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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

Sabrina Choudhary

Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor

Sabrina Choudhary is a Gallatin senior studying how nationalism works through culture and education. She also minors in French. Her key personality traits are being from Vermont, having a pet rabbit and genuinely being named after the '90s sitcom. She hopes to continue writing after she graduates and maybe even get paid for it (@employers!). Follow her on Instagram @_theteenagewitch_.

All content by Sabrina Choudhary
On a theater stage, there is a girl wearing a yellow dress looking toward and talking to a guy wearing a red shirt and blue pants. Behind them is a backdrop with tepees.

Review: ‘The Trojan Women’ is a Native American Greek tragedy

AMERINDA’s adaptation of Euripides’ classic play centers the strength and resilience of Indigenous women in the face of colonization. Performances run until May 15 at Theater for the New City.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor May 5, 2022

I first saw “The Trojan Women” during a rehearsal in a dance studio at Abrons Arts Center, a few days before opening night. Even without the sets, lighting, music or costumes...

A yellow bag, rolling papers, an orange lighter, a dollar bill, and a small green grinder on top of a red bag.

Ranked: Quintessential NYU experiences

Because they do exist!
Joey Hung and Sabrina Choudhary May 2, 2022

Our Managing Editor did not believe we could make a list of quintessential NYU experiences  — he’s a philosophy bro. We’ll leave it for you to decide. 11. Listening to...

https://nyunews.com/opinion/2022/04/05/insomnia-cookies-gerrymandering-nyu-dorms/

Off-Third: Stop gerrymandering, Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies’ delivery map is out of control. We need to establish order… for our dessert orders.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor April 5, 2022

Gerrymandering is a hot topic right now as states conduct redistricting exercises to correspond with the 2020 U.S. census. The fight to protect voting rights is crucial and deserves...

(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Ranked: Bad movies

Please take a moment of silence for Twilight. Gone from Netflix but never forgotten.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor January 29, 2022

Nothing brings me joy like bad movies. To be completely honest, I don’t think I watch them ironically at this point: Trashy movies genuinely make me happy. I even took a class...

Many NYU buildings and web services can only be accessed with multi-factor authentication, which requires a smartphone. Without one, you might be locked out.
(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Locked out: a multi-factor authentication nightmare

Every aspect of college life these days hinges on my phone. Guess what happened when I lost it?
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Managing Editor January 28, 2022

Without fail, each spring semester, a handful of my senior friends make “last first day of school” Instagram posts. It was my turn this year — this week, actually. But while...

(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Ranked: NYU meme pages

Don’t let your memes be dreams <3
Joey Hung and Sabrina Choudhary December 6, 2021

We have to admit, the NYU meme page offerings are lackluster. Maybe NYU students are too self-conscious about their image to say the out-of-pocket things that make less cringeworthy...

Launched in New York City, Bloc Collective is a new brand of canned cocktails Their packaging has QR codes that link consumers to local events. However, the cost of the cocktails may make them inaccessible for college students. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Bloc Collective is cool, but it’s not the next White Claw

The new canned cocktail brand connects consumers to events in their cities through QR codes on the cans. However, Bloc Collective’s impressive taste is likely too pricey for college consumers.
Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung December 3, 2021

If you follow our work, you know that we appreciate a good hard seltzer. Bloc Collective is an enthusiastic new kid on the block that delivers quality canned cocktails and a list...

“The Sex Lives of College Girls,” a television series co-created by Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble, premiered on HBO Max on Nov. 18. The show follows the lives of four freshmen at a New England liberal arts college. (Image courtesy of HBO Max)

Review: ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ is a refreshing look at… well, that

But I do feel personally attacked. 
Sabrina Choudhary, Culture Editor December 1, 2021

I am an Indian girl who loves comedy, so I have to watch anything Mindy Kaling makes. Also, as a college student, any show about other college students instantly grabs my attention....

The Decker Building at 33 Union Square West served as the Factory's location from 1968 to 1973. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

The parties, drugs and porn of 33 Union Square West

Andy Warhol: pop artist, filmmaker and apparently, baller.
Sabrina Choudhary, Culture Editor November 24, 2021

I know Andy Warhol from his pop art of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s Soup, which I saw at The Whitney Museum of American Art as a first-year. According to my unbearable class...

