are just supposed to know! And we came in, a bunch of city slickers with absolutely no knowledge. We knew that we needed to study up and come back stronger.

We left that night absolutely drenched in sweat. Drenched. Throughout the night we had gone to the bathroom about ten times to wipe ourselves down, but we were sweating. Sweating, dancing our hearts out to songs we didn’t know and moves we couldn’t master. We had the time of our lives, and decided that we absolutely needed to do this every week. A few days later, we headed off to the thrift store to find some cheap cowboy boots. Yes, after one line dancing session, we needed to purchase cowboy boots. We pranced around the boot section and practiced some twirling and sliding to make sure we got the perfect ones. We tried on some cowboy hats, just to get into character, but didn’t end up buying them. We did, however, all leave with a pair of cowboy boots. You gotta play the part, and at this point we were fully committed to our new country lifestyle. When we got home, we watched a ton of tutorials and mastered some moves, so by the next week we were ready to dazzle. 

My mom’s well-loved cowboy boots that she gifted me. These girls have seen some stomping!

Now every week we show up in our cowboy boots, dance the night away, and leave soaking wet. We have the best time, every time. I think that part of the reason that we have so much fun doing this is because we really committed to making it the most full experience it could be. We found something that we all really enjoyed, and we doubled down. We bought boots. We learned the moves. We go every week. We make time to do this together. 

I think that it is too easy to get bogged down with busy schedules and not make enough time to play and have fun. My roommates and I struggle with that a lot. Despite living together, we don’t actually see each other that much. It means that our time together, when we get it, is really special. There have been times where I almost didn’t go because I had too much work or was too tired, but every time I have been so happy that I chose to take a break and have fun with my friends. Yes, school is important, but it is ok to choose yourself and your friends over an assignment. Now is the time to make memories with your friends, so go out! Going line dancing with them every week, making the time to do it together, it makes my heart feel really full. I think that when you find something that you love, people that you love, you should always try to make that extra effort. Devote yourself to the experience. Lean into it. Enjoy it whole. Buy some cowboy boots. 

Line dancing is no low energy task, use this coupon for 15% off and fuel up! You’ll need something hearty after all of that stomping!

By Erin O’Brien

Erin is a student based in Boston, MA studying Communications and Studio Art. She is drawn to telling stories about love and friendship, with themes of humanity and connection at its core. In sharing her personal truths, she hopes to provide readers with nuggets of learned wisdom and college survival skills

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.


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Chapter 3: Do You Also Think Women are Hot?: Coming to Terms with my Sexuality

Monday, October 2nd, 2023

Before I had moved into college, when I first started talking to my future roommate Kathy, I had convinced myself I was straight. Yes, I knew I had thoughts in my head about women that most straight people wouldn’t have, but I just repressed them because I didn’t know many queer people in my life and didn’t know who to talk to for help.

When we were in our first lockdown from COVID, I had literally nothing to do other than think, watch movies, think again, maybe do a TikTok challenge, and then think some more. Basically, I had a lot of time to reflect on my years in high school and how I almost never had a real crush on any guys and why I really enjoyed watching the “Lay All Your Love On Me” scene from Mamma Mia!. But, like I said before, I just kept ignoring those thoughts and keeping them to myself. Until Kathy informed me that she was actually gay.

I didn’t immediately come out to her when she told me. I’m pretty sure I said something like “Cool! I’m straight though,” and then we started talking about the show Glee (which I should’ve just accepted the fact that I was gay at that point…what straight person goes through a Glee phase when they’re 14). Once Kathy came out to me, I decided I would accept the fact that I like women to myself, but I wasn’t ready to come out just yet.

I won’t lie, when I chose Pace University, I knew it had a positive LGBTQ+ community and that definitely helped a bit when making my decision. So knowing this, I experimented with the idea of being out on campus because I would be around new people and it wouldn’t really affect my home life. However, that changed one fateful night before me and all my high school friends were about to separate and start our new lives in our own schools. The five of us sat in my basement and somehow, one person came out and then suddenly everyone started coming out. Which may sound strange if you’re a straight person reading this, but this specific moment, I discovered later on, happens to a lot of queer kids and is what I refer to as a “canon queer event,” aka a rite of passage.

So, with this new sudden bravery I found from my high school friends, I texted Kathy that night like “hey! I’m actually bisexual!”. And thus began my year of accepting to myself and others that I think women are hot and I’m proud of it!

During my freshman year, almost all of the friends I made ended up being queer. My current roommate now is queer and it’s also what helped us bond! Freshman year was my first year out and it was scary but ultimately exciting.I don’t regret it one bit.

But then summer came and I was home and alone with my thoughts again. I still had never been in any relationship before, but I was talking to people on dating apps. Nothing ever happened with those dating apps though. I only ever found myself talking to guys for a week and then ultimately ghosting them for literally no reason at all. All I knew is that something felt wrong. Not wrong with the guys, but wrong with me.


