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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

Julia Smerling

Julia Smerling, Photo Editor

Julia Smerling is a sophomore studying photography and imaging, and is one of WSN’s Photo Editors. She is from West Palm Beach, Florida, and you can find her writing poetry, obsessing over films, painting art on jeans and always having her headphones on. Also, she’s secretly Peter Parker. You can reach her on Instagram @juliasmerling or her art account @jul3sarchive (where mostly her mom hypes her up and likes her posts. Please give it a look — it's becoming embarrassing at this point.)

All content by Julia Smerling
A person in a white top, jeans and pink strawberry earrings sits on a park bench with a pink tote bag.

Photo: Style on the Square

September 5, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

A weathered wooden storefront with “JACK’S WIFE FREDA” in gold text on a green and white striped awning hanging over small yellow tables and chairs.

Photo: 5 Restaurant Week deals to kick off the school year

Lauren Ng, Dining Editor September 3, 2024

White Oak Tavern. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Students stream past the clay-colored main entrance of Bobst Library on a bright fall afternoon. The green scenery of Washington Square Park is reflected off the library’s windows.

A look at ‘Bobst Boy’ 20 years later

Steve Stanzak, the student who lived in Bobst Library for nearly eight months while at NYU, shared his experience and where he is now with WSN.
Julia Smerling, Photo Editor June 18, 2024

It's been 20 years since Steve Stanzak, otherwise known as “Bobst Boy,” lived in Bobst Library for the majority of his sophomore year at NYU after a lack of financial support...

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Photo: New eats near NYU: Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao on St. Mark’s Place

Andrea Lui, Culture Editor May 27, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

A tray with fried calamari, spring rolls, fried dumplings, chicken satay, two different sauces and curry puffs.

Photo: Sabai Thai is an intimate nod to Thai cuisine

Sar Perez, Staff Writer May 1, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Photo of the festival with a yellow sign that says “DRAGON FEST” in red font.

Photo: Roaring success: What it’s like to stroll and devour through Dragon Fest

Adrianna Nehme, News Editor April 30, 2024

Chi Forest. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Three people sit in chairs in front of a white wall, and the person in the middle is speaking into a microphone.

Photo: The NYU Stern Luxury and Retail Association hosts Vogue executives as part of showcase week

Logan O’Connor, Contributing Writer April 30, 2024

Vogue's Global Associate Director of Brand Marketing Katie Knoll, Vogue’s Art Director Ingu Chen, and Condé Nast’s Senior Manager of Content Strategy and Growth Jody Jones...

(Krish Dev for WSN)

‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ becomes site of mass arrest at NYU

WSN photographers documented protest and police activity from early morning to late in the evening on Monday, the day the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” was set up in Gould Plaza.

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Photo: A warm welcome to modern Asian fine dining with Hortus NYC

Katie Liao, Staff Writer April 16, 2024

Yuzu Bacon Rose Pasta. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Pink Olive West Village  (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Photo: From baked goods to books: 4 must-visit, women-owned businesses

Yasmin Minos, Contributing Writer April 15, 2024

Pink Olive West Village (Julia Smerling for WSN)

A model in blue jeans and a detailed white bikini top with sunglasses on her head poses.

NYU Program Board fashion show spotlights student designers’ unique visions

The Program Board fashion show, hosted by drag queen Jan Sport, gave seven student designers an avenue to showcase their art and style.
Julia Smerling, Photo Editor April 12, 2024

Lower half of a person in front of a market holding a yellow Wegmans tote bag.

Photo: Is grocery delivery worth it?

Brianna Ly, Staff Writer April 5, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

A girl gesturing to her white sweatshirt with the words “NEW YORK UNIVERSITY.” There is a stylized logo on the front of the sweatshirt.

Photo: I got into NYU! On the second try

April 4, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Twelve lip balm tubes lined up and displayed on a white background

Photo: The best products for any lip-balm lover

April 2, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Twelve lip balm tubes lined up and displayed on a white background

Photo: The best products for any lip-balm lover

Brianna Ly, Staff Writer April 2, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

Photo: The Dinner Party Issue | Under the Arch Magazine

March 31, 2024

(Julia Smerling for WSN)

The Toronto skyline at night.

Spring break snapshots: Grassy getaways to snow-stuck trucks

WSN staff share photos from their first week of free time this year.

A person grabs toothpaste from a box in a drawer. On the counter and in the cupboards above them are stacks of non-perishable foods.

Photo: Steinhardt USG opens pantry to address on-campus food insecurity

March 7, 2024

Steinhardt's food pantry is located in Pless Hall. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Astor Place Hair Stylists on 2 Astor Place. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

Photo: The 4 best hair salons for a gender-affirming haircut

Marbella Ramirez Arrazola, Contributing Writer February 23, 2024

Astor Place Hair Stylists on 2 Astor Place. (Julia Smerling for WSN)

A woman in a pink jacket with black glasses, surrounded by individuals in green shirts, claps during a protest being held to save the Morton Williams supermarket. In the background, there are blue signs that read, “Union Strong Local 342.”

The people and patrons of Greenwich Village’s local Morton Williams supermarket

Village residents shared how a recently-saved supermarket has impacted their lives.
Julia Smerling, Staff Photographer February 12, 2024