(Staff Photo by Ryan Walker)

Ranked: Hard seltzers

Because there’s more out there than White Claw.
Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung November 8, 2021

We're basically seltzer sommeliers now. Our sports editor hunted down all of these seltzers for us (so shoutout to him), and we did the fun part. They were all roughly the same...

(Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

Ranked: NYU Returns’ COVID emails

Ranked by entertainment value, not usefulness.
Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung October 25, 2021

Let’s be honest, who reads NYU Returns’ COVID-19 emails anymore? They’ve been flooding our inboxes since January 2021, blurring together and recapping the same information...

An illustration of a Black woman in a green shirt and a white woman in a yellow shirt listening to music through wired headphones. The cord of the headphones spells out “Listen to This.”

Listen to this: 8 years since his last album, Stromae returns with new music

Read about the most notable singles this week by Snail Mail, Julia Michaels and more.

If you like danceable pop or brooding rock, this week you’re in for a treat. Snail Mail and Kito delight once again, Julia Michaels surprises and Stromae steps out of the shadows....

Crying just makes you all the more cinematic when you sit on one of these. (Staff Photo by Sirui Wu)

Ranked: Places to cry in NYC

No, this isn’t a cry for help (yet), but thanks for your concern!
Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung October 18, 2021

It’s that time of year, babes. Whether midterm season is stressing you out or the changing weather is taking its toll on your mental health, now is the time to let those feelings...

NYU has begun to acknowledge the Indigenous land that the campus occupies. However, only acknowledging these facts without taking action is counterproductive. (Staff Photo by Sirui Wu, Staff Illustration by Manasa Gudavalli)

What are NYU’s land acknowledgments worth?

These statements are essential when done right, but they are only the beginning of NYU’s obligations to Indigenous people.
Sabrina Choudhary, Culture Editor October 8, 2021

You may have heard a land acknowledgment for the first time in a history class, at a Student Government Assembly meeting, or at last week’s event for this year’s NYU Reads...

The Washington Mews Language Houses are located between Fifth Avenue and University Place. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Ranked: NYU classroom buildings

Being classist toward classes.
Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung September 16, 2021

We all forgot what in-person classes were like, right? The eye contact, the small talk… the classrooms. Oh, how we missed the sluggish elevators, congested hallways and incessant...

Ambo, located on East Eighth Street, is a counter-serve Indian restaurant. Ambo opened in December 2019 and offers convenient, affordable, and delicious Indian food. (Staff Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

Ambo’s Indian food balances authenticity and accessibility

The counter-serve restaurant on 55C East Eighth Street offers convenient, affordable and delicious Indian food to all.
Sabrina Choudhary, Identity & Equity Editor September 13, 2021

As is the case for many college students living away from home, my comfort food is anything that resembles my family’s cooking. If I’m having a rough day, I’ll hit up the...

The Union Square Trader Joe’s is one of eight locations in Manhattan. In this Ranked series, we reveal how this Trader Joe’s stacks up against the others and which reigns supreme. (Staff Photo by Ryan Kawahara)

We ranked every Manhattan Trader Joe’s so you don’t have to

We’re putting in the work, so you don’t have to, starting with groceries. All the Trader Joe’s in Manhattan ranked from best to worst.
Joey Hung and Sabrina Choudhary September 8, 2021

For the first installment of our Ranked series, we decided to tackle a subject near and dear to our hearts: Trader Joe’s. Across the board, we’re big fans; Sabrina even has...

On September 1, a flash flood emergency was declared for New York City from the heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Many NYU commuter students had trouble finding their way back home and to class while relying on public transit. (Staff Photos by Shaina Ahmed and Rachel Cohen)

Hurricane Ida leaves commuter students at the mercy of the elements

On the eve of the first day of classes, the fallout of Hurricane Ida created a public transit nightmare that left students stranded.
Sabrina Choudhary, Identity & Equity Editor September 3, 2021

Even for a cohort of COVID-era students who can’t catch a break, a hurricane seems like overkill. Yet the fury of Hurricane Ida made the first day of the first fully in-person...

Many halal carts cluster around Union Square. Halal carts offer a heaping to-go container of seasoned rice piled with the meat or vegetables of your choice for five or six dollars, making it an ideal cheap-eats meal. (Staff Photo by Manasa Gudavalli)

Do you really live in New York if you haven’t eaten at a halal cart?