Me and my roommate Nellie in stupid hats our sophomore year

So, I texted my new roommate (who is also still my current roommate), Nellie, and asked if they had any idea why my brain was like this. Nellie and I had only been friends for a little less than a year at this point, but they managed to help me when I was feeling my lowest. They were the first person I told when I discovered the “Lesbian Masterdoc” (a document discussing compulsive heterosexuality from queer women) and the first person that I said “I think I might be a lesbian” to. And if I’m being fully honest, without this friendship with them, I maybe never would have had the courage to accept it. Which may seem strange because if I had already come out as bisexual, then why is coming out as a lesbian any different? To which I will respond with, read the lesbian masterdoc and discover compulsive heterosexuality and how the strict gender roles within our society mess with the female mind. If I wrote all about that this blog would be the length of the bible.


Me my sophomore year at a Pride at Pace prom event

Coming into my sophomore year, I had the strength to come out properly because of Nellie and we even attended Pace’s pride club for students together. Then, by junior year, the two of us became president and vice president of the club! The club helped me finally become comfortable with my sexuality and eventually gave me the courage to come out to my family the next summer.

By junior year, I was writing paper after paper about what it means to be a lesbian and I found one of my passions when it comes to writing. None of this would have been possible without the friends I made at school and I will forever be grateful for them. If you’re an incoming freshman, and you’re not ready to come out, there is no pressure for you to do so. But I strongly recommend finding people that are a part of your community to give you a helping hand when it’s needed.


Me petting a dog at NYC Pride in 2022 wearing a lesbian flag cape

Summary:

  • Before I met anyone from school, I was too scared to come out to anyone even myself
  • Once I started talking to people who are also queer, I started to gain my confidence with my own sexuality
  • I joined the pride club and moved in with my roommate who helped me find courage to come out
  • Finding people within your community can help you out in the future
Enjoy a Taco Tuesday at Cafe Habana and get a great deal! Show this flyer and student ID!

By Mia Ilie

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

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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Chapter 1: Welcome to College

Tuesday, September 26th, 2023

Chapter 1

(The view from my freshman-year dorm) 

“Should I wear this top with jeans or overalls, Mom?” It seemed like the most important question in the world at the time. You would think I was meeting the President of the United States when, in actuality, I was attending my college orientation. I was a bundle of nerves. Questions like: how will I make friends? How do I start a conversation? What if my classes are difficult? They all circled endlessly around my mind. It was likely evident that I was a mess inside, but I kept a smile on my face so as not to burden my parents with my anxiety. 

The start of college was an abundance of many things, like stress and anxiety, but also excitement and new experiences. Moving from Boston to NYC was not a drastic change but nonetheless a change. My school was now 4 hours away instead of 30 minutes. My bed was a cramped twin XL instead of the comforting full I had at home. Long were the days of solitude in my room, as my room was now occupied by two other people, not just people, total strangers. I was prepared for this. I was informed what college was like, and while each person’s experience is completely different, some experiences do align. 

As the days went on, my feelings toward college were nonetheless changing, and rapidly at that. Some days, I woke up and found myself excited for the day, whether due to a new conversation I had or a rewarding grade; other days, it felt like torture. I felt so lost and alone, and while I expected it to take time to make friends, at this point, it felt futile to even try to make conversation. I would walk the hallways lined with classmates who all seemed to always have a smile cracked on their faces or a laugh exploding from their mouths. Where was mine?

At the start, I relied on my roommates to be my friends… this did not pan out well. They seemed to take a liking to each other rather than including me. On top of this, I found myself in classes that were not engaging, whether it was my Intro Italian or my advanced-level Anthropology. I never found myself totally understanding or immersed in the topics; nerves made me apprehensive to attend class (nonetheless, I would still go). 

The weeks passed by, and I found myself in this limbo, neither good nor bad, just manageable. More and more, I talked with one of my roommates, Stacy. She was cool and fun and had never tried Indian food before. One night, with my Paneer Tikka Masala, I offered her a plate, a peace offering of sorts, and from there, we started to hang out more. We would go out to get lunch sometimes or walk Lincoln Square. Stacy turned from (in complete honesty) someone I disliked into a friend, and not only that, one of my best friends. A friend I would spend every waking moment with. We started sharing laughs, creating little inside jokes; all the little things were coming together. 

Soon enough, the girl I sat next to in Anthropology, whose makeup never failed to captivate me, and I started talking more. Her name, as I came to find out, was Jenna. A girl I had seen through the halls of my dorm but never had the courage to make conversation with. I can say now that she, too, stands as one of my closest friends. 

College became less daunting, classes lightened, and I had people I felt seen around. These companionships and experiences are ones that I know will last through the ages. 

