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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

Roshni Raj

Roshni Raj, Culture Editor

Roshni Raj is a senior double majoring in neural science and anthropology with a minor in chemistry on the pre-medical track. Reading the morning newspaper as a child with her grandfather and observing cultural health practices around the world sparked her desire to tell stories. Her dream is to one day join the likes of Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Dr. Atul Gawande. She enjoys photography, meeting new people, traveling, late-night food runs and the emdash. Keep up with her photography @travel.with.rosh and her life @roshnir297 on Instagram.

All content by Roshni Raj
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has gold-painted palm tree marble pillars.

Travel with Rosh: Seeing the world through locals and their histories

Immersion and photography are the best ways to learn about the traditions and daily lives of the people who call the places you visit home.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor May 2, 2023

Vivienne Tams wears a red and white patterned dress. She prays with two hands enclosed in front of her mouth, standing in front of a purple backdrp.

Photo: Meta-Vivienne meets the Metaverse

February 15, 2023

Vivienne Tam, New York Fashion Week, Fall/Winter 2023. (Roshni Raj for WSN)

A large group of people walking through a crowded convention center that has travel-related booths on the side.

Insider tips for the best spring break trips

Before you plan your next getaway, take some unexpected travel advice from YouTuber and author Damon Dominique, television host Samantha Brown and blogger Alysse Dalessandro.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor February 1, 2023

As a travel enthusiast who longs for the memories I made when studying away, I love going to travel shows in the United States to connect with people from countries that I’ve...

An illustration of a map of the world with six purple N.Y.U. logo pins placed in each inhabited continent.

Staff Rants: Our time abroad

Members of WSN’s staff who have studied away during their time at NYU reflect on their experiences and discuss what they’d do differently.

When I studied in Paris last semester,  I traveled quite a bit — sometimes impulsively — and my classes started to feel trivial. Does my homework really matter when I could...

Three students hold up signs, holding signs and standing next to a table promoting “BE THE MATCH.”

Be The Match with a stem cell donation that saves lives

Students organize with Be The Match to register NYU community members as blood stem cell donors and reduce health disparities in underrepresented communities.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor November 15, 2022

For patients with life-threatening blood-related diseases, blood stem cell therapies or bone marrow transplants are the only cures. While technologies for life-saving treatments...

A collage of two photos: on the left side is Giorgia Caporuscio putting a pizza in a brick oven; on the right is Buddy Valastro wearing sunglasses and a navy blazer, white t-shirt and jeans on a rooftop with the New York City skyline behind him.

Cake Boss takes the slice: Buddy Valastro’s Ultimate Pizza Party

At the 2022 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, pizzaiolos across the city showcase a breadth of crust, sauce and cheese.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor October 18, 2022

At Brooklyn Bridge Park on Oct. 15, pizzaiolos from across the city participated in Buddy Valastro's Ultimate Pizza Party to showcase their extensive selection of pizza — a variety...

The storefront of the H Mart on 39 third Avenue in Manhattan with a poster of fruits and vegetables and text “WE NOW DELIVER!” under the H Mart logo.

Culture’s cult choices: H Mart

The best items to buy at H Mart, according to the most refined taste buds at WSN.

Whether we’re on our way to the WSN office or grabbing dinner on the way home, H Mart is the go-to place for food for the culture desk. H Mart is a New York City staple grocery...

Models stand on the side of the runway with Nikita Shah.

First-ever South Asian New York Fashion Week reclaims origins

Amid protests prior to the runway, South Asian New York Fashion Week pays homage to South Asian heritage through design.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor September 22, 2022

Pleated cottons, flowy chiffons and lightweight silks — mainstays of South Asian fashion — were carefully draped on models as they got ready to close out the first-ever...

A model walks down the runway in a blue dress with purple tulle sleeves.

Making a sustainable IMPACT beyond the runway

Celebrating green fashion, 15 eco-conscious designers disrupt NYFW’s detached environment with a strong IMPACT.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor September 19, 2022

Walking into any big-box retail store, you probably have no idea about the who, what and where behind your favorite pieces — IMPACT NYFW strives to change that. IMPACT,...

Chromatic full-body portrait of TikTok star Caroline Ricke in front of a Garage store.

Garage Clothing partners with TikToker Caroline Ricke for SoHo launch

So this is what those hot pink trucks around campus were all about.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor September 9, 2022

The day that I decided to wear my Garage Clothing quarter zip to class, I just so happened to spot a pink Garage coffee truck on campus promoting their new store at 508 Broadway...

