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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 Noor Maahin
An illustration of simplified drawings of various forms of self-care like tea, a person wearing a face mask, and a person doing yoga on a blue background.

What it means to take care of yourself across different cultures

Students share self-care practices from their cultures.

As we enter winter and the trenches of finals week, it is important to carve out time to take care of yourself. While social media may inundate us with new, trendy practices weekly,...

An illustration of a rainbow-colored circle of holding hands. Inside the circle, there is an illustration of two people next to each other with a heart between them.

Opinion: Mutual aid keeps our communities alive — it’s time to get involved

Whether you want to volunteer your time, donate resources or simply learn more about mutual aid, here is the information you need to know about how to help you make a positive community impact.
Noor Maahin, Staff Writer December 5, 2024

In a school in the heart of New York City, students are surrounded by the manifestation of many social injustices with every block they turn. With thousands suffering on...

Six brown cookies on a plate with Reese's peanut butter cups and candy corn on top mimicking a witch hat.

Trick or treat yourself with these DIY Halloween treats

Whether you’re snacking before a Halloweekend pre-game or munching during a spooky movie marathon, these four recipes will satisfy your cravings.
Noor Maahin, Staff Writer October 28, 2024

This year, New York City is celebrating Halloween across two weekends. So, as you gear up for Halloweekend number two — and the holiday itself — take some time for reflection....

An illustration of five multi-colored bottles sitting on water that reflects pink plants and a pink sky.

The best setting sprays to lock in your look

Setting sprays are a great way to elevate your makeup look. But which one is best for you?
Noor Maahin, Staff Writer September 25, 2024

Setting sprays, along with powders and primers, are a great way to give your makeup a more finished look and make it last all day. However, with so many different setting sprays...

Illustration of four women wearing stylish, business casual outfits in front of a teal background.

From classroom to conference room: Master the art of office dressing

Don’t let your Monday morning internship attire trip you up this summer — level up your work wardrobe and make a statement with these office outfit essentials.
Noor Maahin, Staff Writer May 3, 2024

As internship season rolls around, it's time to talk about something quintessential to enter the workplace with confidence: office outfits. Entering a new internship can be stressful,...

An illustration with “BOOTS” written in the middle, and boots are below and above the words.

These boots were made for walking: A guide to the best boot styles

Polished, practical and perfect for any event, these boots will help you put your best foot forward this spring.
Noor Maahin and Isabella Jambrina April 11, 2024

With spring fast approaching, it can be hard to find a reliable style of shoes that work with every outfit in all types of weather. However, rain or shine, boots are always the...

An illustration of a pair of hands holding prayer beads on a black background.

Breaking fasts, building faith: The beauty of community during Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan has always held a special place in my heart. Now that I am away from home and family, my friends at NYU have helped me maintain a sense of community.
Noor Maahin, Staff Writer March 11, 2024

My earliest memories of Ramadan are vivid, enveloping my mind in warmth and nostalgia. I can smell my mother’s cooking, I can hear the laughter around the dinner table, I can...

An illustration of three girls in a dorm playing Monopoly. The girl on the left looks shocked, the girl on the right is laughing and the girl in the middle is watching and smiling.

Tackle tense roommate relations with these 4 bonding activities

Your roommate relationships can make or break your college experience. Here are activities to help you break the ice and ease tensions with your living companions.
Noor Maahin, Staff Writer February 8, 2024

One of the easiest ways to make conversation in any social setting is sharing roommate horror stories. It’s like those who’ve endured the trials of terrible roommates are forever...

A woman in a black shirt wearing multiple necklaces looking down as she places her hand down. She is looking towards another hand sitting on the table under a white device emitting purple light.

Small spaces, big ideas: Running small businesses from NYU dorms

From a fresh set of braids to custom nails, these dorm-preneurs offer affordable beauty services to students on campus.
Noor Maahin, Contributing Writer December 11, 2023

At a time when it’s increasingly difficult to find affordable beauty services around Manhattan, students running small businesses from their dorms are filling that void for us....

(Illustration by Samantha Esmé Williams)

Beauty in a bowl: Crafting your own luxurious face and hair treatments

Finding a good hair and skin care routine is hard, especially for college students trying to save money — so here are some easy DIY beauty recipes to help you flourish.
Noor Maahin, Contributing Writer December 11, 2023

With the stress of college — where late-night study sessions and budget constraints matter most — finding the perfect hair and skin care routine can feel like an impossible...

An illustration of a woman with black hair wearing a green shirt with multiple arms holding a computer, a red analog clock, a green book and a beige paper that reads “to-do list.”

How I moved past my first-gen imposter syndrome

My parents’ expectations caused me to use perfectionism as a survival tactic. Proud to Be First’s Secrets to Success Panel showed me that I’m not alone.
Noor Maahin, Contributing Writer November 9, 2022

If I had to choose one word to describe the academic environment I grew up in, it would be “expectations.” I had to be successful in my future: have a promising career, a lovely...

An illustration of four figures against a black background. From left to right: Freddy Krueger from “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” the Other Father and the Other Mother from the film “Coraline,” and the Statue of Liberty.

Costumes for your Halloweekend parties

If you’re in need of a last-minute Halloween costume, look no further.
Noor Maahin, Contributing Writer October 26, 2022

At my last Halloween party, I dressed as Nana Osaki from “NANA.” I thought it was my best Halloween costume to date. It never occurred to me that not everyone watched this...