My first year on campus revolved around late-night outings to Union Square halal carts. Now it’s time for all new students to follow their hearts through their stomachs.
Sabrina Choudhary, Identity & Equity Editor August 31, 2021

New York City is famous for its late night dining scene, from pizza at Joe’s to falafel sandwiches at Mamoun’s. Shared experiences at the various restaurants and food carts...

Washington Square Park is the center of both NYU and the surrounding Greenwich Village neighborhood. There is a certain culture of etiquette that new students should abide by when out in New York City. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

The culture editors’ guide to on-campus etiquette

From the L Train to L Train Vintage, we’ve got you covered.
Alex Tran, Sabrina Choudhary and Joey Hung August 30, 2021

Hello, NYU students! Congratulations to those of you who are new here, and welcome back to our returning students. We recognize that some of you have never stepped foot on campus...

Shreya Mathur and Medha Gupta's podcast "Saree Not Sorry" explores South Asian representation in mainstream media. This first-year student's podcast is available to stream on all platforms and airs on Wednesdays on WNYU, 89.1 FM. (Illustration by Shreya Mathur and Medha Gupta)

‘Saree Not Sorry’ podcast critiques South Asian media representation

First-years Shreya Mathur and Medha Gupta discuss their goals for their new podcast “Saree Not Sorry,” which explores South Asian representation in mainstream media. This is the fifth and final article in Sabrina Choudhary’s series documenting Asian and Pacific Islander students’ experiences with race at NYU.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor May 7, 2021

Shreya Mathur and Medha Gupta, first-years in LS and CAS respectively, have made the most of their first tumultuous year on campus. The pandemic made it challenging for the class...

API students are pressing the University for any sign of results concerning its promises to the Asian community and even its past promises to the Black community. NYU has yet to respond with anything aside from performative comments. (Staff Illustration by Alexandra Chan)

API students are done with NYU’s performative support

Asian and Pacific Islander students say that NYU’s verbal support is meaningless without action, and they warn that their performativity problem will only grow worse. This article is the fourth in Sabrina Choudhary’s series documenting API students’ experiences with race at NYU.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor May 5, 2021

I interviewed 12 Asian and Pacific Islander students about their experiences with race at NYU. Four of them used the word “performative” to describe NYU’s actions during...

NYU students of Asian and Pacific Islander descent are sharing their experiences with racism in New York City during the pandemic. The past year’s pandemic-related hate has targeted some students under the AAPI umbrella while sparing others, causing some who have not faced heightened racism to question whether they count as AAPI. (Photo by Suhail Gharaibeh)

API students wrestle with whether they are Asian enough

Pandemic-related hate and the response of the Stop AAPI Hate movement have made some students question whether they count as API. This article is the third in Sabrina Choudhary’s series documenting Asian and Pacific Islander students’ experiences with race at NYU.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor May 3, 2021

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. This year, the celebration comes after thousands of hate incidents against Asian and Pacific Islander...

The Stop API Hate campaign continues. Students recount incidents of microaggressions from professors. (Photo by Sirui Wu)

‘So f-cking racist, it’s not even funny’: API students are frustrated with microaggressions from professors

Asian Pacific Islander students dealt with everyday microaggressions from professors long before pandemic-related hate. This article is the second in Sabrina Choudhary’s series documenting API students’ experiences with race at NYU.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor April 30, 2021

During the pandemic, Asian students have experienced hate from strangers in the city, ranging from nasty comments to drinks poured on them. While the Stop AAPI Hate movement has...

Hate towards Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander people increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. NYU students of Asian and Pacific Islander descent are sharing their experiences with racism in New York City during the pandemic. (Photo by Sirui Wu)

Asian students ‘terrified’ by surge in New York City hate crimes

Asian students share stories of the pandemic-related racism and fear they’ve experienced in New York City. This article is the first in Sabrina Choudhary’s series documenting Asian Pacific Islander students’ experiences with race at NYU.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor April 26, 2021

Hate toward Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander people in the United States is by no means new, but it has surged since the start of the pandemic. Though its roots and expressions...

Barrow Street Garden at St. Luke’s in the Fields is dressed in greenery and plant life. As Earth Day approaches, New York City can provide for those searching for nature and a seasonal spring atmosphere, despite being labeled as the "Concrete Jungle." (Staff Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

Finding ways to connect with nature while living in a concrete jungle

As Earth Day approaches, a Vermont native reflects on how Manhattan’s surprising natural beauty has kept her going through the pandemic.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor April 21, 2021

On a rainy day, stepping into the Barrow Street Garden at St. Luke’s Church feels like stepping into another world. Cardinals and sparrows flit through the trees, their squawks...