Graduate Ayham Adawi in purple graduation robe holds the NYU Abu Dhabi banner. A crowd of graduates in purple robes are seen in the background.

Abu Dhabi, Shanghai seniors come together at NYC commencement

NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai seniors represented their schools during the university commencement ceremony for the class of 2022.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor May 20, 2022

For most students, commencement is a day to bring everyone together. Some families drive from New Jersey, while others fly from across oceans, all to watch their loved ones graduate....

Lexie Alford, the youngest person ever to visit every country, holds up a sign that reads "Country #111" in front of the The Forbidden City palace complex in Beijing, China.

Q&A: Guinness World Record holder Lexie Alford on traveling to every country

After studying away, we thought we were expert solo travelers — until we sat down with the youngest person ever to visit every single country.
Anthony Ferrara and Roshni Raj May 6, 2022

Last semester, we studied away at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU London, where we fully immersed ourselves in the local cultures. Over 40% of NYU students study away for at least one 16-week...

On top of a pink checkered picnic blanket is a white tote bag with black decorations and a gold scarf with pink stars. On top of the tote bag is a round pink music speaker.

Photo: Ring in spring with the perfect picnic

Roksaneh Salartash, Contributing Writer April 22, 2022

For a perfect picnic, choose your favorite sweet and savory snacks. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

A group of people crowd around the entrance of The Grey Dog. Above them is metal scaffolding with a baby blue banner that has the restaurant’s name printed on it.

The best places for bottomless brunch around NYU

Here are our recommendations for the best places to celebrate the weekend with endless drinks and French toast. Have fun getting home.
Roshni Raj, Culture Editor March 4, 2022

Bottomless brunch is one of New York City’s late afternoon weekend rituals. Unlimited drinks served with your choice of breakfast or lunch fare after these few LONG weeks of...

Tourists can make vacation destinations unsafe for the people who actually live there. NYU students from these locations share their thoughts on tropical tourism. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Photo: Editor’s Note: This week’s top stories, and WSN vs. world news

Alex Tey, Editor-in-Chief March 5, 2022

Tourists can make vacation destinations unsafe for the people who actually live there. NYU students from these locations share their thoughts on tropical tourism. (Staff Photo...

Ties with the United Arab Emirates hamper freedom of academic expression at NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Photo: Opinion: NYU must take a stand for academic freedom abroad

February 14, 2022

Ties with the United Arab Emirates hamper freedom of academic expression at NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Room 1039 at SPS Midtown Center, 11 W. 42nd Street. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Photo: Your guide to NYU’s Quick Stops

The Culture Desk and Ryan Kawahara February 7, 2022

Room 1039 at SPS Midtown Center, 11 W. 42nd Street. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Seniors at NYU Abu Dhabi are also awaiting official word on December graduation, though there are rumors of plans for a small ceremony. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Photo: Dec. grads left confused about graduation plans

Jules Roscoe, Contributing Writer December 9, 2021

Seniors at NYU Abu Dhabi are also awaiting official word on December graduation, though there are rumors of plans for a small ceremony. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

The Villa La Pietra estate houses NYU Florence. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, NYU Florence has paused homestays for the fall 2021 semester. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Photo: Homestay closures disconnect students from Florence locals

October 14, 2021

The Villa La Pietra estate houses NYU Florence. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, NYU Florence has paused homestays for the fall 2021 semester. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

An art installation commemorating NYUAD's 10th anniversary sits on the Abu Dhabi campus. The celebrations surrounding the anniversary were delayed a year due to COVID-19. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

NYU Abu Dhabi celebrates its 10th anniversary

After a one-year delay due to COVID-19, the NYUAD community commemorated the accomplishments and challenges of the campus through virtual and in-person events.
Roshni Raj, Abroad News Editor September 27, 2021

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — NYU Abu Dhabi celebrated the 10th anniversary of its founding with a series of virtual events and a visual installation on campus on Sept....

A junior at NYU Abu Dhabi who was born and raised in Kabul fears the effects that the Taliban regime could have on her livelihood as a student. NYU as well as NYU’s Islamic Center say they have been working to support students and faculty affected by the turmoil. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

‘I’m scared for my life’: An Afghan student on the collapse of Afghanistan

An anonymous NYU Abu Dhabi junior, born a Shia Hazara Muslim in Kabul, shares her story of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
Roshni Raj, Abroad News Editor September 8, 2021

Since her childhood, an anonymous junior at NYU Abu Dhabi born and raised in Kabul — has feared the Taliban after she watched the militant group attack schools in Afghanistan....

