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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

Divya Nelakonda

Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor

Divya is a Tisch sophomore majoring in Collaborative Arts. She’s a little lost — yes, in life — but, seriously, she’s directionally challenged, so if you see her, she could probably use directions. Currently in California, she misses the sights, sounds, and dogs-wearing-jackets of the NYC streets. She spends most of her days watching movie trailers instead of picking one and reading recipes that she’ll inevitably improvise in the kitchen. Follow her on Instagram @tskd, or better yet, add her on Co-Star @divya.n.

All content by Divya Nelakonda
NYU’s inadequate quarantine meals gained some internet notoriety especially on video platform TikTok over the last 14 days. Students reflect on their experiences with viral video and news reports and find a silver lining from the chaos. (Photo by Cristina Diaz)

NYU Quarantine Meals Leave Students With a Taste of TikTok Fame

After NYU’s quarantine meal service proved to be insufficient, inconsistent and often inedible, students quickly learned that the less food they received, the more TikTok followers they gained. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, some students have found a silver lining in their newfound fame.
Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor September 2, 2020

Just days into the mandatory 14-day quarantine, NYU students were served the now-infamous watermelon chicken salad. The strange combination was one of several poorly executed meals...

Quarantine Hasn’t Stopped This NYU Junior From Turning Out Looks

Quarantine Hasn’t Stopped This NYU Junior From Turning Out Looks

Niha Chandrasekar strives to keep up creativity in her fashion and beauty, even without the unparalleled creative energy of New York City.
Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor May 1, 2020

When I first saw CAS junior Niha Chandrasekar on Zoom, the first thing that caught my eye was her makeup: an ombre rainbow that spanned across her eyelids. But what was most striking...

A model wears a piece by designer Miashan at New York Fashion Week 2020. The fashion industry has been forced to evaluate how it can remain operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Fast-Fashion in the Face of the Coronavirus

The Coronavirus sheds light on the hidden victims of fast-fashion.
Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor April 9, 2020

Long before the coronavirus, the future for the fashion industry was grim. As the pandemic spread to Italy as the Fall 2020 fashion week in Milan was beginning, widespread panic...

Quarantine has given us plenty of free time. With salons and beauty parlors closed across the country, there are still ways you can practice self-care from the comfort of your home. (Staff Photo by Divya Nelakonda)

Photo: Creative Self-Care in Uncertain Times

April 2, 2020

Quarantine has given us plenty of free time. With salons and beauty parlors closed across the country, there are still ways you can practice self-care from the comfort of your...

One student had to finish all the food in her refrigerator before leaving New York. While some had to abandon their de-stressing trips, others spent time dealing with stocked up groceries. (Staff Photo by Chelsea Li)

How Students Are Spending Their Spring Break In Quarantine

From booking last-minute plane tickets to baking vegan cakes, NYU students are adapting to an unusual and uniquely stressful spring break
Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor March 23, 2020

With the announcement a week prior to spring break that NYU's Washington Square Park campus would begin remote classes due to the continuous rise of coronavirus cases in New York...

The Soho Diner tucked away in Lower Manhattan. (Photo by Divya Nelakonda)

Soho Diner Reimagines the Humble American Eatery

Serving night owls, early birds and everyone in between, you can find pork schnitzel and vegan banana pancakes all at the same joint — further proof that the American diner is truly timeless.
Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor January 30, 2020

In the age of elaborate latte designs, rainbow-colored food and bizarre cross-cultural ingredient combinations, the classic diner feels akin to a lost art. Even in the city that...

Start taking care of your skin with a simple and effective routine. (Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Simple Steps for Smooth Skin

Divya Nelakonda, Beauty & Style Editor January 27, 2020

Skincare. It’s one of the biggest crazes as of late; and there is no better time than college to build a skincare routine to both repair existing issues and prevent future complications....

The ground floor of Essex Market is a large workspace with plenty of natural light. (Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

The Inside Scoop on Essex Market

Navigate the indoor market with this list of seven must-try pit stops.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer December 2, 2019

The Essex Market lived on the corner of Essex and Delancey Street for 79 years. In May 2019, the market relocated across the street to Essex Crossing, a complex complete with residences,...

The holidays are upon us, and everyone is scrambling to find unique and interesting gifts for loved ones. (Via Pexels)

A Guide to New York Holiday Markets

Finally, a gift only you can get your hands on.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer December 2, 2019

Holiday season is now officially in full swing, and so is the last stretch of the semester. Before you return to the tranquility of your hometown, you may want to make a shopping...

Meditation room at GCASL 486. MindfulNYU offers quiet, seated, upright meditation to students during weekdays. (Via NYU)

Yoga and Meditation on Campus

The best low- to no-cost yoga and meditation classes before finals hit.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer November 3, 2019

With midterm season finally coming to an end, many NYU students cannot wait to turn in their last exam or paper. It’s no secret that college can be incredibly stressful. Luckily,...

Breakfast options for sale in Spacemarket outside Weinstein. (Photo by Talia Barton)

Hit the Snooze and Get Breakfast Too

It isn’t hard to keep your dorm room breakfast-ready.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer October 7, 2019

We’ve all been there. You’re at your morning lecture and as the professor drones on, all you can think about is your empty stomach begging for a bagel. Or worse, the classroom...

African black soap body wash in Sidestein is a  gentle, hydrating body wash. Beauty section in Sidestein covers everything students need. (Photo by Talia Barton)

The Bizarre World of Sidestein Beauty

Move over Lush, Sidestein has NYU students covered.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer October 3, 2019

You’re checking out at Sidestein. A pack of paper towels in one hand, and a coffee in the other, you notice something. Right by the cashiers sit the mysterious “clean” beauty...

The exterior of Pietro Nolita reflects its pink interior. (via Flickr)

Pietro Nolita Is Not-So-Pretty in Pink

Eat with your eyes, and only your eyes.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer September 24, 2019

If you’re anything like me, preparing to come to New York City included spending countless hours on Instagram immersed in photos of all the unique shops and restaurants surrounding...

Aphrodite Dry Cleaners is often frequented by NYU students due to its proximity to Washington Square Park. (Staff Photo by Min Ji Kim)

Pressed for Success

The best spots near campus for all your dry cleaning, tailoring and laundry needs.
Divya Nelakonda, Staff Writer September 9, 2019

The start of a new school year doesn’t just mean new classes and new school supplies. It also means preparing your best suit for a job interview and wondering how to get the...