 Key points:

  • I greatly struggled to find my place in college at first; friends were difficult to find, and I felt super overwhelmed
  • As time passed and tears were shed, I discovered a growing appreciation for my classes and connected with individuals with whom conversations flowed naturally, rather than trying to force connections.
  • Cultivating hope and patience enabled me to forge enduring friendships and make significant strides in my academic journey.

If you are ever craving a delicious meal and refreshing coffee, stop by Cafe Landwer and use this $10 off coupon to treat yourself. 

By Juliana Capasso

Juliana Capasso is a junior at Boston University studying Film and Television & Public Relations. Outside of her academic responsibilities, she spends her time exploring the city with friends, reading, listening to music, and journaling. 

 For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering 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 ebooks, 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 2023.

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Chapter 2: Hi, I’m Mia! Please Be My Friend!

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Once I had officially decided to go to Pace University, the next step was to find friends and someone I feel comfortable to live with. Pace has a designated building where freshmen live, so I couldn’t live with my friend since they were two years older. Even if I could, though, I didn’t want to. I knew that if I chose to live with someone I already knew, I would be too scared to branch out on my own and I wanted the independence of finding my own friend.

Part of my Facebook post from the Pace Facebook group for incoming freshman

So for the first time in several months (maybe even years), I opened up Facebook and edited my profile before searching for Pace University Facebook groups. The groups are student-made as a way to find fellow incoming classmates and potential roommates. I found two groups, joined both, and began adding almost everyone I thought wasn’t intimidating on Snapchat. Honestly, it felt like a dating app. Sometimes I would hit it off with people, and other times we would say hi and then instantly stop talking.

By June I was getting nervous, because the deadline for finding a roommate was coming up and I still hadn’t really clicked with anyone. It was also important I felt comfortable in my own room and because it was 2020, I wanted to make sure I was living with someone who respected COVID guidelines.

Me and Kathy after we both moved in

A few days into June I received a DM (direct message) from someone on Instagram. At first I was confused as to who this person was, but then I realized they found me from the Pace Facebook group, so I responded to her message. Instantly we clicked. We had all the same interests, were both nervous but willing to meet new people on campus, and were careful with COVID. Kathy (her name) and I ended up chatting everyday and eventually found the rest of our suitemates (the freshmen building had suites instead of just a classic two person or three person dorm).

With my suitemates and I texting each other every day, the idea of going to college seemed less intimidating now that I had more than just one friend. I was beginning to get excited as we all texted each other about what one person was packing, what movies we would watch on movie nights, and what clubs we were all interested in.

Me and a couple of my suitemates

If you’re an incoming freshman, I strongly recommend searching for any type of online group to meet new people. Having some form of established relationships will definitely help ease the anxiety of moving away from home. Even if you eventually find new friends or fall out with the old ones, you will always still have that bond with your freshman roommates. Nothing can take away that old nostalgic feeling of moving in for the first time and taking your first steps into the real world with these people. 

My suitemates and I would attend different events on campus, a lot of them virtual, some of them with social distancing, and together we all found friends. To this day, I’m still friends with my freshman year roommate and suitemate, and I’m forever grateful for them and the steps of courage we took together. We don’t live with each other anymore, but we still support each other and hang out together when we can.

However, I think my suitemates and I did have one unfair advantage that helped us grow close early on. Normal suitemates or roommates have a special bond because they are entering the real world together, but my suitemates and I actually didn’t get to take any steps outside because for two weeks we were all locked in our suite thanks to an increase in COVID cases. That’s right…in October, the entire freshman building got put into lockdown, forcing everyone to stay in their rooms for a whole two weeks.

To this day we still make jokes about how we were all trauma bonded because of this. We had to stay in our rooms, have crappy food delivered to our dorms, and watch movies almost every night to keep us from going insane. COVID may have made our freshman year difficult, but it also gave us a suitemate bond like no other.

I’d also like to mention the fact that, despite my suitemates and I helping each other out with meeting new people, my specific roommate Kathy was like a professional “friend maker.” Almost everyday she was introducing me to someone new. Thanks to Kathy, I met some of my best friends, one being my current roommate in my senior year!

My current roommate (middle), one of my best friends (on the right), and I on Halloween 2020. We all connected thanks to Kathy!

Another tip if you’re an introverted freshman like I was, make sure to meet someone who is very extroverted like Kathy is. This way, you’ll always be meeting someone new and each day will be exciting, and really that’s what every day of your freshman year should feel like. Even if you’re dealing with a global pandemic.

Summary:

  • Why Facebook groups are helpful before going to college
  • Go to events and clubs on campus! It’s the best way to meet friends!
  • Freshman year is all about excitement and meeting new people, don’t be afraid to try new things
Get 10% off any purchase at Baya Bar and enjoy a smoothie or acai bowl! Remember to bring your student ID!

By Mia Ilie

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

For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC,  from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services.  

At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.

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