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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 Alessa Alluin
Nico Carney and Misha Osherovich star in director Siobhan McCarthy's coming-of-age trans comedy “She's the He.” (Courtesy of Obscured Releasing)

Q&A: Laughing at the absurdity of anti-trans bigotry

WSN spoke with filmmaker Siobhan McCarthy about the inspiration for their upcoming film “She’s the He” and the avenues of transgender expression it explores.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor May 4, 2026

Some filmmakers find inspiration in the technical craft of the classics, but Siobhan McCarthy found it in what wasn’t shown: transgender stories. Since they dropped out of high...

(Courtesy of Universal Pictures)

Review: ‘You, Me & Tuscany’ is messy yet endearing

The quintessential romantic comedy won’t just rekindle your love for the genre — it’ll leave you dreaming of your own Italian escapade.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor April 21, 2026

After a string of recent rom-com disappointments, each new film carries the burden of restoring our faith in the genre. Director Kat Coiro’s “You, Me & Tuscany” nearly...

(Sophia Graves for WSN)

Ditch fast fashion for these 4 local boutiques

Whether it’s SHEIN, Zara or H&M, fast fashion is so last season.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor April 13, 2026

While it might be tempting to go on a shopping spree through the mainstream clothing stores on Broadway, take advantage of the city’s unique fashion landscape, where you can...

(Courtesy of Atlantic Records)

Review: The world sucks in Melanie Martinez’s ‘HADES’

The alternative pop artist is back and bolder than ever, rising from the hellfire engulfing the world.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor April 7, 2026

There’s no escape from the dumpster fire of a world we currently live in on “HADES,” Melanie Martinez’s fourth studio album. Released March 27, the “Dollhouse” singer...

(Alex Woodworth for WSN)

Everything I ate at Ubeland

Ubeland drew over 100,000 attendees, including ube enthusiasts and New Yorkers new to the purple yam alike.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor April 6, 2026

If you thought the NYU Bookstore was the most purple you’ve ever seen, you’ve clearly never been to Ubeland. The seasonal Filipino street food festival took over Broadway...

(Zara Surti for WSN)

KNESIS brings K-pop to Washington Square Park

From choreography covers to public dance circles, NYU’s K-pop performance group offers community for die-hard fans and new dancers alike.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor April 3, 2026

With a laundry list of awards for the animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” KATSEYE songs blowing up online and the long-awaited return of global superstar group BTS, K-pop’s...

(Courtesy of NEON, illustration by Suditi Sircar)

Off the Radar: ‘Origin’ confronts caste oppression

In Ava DuVernay’s drama, a journalist deals with grief as she writes a book that explores decades of discrimination, exclusion and resilience.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor March 31, 2026

What if all systems of oppression follow the same blueprint? Director Ava DuVernay explores this question in her 2023 film “Origin,” based on journalist Isabel Wilkerson’s...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Take a bite out of the Oscars with these recipes

Enhance your Academy Awards watch party with dishes that emulate this year’s best picture-nominated movies.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor March 10, 2026

Have you ever been watching a movie and just wanted to reach in and grab the food on the screen? Cinema has the power to move hearts and minds — and have you drooling over dishes...

(Maryam Lootah and Jada Nakagawa for WSN)

Your next museum visit, based on your NYU school

Tired of looking at Brightspace? Try some art instead.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor February 11, 2026

As someone who loves exploring the city, I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of New York’s museums. Through my years of roaming, I’ve learned that each museum has...

(Courtesy of The Recording Academy)

Predictions for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show

There is so much more to the iconic Puerto Rican singer than his greatest hits.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor February 4, 2026

Just four days away, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show is already shrouded in controversy. From accusations that his Spanish-language music is un-American to threats claiming...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

Festive food for football’s biggest night

Get a taste of every place represented in this year’s Super Bowl with modified versions of my mom’s recipes.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor February 3, 2026

Growing up, I was never a big football fan, but when the Super Bowl rolled around, it became my new favorite holiday — thanks to my mom’s recipes. Since 2000, my family has...

(Maryam Lootah for WSN)

5 ways to style your tights as the weather gets chilly

Temperatures may be dropping, but your tights will be popping.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor November 4, 2025

As the crisp fall air turns into a frosty winter breeze, the beloved bottoms of warmer weather get folded up and stored away. But fear not — tights have got you covered. For...