The New York Pfizer office located in midtown. As international students prepare to come back to the city, concerns arise about potential mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccinations. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

International students may be required to ‘mix’ COVID-19 vaccines, despite NYU assurances

Some international students remain hesitant to be re-vaccinated, while others see it as their only path to an in-person education and a post-pandemic college experience.
Roshni Raj, Abroad News Editor August 5, 2021

Liberal Studies sophomore Etel Simkina — an international student from Russia — received her first dose of the Sputnik V vaccine in April, before NYU released its vaccine directive....

The Broome Street residence hall at 400 Broome in SoHo. A Public Safety officer stabbed another Public Safety officer in the hall early Saturday morning. (Staff Photos by Roshni Raj)

Photo: NYU safety officer in custody after stabbing supervisor at Broome Street dorm

July 25, 2021

The Broome Street residence hall at 400 Broome in SoHo. A Public Safety officer stabbed another Public Safety officer in the hall early Saturday morning. (Staff Photos by Roshni...

A Pfizer vaccine information label details its contents. International students face difficulties in regions without NYU-approved vaccines. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Facing conflicting guidance, international students struggle with NYU COVID-19 vaccine requirements

For some international students, the only vaccine available is not NYU-approved, while others live in regions with limited access to any COVID-19 vaccine.
Roshni Raj, Abroad News Editor July 19, 2021

All NYU community members — in New York or at any of the university’s 15 global sites — are required to be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World...

All adults in the US are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and in some states, all residents 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine. However, even as vaccination rates continue to increase, some students feel unsure about the safety of returning to pre-pandemic activities. (Staff Photo by Roshni Raj)

Photo: Even after vaccination, some students’ concerns about COVID-19 remain

May 4, 2021

All adults in the US are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and in some states, all residents 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine. However, even as vaccination rates...

The Graduate Student Organizing Committee’s strike continues into its second week. Some NYU professors have come out in solidarity with the graduate student workers and are urging the university administration to work towards a fair and reasonable contract. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Professors express solidarity with GSOC

Many NYU professors have come out in support of the Graduate Student Organizing Committee’s strike and are urging the university administration to work toward a fair and reasonable contract.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor May 3, 2021

As the Graduate Student Organizing Committee’s strike continues into its second week, some NYU professors have expressed solidarity with the graduate student workers. They issued...

Images from a recent protest against Asian hate in the Lower East Side. At NYU, an Asian student group is offering self-defense training to Asian students through Northwestern’s Karate Club. (Photo by Sirui Wu)

NYU student groups organize against anti-Asian hate

An NYU Asian student group offered self-defense training to Asian students through Northwestern’s Karate Club. Meanwhile, an international student group is spreading awareness of anti-Asian hate crime victims and ways to financially support them.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor April 15, 2021

When CAS junior Yijie “Frank” Huang saw plans in late March for rallies in response to a surge in violent anti-Asian hate crimes, he created a WeChat group to encourage his...

People gather at rallies in New York City this weekend to bring awareness to anti-Asian violence. (Photo by Suhail Gharaibeh)

Rallies in New York City call attention to anti-Asian violence

In recent rallies, New Yorkers have called for action and solidarity in response to anti-Asian hate crimes.
Roshni Raj and Suhail Gharaibeh March 22, 2021

Multiple rallies in New York City this weekend brought awareness to anti-Asian violence, which spiked in tandem with the COVID-19 pandemic last spring and has surged again...

NYU students and faculty attending in-person laboratories are required to wear personal protective equipment like gloves, goggles, and KN95 masks. While many classes and activities are held remotely this semester, NYU students and faculty appreciate the possibility of in-person experiences with appropriate safety precautions. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

How in-person experiences continue despite the pandemic

In-person classes, labs and art studios this semester provide insight into what a post-pandemic NYU might look like.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor March 15, 2021

Although many courses, seminars and lectures this semester are being held remotely, some classes, activities, clubs and labs continue in person or through a blend of in-person...

Weinstein Residence Hall is located at 5 University Pl. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Weinstein occupation. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan, Photo by Sara Miranda)

NYU Remembers 50th Anniversary of Weinstein Occupation Today

The anniversary has sparked reflection and hopes that the university will apologize for its legacy on LGBTQ+ rights.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor September 25, 2020

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Weinstein occupation — a five-day sit-in for the LGBTQ+ community at NYU’s Weinstein Residence Hall, starting Sept. 25, 1970. At the...

