In the spirit of total transparency, my time at NYU has been a little rough. But through the moments of loneliness and anxiety that often characterize going to school somewhere as overstimulating as New York City, I’ve managed to stay the course. Whether it was walking along the West Side Highway on the first warm day of spring or finding community at WSN, these uniquely beautiful moments are what I’ll treasure long after my time here is done. In my four years, I’ve scoured the area surrounding NYU for places that made me feel at home — places of comfort, peace and connection for someone feeling lost in an overwhelming city.
Le Petit Parisien
32 E. Seventh St.
When I moved into my sophomore year dorm room in Seventh Street residence hall, I thought that I would be the only person living in my two-person room. So when I came back from lunch that afternoon to someone’s bags and a note saying they were my roommate on the other side of my room, I was — as some might say — gagged. And while I don’t endorse NYU randomly springing roommates on people, I can happily report that my surprise roommate became one of my best friends. Most mornings, we would climb out of our beds looking our worst and walk next door to Le Petit Parisien for a Nutella latte, which became a staple of our friendship. A tiny closet of a shop with newsprint wallpaper, a couple of stools and cozy lighting, the cafe became a place where I felt at home, and I frequented it with a loyalty I reserve only for good coffee places and any movie with Hugh Grant in it.
Elizabeth Street Garden
211 Elizabeth St.
If there’s one thing a New York City resident needs in their life, it’s a green space to escape to. During the fall semester of my sophomore year, I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the quick pace of the city, and if I’m being honest, I was just trying to pass the time until the spring semester when I would go abroad to Sydney. Enter Elizabeth Street Garden: the perfect respite from my urban anxiety. Tucked between Prince Street and Spring Street, the garden is a leafy oasis that not only serves as a public green space but also offers poetry readings, movie nights, tai chi and more. Make sure to visit the garden soon, as it is currently fighting eviction — and, if you love it as much as I do, please sign this petition or donate to the legal fund to help preserve this integral piece of the community.
Three Jewels
5 E. Third St.
During my time in Sydney, I became really dedicated to meditation. When I returned to the frenzy of the city in the fall, the need for a way to quiet my mind only grew. On a whim, I decided to try a meditation class at Three Jewels, a Tibetan Buddhist enlightenment studio and cafe, which provides both yoga and meditation classes. I was instantly astounded by the studio’s sense of community — something I had never really experienced in New York City until that point. If you are willing to put aside your reservations about meditation and give in to the practice, Three Jewels can truly help you see the city in a new light. I recommend the Love Meditation — you’ll walk out of the session feeling downright giddy to go hug everyone in your life, even the slowpoke walking in front of you on the sidewalk.
Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop
93 ½ E. Seventh St.
One of the best decisions I made at NYU was becoming an Irish Studies minor. Not only does taking classes in the Glucksman Ireland House make me feel like I’m tucked away at an idyllic small liberal arts school, but I also get to learn about my family history in a city that was central to the Irish diaspora. Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread Shop provides the perfect taste of home in the shape of a mouthwatering scone dripping in Irish butter and blackberry jam. If you’ve seen this place on TikTok, just know that the rumors are true — you will want to come back here every day. An extra perk for my Irish Catholic readers is the picture of Jesus framed in a disco ball that watches over the employees as they cook … I fear I’m obsessed.
Angelika Film Center
18 W. Houston St.
Last but not least is the place I rely on any time I have nowhere to go on a Friday or Saturday night. While I cannot solely credit the Angelika Film Center for inspiring my Letterboxd usage and love of indie movies, it certainly plays a large role. From independent dramas like “Perfect Days” and “I’m Still Here” to animated films like “Flow,” this theater’s selections never disappoint. You can also join their free membership program, as I have, for free surprise screenings, half-off Tuesdays, free birthday popcorn and more. When you’re feeling lonely in the city, there’s nothing better than losing yourself in another world, and the Angelika is my portal every time.
Contact Anna Baird-Hassell at [email protected].