(Suditi Sircar for WSN)

$2 million Village greenery project launches near campus

The initiative, “catalyzed” by NYU, aims to add tree beds, plants and plazas to Greenwich Village while minimizing costs for small businesses.
Alessa Alluin, Copy Editor October 6, 2025

Over the next five years, sidewalks on and around campus will see more than 120 new tree beds, 110 safety planters and 100 shade trees as part of a local effort to spruce up the...

(Kiran Komanduri, Kyra Reilley, Lianna O’Grady, Geroge Papazov for WSN)

No ticket out of New York City this summer? No problem

Whether you’re interning, taking classes or just hanging around the city, here are some events happening this summer that will make you glad you stayed.
Alessa Alluin, Staff Writer May 6, 2025

After finals, most students try to escape the lingering stress and exhaustion by leaving New York City immediately. But some stay in the city for classes, internships, post-grad...

(Veronica Liow for WSN)

Gov Ball style guide

Stay cool and look cooler this summer with outfits inspired by this year’s biggest headliners.
Alessa Alluin, Staff Writer May 6, 2025

As summer sets in and finals come to an end, Governors Ball Music Festival returns to the city — a three-day music festival held from June 6-8 in Flushing Meadows Corona Park...

The Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life has dedicated spaces for meditation and reflection. (Evan D’Souza for WSN)

Know your resources: NYU’s wellness services

As finals season rolls around and stress levels rise, access to mental health services become more pertinent for students.
Alessa Alluin, Staff Writer May 2, 2025

From academic stressors to familial and financial obligations, mental health plays a large role in daily conversations, particularly for college students. But amid finals season,...

(Allina Xiao for WSN)

What your NYU school says about your style

NYU schools may not have a dress code, but they sure do each have their own fashion sense.
Alessa Alluin, Staff Writer February 21, 2025

The NYU school you're enrolled at says a lot about you, but one of the most overlooked qualities is what it says about your outfit. Even for those of you who love to stand out...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Long-distance friendships 101

How to keep your friendships alive and thriving — thousands of miles apart.
Alessa Alluin, Staff Writer February 21, 2025

My best friend is 2,899 miles away at Oregon State University while I’m here at NYU. Despite the distance, our friendship is as strong as ever — although I miss her tremendously....

An illustration of a skeleton standing in front of the Washington Square Park arch.

Tales of a haunted campus

Scary stories usually start on a dark and stormy night, but these ghost tales can haunt us anytime.
Alessa Alluin, Contributing Writer November 1, 2024

Halloween may be over, but it's still Halloweekend — so it's time to leave students with a far greater sense of dread than they felt while taking their last midterm. From busy...

An illustration of a pumpkin carved with the sacred syllable aum and lit from inside on top of a purple, orange and white flower shape. Around it are lit purple oil lamps and glowing lotus and elephant shapes.

Crossover of the year: Celebrating Halloween and Diwali in 2024

How to honor the bright traditions of Diwali and enjoy the spooky spirit of Halloween simultaneously.
Alessa Alluin, Contributing Writer October 30, 2024

This year, Halloween and Diwali overlap with one another. While both of these celebrations fall on the same day, those of us who celebrate both have a unique opportunity...

The entrance to a building with green construction scaffoldings out front and orange and white traffic cones around the sidewalk.

CAS to move into West Fourth Street building early 2025

The relocation will mark NYU’s first building dedicated entirely to its College of Arts & Science.
Alessa Alluin, Contributing Writer September 25, 2024

NYU’s College of Arts & Science will move into its new 25 W. Fourth St. location early 2025, the first building dedicated solely to the school. The new building will feature...

A sparkling illustration of triangular chips in front of a plate with a shiny pumpkin-colored flan, and a bowl of yellow and white grains.

Delicious and dulce: dessert recipes for Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic heritage by making these three desserts that blend tradition with seasonal fall fun.
Alessa Alluin, Contributing Writer September 18, 2024

Eating, cooking and sharing food are great ways to honor and celebrate culture. In Hispanic households especially, food is essential to preserving tradition and language. This...