NYU Langone continues to combat COVID-19 infections in the city. Recently, specialists at Langone proposed a telemedicine platform to better assess COVID infections and additional factors. (Staff Photo by Leo Sheingate)

NYU Langone Develops Telemedicine Blueprint

Telemedicine, which allows for remote healthcare, could fundamentally alter the way medicine is practiced.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor September 21, 2020

A group of NYU Langone Health doctors and researchers published a telemedicine “blueprint” in Medicina — an open-access, peer-reviewed medical journal — on Sept. 9. The...

This NYU's testing center is located at Gould Plaza. It recently recorded a positive case from a Rubin Hall resident. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Rubin Student Tests Positive for COVID-19 on Move-In Day

Neither dorm nor university administration notified students, who are wondering why Rubin Hall’s lounge is still open.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor September 11, 2020

Zion Glover, a Stern first-year, tested positive for COVID-19 on Sept. 1 while moving into Rubin Residence Hall and after visiting the dorm’s second floor lounge. NYU’s COVID-19...

Street photograph of the front entrance of the NYU College of Dentistry.

NYU Dentistry Creates Task Force After Students Raise Concerns

In response to a newsletter addressing racism at NYU's College of Dentistry, the new Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion aims to address these problems. Concerned community members feel anti-racist actions should be taken in addition to properly address ongoing issues within the College of Dentistry.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor September 4, 2020

As the country continues to focus on the persistence of racial inequality, NYU College of Dentistry’s Dean Charles Bertolami created a task force to address and uphold a culture...

MLK Scholar’s 2023 Cohort at their October Travel Colloquium in front of NYU’s Washington D.C. campus. MLK Scholars volunteered at an ALS walk, went to the Holocaust museum, African-American museum, and the MLK monument (Image from nyu.edu)

MLK Scholars Call Out NYU for Tokenism, Performative Activism and Lack of Communication

Despite a commitment to increase funding for the MLK Scholars Program, students who are in the program received no updates following the university's announcement — until they shared an open letter criticizing the administration.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor July 28, 2020

In the wake of nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, NYU promised to increase financial support, programming, and admitted students for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars...

@mutualaid_nyu is a student-run Instagram account created as a response to NYU’s poor administrative response to the pandemic. The network — which laid out its goals on Monday, April 27 — aims to facilitate shared resources and support within the NYU community, including safe housing, groceries, deliveries, cleaning supplies and monetary aid. (Via Instagram @mutualaid_nyu)

Students Create Mutual Aid Network to Help Those Affected by Pandemic

Students created an Instagram mutual aid network for students to provide or request resources such as groceries, housing and general assistance during the pandemic.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor May 6, 2020

Citing NYU’s poor administrative response to the pandemic, students have created a mutual aid network via Instagram to assist those most affected by the pandemic.  The network...

The Rory Meyers College of Nursing trains students for a future in the profession. A recent study shows that nurses from outside the United States create a stronger system for the country. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Zhao)

Nurses Educated Abroad Create Workforce Stability, New Study Finds

A recent study by NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing — one of the first of its kind — discovered that nurses educated internationally benefit the medical workforce in America.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor April 2, 2020

Internationally Educated Nurses create a more stable nursing workforce in the healthcare system, according to a February study by NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing. This...

Current NYU Sydney students pose in front of the Sydney Opera House. NYU Sydney students were told to return home by March 22 in an email sent out Monday. (Photo by Mark Eels)

NYU’s Final Study Abroad Sites Close

NYU Sydney and NYU Accra will cease in-person academic programs for the remainder of the semester. NYU Abu Dhabi is the last global campus to remain open.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor March 18, 2020

Students at NYU’s last two operating non-degree granting campuses, NYU Sydney and NYU Accra, are being sent home, according to emails sent out by NYU Global Programs on Monday,...

Adela Raz, a Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, speaks at Meyer Hall to around 50 NYU community members. This was part of an event organized by NYU’s United Nations Initiative, a sect of NYU’s Model UN organization that hosts global ambassadors and heads of state. (Staff photo by Roshni Raj)

UN Ambassador to Afghanistan Visits NYU Prior to Peace Talks

Adela Raz, a United Nations ambassador of Afghanistan, spoke at NYU’s Meyer Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 25 just days before signing a deal that could potentially end the U.S.’ longest-running war in Afghanistan.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor February 26, 2020

Days before a peace talk between the U.S. and the Taliban — which politicians have said could end the U.S.’s longest-running war — a representative of Afghanistan to the...