Leigh Altshuler opened Sweet Pickle Books, located on 47 Orchard St, in November of 2020. This Lower East Side small business is a used bookstore that also sells jars of pickles. (Staff Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

How Sweet Pickle Books keeps the Lower East Side’s legacy alive

Selling “used books, new pickles,” Leigh Altshuler’s one-woman shop pays homage to the history of the Lower East Side.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor April 12, 2021

Sweet Pickle Books, located at 47 Orchard St., is a place where you can buy secondhand copies of psychology texts, celebrity biographies and classics like “Little Women.” It’s...

NYU's Global Center for Academic & Spiritual Life, located on 238 Thompson Street, houses religious centers and various student-run clubs for students to form a faith-based community if desired. Due to the pandemic and remote learning, students have found new ways to connect with their faith and redefine what it means to have a religious community. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Keeping faith: what community means in remote religious services

Students have found new ways to connect with their faith and their communities during a year of remote religious services.
Sabrina Choudhary, Deputy Culture Editor March 29, 2021

Since the beginning of the pandemic, religious communities nationwide learned to adjust to remote services for the safety of their congregations. One year later, with Easter and...

Fusion dishes like chickpea tikka masala flatbread help form Sabrina Choudhary's "Indian-ish" identity. These dishes are authentic but not traditional, just like her experience of Indian culture. (Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

The importance of being “Indian-ish”

Food is part of anyone’s identity. Through Indian cooking, I embrace mine.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer March 23, 2021

There’s nothing like the excitement of receiving a package notification. A few weeks ago, I was delighted to get that email and pick up the large cardboard box my mom sent me...

Sweet Corner Bakeshop had a storefront located on Hudson Street. The Bakeshop has since closed but its desserts have left a lasting impression. (Staff Illustration by Debbie Alalade)

A good cake is hard to find: R.I.P., Sweet Corner Bakeshop

After Sweet Corner Bakeshop in the West Village closed permanently on July 10, 2020, I realized how much I would miss their cakes. They had the best cakes in New York City.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer March 12, 2021

As a wise tweet once said, “Once you realize that you don’t need a special occasion to buy a cake, the second part of your life begins.”  When I was younger, my parents...

Helping out in the kitchen, having a  relaxing movie night, or writing to family members. Listen to the traditions that are keeping us sane in the middle of the pandemic. (Photo by Sammy Tavassoli, Alana Beyer and Alex Tran. Staff Illustration by Alex Tran)

Culture Desk Staff: The Traditions That Keep Us Grounded

It’s been almost a year since the start of the pandemic in the U.S., and life has been the same ever since. Check out the traditions our staff writers follow to keep themselves sane, especially over Zoom University.

  The Rhythm of Wontons Dana Sun, Culture Editor I’ve been wrapping wontons with my parents ever since I learned to walk. It’s usually just the three of us, standing...

Amidst the chaos of remote learning, GCASL’s free yoga sessions have also shifted onto Zoom. Students reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of yoga at home. (Staff Photo by Alexandra Chan)

Yoga Adjusts to a Virtual Reality

Students try to find some balance as the Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life programs, including yoga and meditation classes, shift to Zoom.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer April 21, 2020

As I’m lying on my living room floor with my laptop perched on the mantel on a Saturday morning. I try to empty my mind, keeping my eyes closed, a yoga instructor’s disembodied...

Red Dragon Society is the best-known of NYU’s historic secret societies. The organization is a coed group exclusive to CAS seniors that has been around since 1898. (Staff Illustration by Charlie Dodge)

CAS’ Red Dragon Society Emerges From the Shadows

Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer April 13, 2020

Secret societies seem to belong only to the fictional or otherwise-mysterious realm of dark academia. They hide behind ivy-covered walls, candlelit dungeons and cultish chants....

A flyer bearing the statement, “White Privilege is Real” is tacked on a pole in the subway. These flyers have been put up all over the city by Open the F-ck Up, a new social experiment encouraging people to open up about taboo issues. (Image via Instagram @openthefup)

This Instagram Account Wants You to Open the F-ck Up!

Tackling insecurities, white privilege, and more, meet a creator of New York’s latest social experiment.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer March 2, 2020

If you’ve been around the city lately, you may have spotted a few flyers proclaiming to the world, “White Privilege Is Real” and “Insecure as F-ck.” From Washington Square...

