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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

Alex Tran

Alex Tran, Culture Editor

Alex Tran is a senior majoring in Media, Culture, and Communication. She’s in love with culinary art, environmental protection and media production, with a life-long dream of driving a food truck across the country. While she’s currently on a social hiatus, you will be kindly followed back if you follow her @bullsocool on Instagram.

All content by Alex Tran
The three members of the Korean indie band SE SO NEON. The picture is taken from the hip up; two of them are laughing and the other one is holding the neck of an electric guitar.

Meet SE SO NEON: A band remaking the K-indie image

You might be wondering who SE SO NEON is. They don’t know yet either — but they’re coming to New York City on March 31 to figure it out.
Alex Tran, Culture Editor March 24, 2022

I found SE SO NEON the way anyone would find an indie band — through YouTube recommendations. On one of many sad and lonely days during the pandemic, “NAN CHUN” popped up...

Martin Fritsche stands outside Bobst Library holding a white rose.

Q&A: Meet the guy behind the rose cart

The street florist who’s been selling roses outside of Bobst since September has much more to say than just “roses, roses.”
Alex Tran, Culture Editor February 22, 2022

If you’ve walked by Bobst Library this semester, or even down Washington Square South, chances are you have run into an old man selling roses, or have heard him softly saying...

The youngest contestant on ”The School of Chocolate,” Daniel Corpuz, is in Manhattan for a pop-up shop at Canal Street Market. (Staff Photo by Alex Tran)

‘School of Chocolate’ chef Daniel Corpuz brings Valentine’s pop-up to West Village

The youngest contestant on Netflix’s latest cooking show, “School of Chocolate,” shares his culinary journey, a cookie recipe and a special perk for NYU students this Valentine’s Day.
Alex Tran, Culture Editor February 8, 2022

During my winter-break baking spree, I binge-watched chef Amaury Guichon’s strangely meditative “School of Chocolate,” a chocolate-making competition for seasoned professional...

NYU students celebrate Lunar New Year despite the pandemic and classes. (Staff Illustration by Susan Behrends Valenzuela)

Just another day: Lunar New Year at NYU

The unrelenting nature of being a student at NYU and resident of New York City can take the meaning out of most things in life. Lunar New Year is no exception.
Alex Tran, Culture Editor February 1, 2022

“Lunar New Year.” An alarm popped up on my laptop screen, the way it would for an assignment, class, meeting or work shift. I was scrambling my way through the mountain...

The holidays can be expensive. Here are some items that are worth the hefty price tag. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Sometimes, expensive gifts… are better

If you’re at NYU, there’s a decent chance that you know some rich people who helped get you here. Here are expensive gifts that are actually worth the money that you can ask them for.
Alexandra Chan, Alex Tey and Alex Tran December 10, 2021

As winter break approaches, here’s a holiday gift guide to help you to take advantage of the rich people in your life. When they ask how to ease their conscience, you can answer...

Visitors crowd the Annual Feast of San Gennaro, held in Little Italy. Despite the name of the neighborhood, the Italian population in Little Italy has been decreasing and replaced by white collar workers. (Staff Photo by Jake Capriotti)

The Feast of San Gennaro bodes ill for Little Italy

The shocking number of piña colada stations at the Feast of San Gennaro 2021 may reflect more than just a dying tradition.
Alex Tran, Deputy Culture Editor September 21, 2021

As a student dorming at Broome Street Residential College, right by Little Italy, I felt obligated to join in the crowd for the Feast of San Gennaro. I’d walked home the previous...

The boardwalk at Coney Island quiets down as visitors dwindle for the day. Peaceful moments can be hard to find in Manhattan, causing students to branch out and explore different boroughs. (Staff photo by Alex Tran)

Photo: The World Beyond Manhattan

February 18, 2020

The boardwalk at Coney Island quiets down as visitors dwindle for the day. Peaceful moments can be hard to find in Manhattan, causing students to branch out and explore different...

While many small businesses are cash only, all businesses are required to accept cash due to a new NYC law. (Staff photo by Alex Tran)

Photo: Cash is Back!