Signs and banners covered the steps at the Kimmel Center. Students stand in solidarity to end Fascism in Hindu communities. (Photo by AJ Nickell)

Students Protest Hindutva Fascism at Kimmel

Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor February 14, 2020

“Jai, Jai, Jai, Jai, Jai Bhim!” The chants of around 50 NYU community members protesting Hindutva — an extremist Hindu nationalism movement often likened to fascism — rang...

Mount Sinai social worker Carolyn Hutson discussed racial and ethnic biases in the United States’ healthcare system. (Staff photo by Alexandra Chan)

NYU Alumna Talks Racial and Ethnic Biases in US Healthcare System

NYU graduate and Mount Sinai Clinical Instructor Carolyn Hutson discussed racial and ethnic biases in the United States healthcare system during an event Tuesday evening.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor February 5, 2020

Mount Sinai Clinical Instructor and NYU alumna Carolyn Hutson spoke on Tuesday about the dangerous consequences of distrust between minority groups and the medical establishment...

The NYU Transplant Institute team after successfully transplanting the heart. (Via NYU Langone)

Langone Transplant Institute Performs First Successful Heart Transplant in US Using New Method

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute successfully transplanted a heart using a new organ revitalization technique.
Roshni Raj, Deputy News Editor January 30, 2020

The NYU Langone Transplant Institute became the first United States medical center to perform a successful heart transplant using a new organ revitalization technique last Monday. The...

Muslim

Shia, Black Students Discuss Challenges of Minority Muslim Status

Students at an event titled “Making the Marginalized Mainstream: Being the Minority within a Minority” discussed facing discrimination based on appearance and because they differ from other Muslims.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer November 27, 2019

When Nawal Ali lived in Kenya, she did not feel out of place as a practicing Muslim. An NYU Abu Dhabi student, Ali is studying abroad in New York this semester. Here, she said...

NYU Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life. (Photo by Euan Prentis)

Jewish Religious Holidays, Politicization on Campus Discussed at Town Hall

Student government members representing Jewish and marginalized Jewish students voiced support for having high holidays off and discussed the Zionist-versus-anti-Zionist divide within the community.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer November 25, 2019

Jewish students called for religious holidays off, greater understanding of differing identities within the Jewish community and better kosher food accommodations at a town hall...

On Wednesday November 14, an NYU Latine Town Hall took place at Kimmel to discuss issues and questions NYU Latine students have. (Photo by Roshni Raj)

NYU Lacks Representation, Support for Latine Students, Attendees of Town Hall Say

On Wednesday, students voiced their frustrations with the university’s inaction regarding issues faced by Latine students.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer November 15, 2019

NYU often boasts about it’s diversity — in its press release on the class of 2023, the headline was “NYU Admits Most Diverse Class in Its History” — but at an NYU Latine...

The United States Environmental Protection Agency held an event in response to climate change on Monday. (Staff Photo by Elaine Chen)

Big Business Encourages Science-Denial, Panelists Say at Environmental Studies Event

The event discussed how research showing herbicides like Roundup can cause cancer has had little impact on the product’s success due to companies’ investments in good publicity.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer November 5, 2019

As a child, Tyrone Hayes looked up to the Environmental Protection Agency as his hero for protecting him and the animals in his backyard. Now, as a Professor of Integrative Biology...

An AI tool learned to predict which lesions were likely malignant (red heat map) or likely benign (green heat map), with potential to aid radiologists in the diagnosis of breast cancer. (Via NYU Langone)

Together, AI and Radiologists Could Significantly Improve Breast Cancer Detection

A new study by NYU’s Center for Data Science and NYU School of Medicine developed AI technology that could improve early detection of breast cancer.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer October 31, 2019

Nan Wu grew up in a small Chinese city where it was difficult for people to get medical help. Five years ago, her mother received a false-positive for breast cancer. Now, Wu is...

NYU students pose with their posters at Foley Square. (Photo by Alexandra Chan)

‘Change Is Coming’: Thousands March for Climate Action

Activists protested across the world on Friday to draw attention to the harmful effects of climate change.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer September 23, 2019

Millions of people — many of them high school and college students — marched for a livable future during the Global Climate Strike on Friday. With the goal of raising awareness...

Elizabeth Warren speaks to a crowd of supporters holding ‘I’m a Warren Democrat’ signs. (Photo by Ishaan Parmar)

Elizabeth Warren Talks Corruption, Workers’ Rights at Washington Square Park Rally

Elizabeth Warren spoke to a packed crowd on Monday.
Roshni Raj, Staff Writer September 16, 2019

U.S. Sen. (D-Massachusetts) and 2020 presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren spoke of bringing down corruption in Washington and giving power back to thousands of people at Washington...