New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

All content by Aksha Mittapalli
A manipulated image showing a red broken-heart emoji superimposed against a warped image of the New York City skyline.

Opinion: NYC is the best place to get over heartbreak

Feeling sad at the end of a relationship? Don’t worry: the city streets have plenty to help you recover.
Aksha Mittapalli, Staff Writer April 20, 2023

You just got out of your first long-term relationship since starting at NYU, and you don’t feel any of the freedom or relief you thought you would. It’s not high school. You...

A box of emergency contraceptive pills on a white tabletop. The box reads “Plan B. One-Step.”

Opinion: What if you could get Plan B from a vending machine on campus?

Universities across the country have installed vending machines that sell round-the-clock, contact-free emergency contraception on their campuses. NYU needs to follow suit.
Aksha Mittapalli, Staff Writer February 16, 2023

The George Washington University installed a first-of-its-kind vending machine on its campus last month. Instead of dispensing snacks, energy drinks, or other late-night study...

A light blue jetliner flies at night surrounded by nine pink hearts.

Off-Third: The best thing about going home is the airport

The airport process, especially during holiday break, is riveting and worthwhile.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer December 15, 2022

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. As the temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the stress of finals threatens to consume you, and the luster of the city begins to...

A laptop screen displaying a webpage that indicates the course feedback website for New York University.

Opinion: You need to fill out your course evaluations

Giving course feedback is anonymous, a good place to vent and it helps professors with future job applications — you can take five minutes to do them.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer December 12, 2022

A laptop screen displaying a webpage that indicates the course feedback website for New York University.Finals are right around the corner. As we get buried in assignments, our...

An illustration of an Indian woman with long black hair. A pair of hands wash the hair. In the foreground is a blue bottle of hair care product and a bowl of white liquid. In the background are red flowers.

How to save your hair

If your hair is suffering from the damage of dyes, bleaches and heat, here are two of the best and most dependable hair treatments from India.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer November 29, 2022

Growing up in India, I was told that healthy hair is just as important as a healthy body. Long, thick, voluminous hair is a great symbol of beauty that many strive to achieve....

An illustration of a roasted turkey served on a lemon platter. It is covered in leafy greens and is in the foreground a red background.

Off-Third: What to do when you’re stuck in the US for Thanksgiving

Not going home for the holiday? Here is a list of things to do in the city while you wait for your American friends to come back to campus.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer November 23, 2022

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. Alone in the city this Thanksgiving, thousands of miles away from your family? Here’s a great plan of fantastic things you can do to fill...

llustration of a toilet with the lid open and small bathroom tiles beneath it, against a background with a light blue gradient.

Opinion: You need to stop using toilet paper to clean your butt

Despite its prevalence in the United States and on NYU’s campus, toilet paper is one of the worst restroom hygiene options. It's time for NYU to offer toilet paper alternatives.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer November 18, 2022

Allow me to paint a picture. You’ve just come back from a great 90-minute workout and you’re exhausted. Your clothes are soaked and your hair has grown stiff from the sweat....

An illustration of a box filled with small pastries, two boxes labeled “SPARKLER,” two ignited sparklers, a stack of five playing cards including a 10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace from bottom to top, two flowers and a Diya, against a pink background.

Finding Diwali at NYC restaurants

Being so far away from home doesn't mean I have to reduce my Diwali dishes to just butter chicken.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer November 1, 2022

Within the tightly-knit Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Newar Buddhist communities across the world, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and most awaited events to celebrate...

An illustration of white wired earphones surrounded by musical notes, against a blue background.

Opinion: It’s high time we embrace pop music again

I’m tired of pretending that “Price Tag” by Jessie J is not my favorite song.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer October 28, 2022

Last weekend, I was at one of those parties where no one is dancing and everyone is spending all of their time and energy on making tasteless small talk. During one such blessed...

An illustration of a college dorm room with two beds and posters hanging on the wall. On the left side bed there are purple beddings and a girl wearing a purple tank top and blue pants. On the right side bed there are light blue beddings with a girl wearing a blue long-sleeve jersey and gray pants. Both of the girls are crossing their arms while turning away from each other facing the wall.

Off-Third: You should dorm with your best friend

There is no need for boundaries among best friends.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer October 13, 2022

Off-Third is WSN’s satire column. Do you remember how, during the summer before your first year, your dear mother warned you to not dorm with your best friend?  Utter...

An illustration of the silhouettes of two people facing one another, against a blue background. A text bubble is drawn, showing the person of the left saying “Can I call you “blank” for short?” to the person on the right.

Opinion: Stop trying so hard to pronounce our names right

We’re just as embarrassed as you are when you pronounce our names wrong.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer October 5, 2022

It’s move-in day. You and your entire family, grandparents and all, spill into your smaller-than-expected dorm room. You'll hang the clothes that you'll probably never wear,...

A group of people dressed in different outfits look up at several pillars with the American national flags hanging off them.

Opinion: U.S. media coverage of international news is half-baked

American newspapers take a sensationalized approach to covering global affairs, and it is polluting the identity of developing nations.
Aksha Mittapalli, Contributing Writer September 13, 2022

Another summer has passed, and the United States continues to grace the world with its unsolicited, international involvement. As a global superpower, the United States continuously...