The famous Washington Square Park arch is a must-see sight on NYU’s no-wall campus. Not walking under it has also been the one tradition the university shares for years. (Staff photo by Jake Capriotti)

Walking Under the Arch: Fact or Fiction?

Walk under the arch if you dare.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer February 24, 2020

One of the most unique aspects of NYU is its fast pace of life on and off-campus. NYU students are an independent and motivated breed, well-adapted to their campus without walls....

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)

The World Beyond Manhattan

Students talk about reasons to step out of your comfort zone and visit the outer boroughs.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer February 18, 2020

When Washington Square Park students visit their friends at Tandon, they jokingly call it “going abroad.” For many, crossing the East River is not just entering a different...

(Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

Photo: Oxford Fashion Studio Runway F/W 2020

February 11, 2020

(Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

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)

Cash is Back!

New York joins the growing list of U.S. cities that have banned cashless businesses.
Sabrina Choudhary, Contributing Writer February 3, 2020

New York City lawmakers passed legislation on Thursday, Jan. 23 that requires all New York City businesses to accept cash payments. The City Council approved the ban on the grounds...

Tea is a great alternative source of caffeine for students that don't enjoy coffee. (Staff Illustration by Marva Shi)

Finding the Perfect Cup: Tea Houses Near Campus for Every Occasion

From relaxed study sessions to cozy afternoons with friends, tea houses around campus have your back this winter.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer November 19, 2019

Students are always buzzing about studying in coffee shops, but not everyone is about that kind of caffeine. Here are some noteworthy destinations for the tea lovers out there,...

Japanese supermarket Sunrise Mart boasts a variety of soy sauces that are not found in typical American supermarkets.
(Staff photo by Chelsea Li)

Traveling for a Taste of Home: Students Say Authentic Groceries Often Require a Commute

Students are willing to brave buses and pay taxi fares in pursuit of traditional ingredients.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer November 5, 2019

There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal — especially in college when microwave ramen has replaced mom’s cooking. Students at NYU have found that making the effort to cook...

NYU Bread Club, started by CAS sophomore Grant Lee and Andrew Huang, is a group of passionate students who share the bread, and build meaningful connections. (Via Facebook)

Bread Club Plans to Unite Students Through Common Grain

Let’s get this bread — together.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer November 4, 2019

CAS sophomore Grant Lee knew he wanted to start a club this year — all he needed was an idea. In the nick of time, inspiration struck him and fellow CAS sophomore Andrew Huang. “We...

Fish are an easy-to-maintain pet for several NYU students. (Staff Photo by Chelsea Li)

For Dorm Fish Parents, Emotional Connections Are Worth the Time Investment

Forbidden 40-gallon tanks, fish babies and separation anxiety — NYU fish parents are more passionate than you might expect.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer October 15, 2019

“This is Martin,” CAS sophomore Jake Schneebaum said, holding a picture of his late betta fish. “He was an angel. May he rest in peace.” NYU residence halls allow students...

Apple cider doughnuts come with a pack of six for seven dollars. The Union Square Green Market has a plethora of treats and groceries for all. (Staff Photo by Chelsea Li)

Option Paralysis at the Union Square Greenmarket? We’ve Got You Covered

From flowers to ostrich eggs, it’s worth the crowds.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer October 11, 2019

The Union Square Greenmarket is always there for me. Literally. I live in Carlyle Court Residence Hall, and four days a week, it’s right outside my building. My roommates and...

NYU's new dining service provider, Chartwells, employs new catering method to dietary restrictions. (Staff photo by Talia Barton)

Dining Hall Inclusivity Has Its Limits

For those with dietary restrictions, there’s still work to be done.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer September 30, 2019

In the last few years, NYU’s dining halls have expanded to accommodate more dietary preferences and restrictions. Most notably, Lipton became a certified halal dining facility...

Sophia Ettin’s Palladium room displays vibrant posters from her London study abroad. She also keeps a Rainbow trout pillow that was given by a friend. (Photo by Sabrina Choudhary)

Your Dorm Walls are Your Canvas

Hey NYU, welcome to my crib.
Sabrina Choudhary, Staff Writer September 9, 2019

To tapestry or not to tapestry? String lights or succulents? Each August, the beginning of the school year brims with new opportunities — new classes, new friends and a new dorm...