February 3, 2020

While many small businesses are cash only, all businesses are required to accept cash due to a new NYC law. (Staff photo by Alex Tran)

Food banks such as The Bowery Mission serve those in need, especially during cold winter months. (Via Facebook)

Five Ways to Give Back in New York Over Thanksgiving

Take a break from arguing with your family and spread some cheer in New York this holiday season.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer November 27, 2019

While Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with loved ones, gorge yourself on turkey and argue about politics with your estranged relatives, it’s also a time to give back to your...

Pulling an all-nighter at Bobst means lots of coffee and snacks to get you through the night. (Photo by Alex Tran)

How to Pull an All-Nighter at Bobst, and Eat Too

Spending a night at Bobst can be less horrible when you learn how to finesse food and drinks.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer November 26, 2019

11 p.m. rolled around, and that’s when I realized there was simply no way for me to finish my 2,000 word essay before bedtime. Admitting defeat, I shamefully shrunk into my hoodie...

The turnstile in which students swipe into their NYU dorms. NYU's Bed-for-Bed Exchange Forum helps students move into a difference room or dorm, even during the middle of the semester. (Staff Photo by Ishaan Parmar)

Save Yourself Roommate Horror Stories With Bed-for-Bed

Can’t put up with your roomies? Bed-for-Bed might be the solution.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer November 4, 2019

Roommate horror stories can make you laugh in hindsight, but reliving them every day isn’t as funny. Luckily, NYU offers a solution: the Bed-for-Bed Exchange Forum. This program...

Bella Gil wearing her cross necklace. There are stories behind students' favorite accessories. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Students Share Secrets Behind their Shiny Jewelry

What stories lie behind these students’ favorite accessories?
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer October 31, 2019

Jewelry can serve as a shiny addition that ties our outfits together. Yet behind the initial glare, these accessories can carry the sweetest stories. Steinhardt first-year Lexi...

Students are choosing to dye hair themselves in the dorms rather than pay for expensive dye jobs at the salon. (Photo by Patrick Tan)

The Plusses and Pitfalls of Being Your Own Barber

NYU students talk about their experiences doing their hair on campus.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer October 24, 2019

Unless you can rock a look like The Rock or Charles Xavier, hair is one accessory you can’t get rid of. A bad hair day can be covered up with a cute beanie or bucket hat, but...

Sweetgreen is just one of the many dining options professors opt for near campus. (Via Wikimedia)

The Favorite Campus Food Stops for NYU Faculty

Because professors need to eat too.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer October 15, 2019

In the rush between classes, students have plenty of options for sustenance: Mediterranean fare from Kimmel Marketplace, a spicy chicken sandwich from Weinstein Food Court’s...

Steinhardt seniors Brianna Dishman and Zach Gulino join hands in the park. (Photo by Talia Barton)

High School Romances That Defied All Odds

These high school sweethearts have miraculously stayed together through their time at NYU.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer October 2, 2019

The rush of being a new college student can often erase the person we were in high school. The barrage of assignments makes you wonder why you were so stressed about the SATs....

(Illustration by Sophia Di Iorio)

Wall-Punching and Puke: Roommate Worst Nightmares

With 26,000 undergraduates, students are bound to experience at least one roommate horror story in their time here. Enjoy these particularly harrowing examples.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer September 30, 2019

Unless you can afford New York City’s astronomical rent prices solo, odds are you will end up sharing your living quarters during your NYU career and beyond. While NYU’s quasi-random...

Food Gallery 32 is a multi-level food court located in the heart of Manhattan’s Koreatown. (Photo by Helen Chen)

Authentic Korean Cuisine Near NYU

Experience a variety of authentic Korean food with these five restaurants.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer September 17, 2019

The rise in popularity of K-Pop in America brought with it a love for Korean music, culture and, perhaps most importantly, Korean food.  International Korean students attending...

Students and faculty reflect on how they acquired their first high end purchase and what it means to them. (Photo by Alex Tran)

Worth the Investment? The Hidden Payoffs of High Fashion

From confidence to conservation, your first luxury purchase can reflect your values in a way that’s worth the investment.
Alex Tran, Contributing Writer September 12, 2019

The first high-end purchase. Though far from affordable for everyone, it’s an important milestone for many. Whether a gift or the culmination of months of saving up, a luxury...