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Washington Square News
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person has a sign on them that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST” and they stand next to police officers.
NYU says it ‘never offered’ to disclose Israel investments, despite protesters’ claims
Yellow ballet slippers standing on top of a box under the Washington Square Arch.
The Soapbox: Puberty blocker ban in the UK, new president in Ghana and Netanyahu’s trial in Israel
A view from a rooftop of the city’s skyline.
NYU Langone outlines climate change initiatives in 2024 report
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
2 faculty members arrested at Bobst demonstration
People walking outside of a building that reads “STRAND BOOKS” while holding signs.
Strand Bookstore workers go on strike, demand higher wages
The front of a brick building with a white door. There is a sign to the right of the door that reads “SIGN OUR PETITION SAVE THE LANDMARK MERCHANT’S HOUSE”
A local museum’s campaign to keep its doors open
The exterior of the main entrance of N.Y.U. Langone Health center, located at 550 First Ave.
Researchers at NYU Langone deem kidney transplants between HIV-positive people safe
People stand in front steps lined with candles, while others light them.
NYU students join citywide youth to honor trans lives in Washington Square Park
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
NYU Langone calls on Gov. Hochul to reduce travel tolls for patients
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person has a sign on them that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST” and they stand next to police officers.
NYU says it ‘never offered’ to disclose Israel investments, despite protesters’ claims
A view from a rooftop of the city’s skyline.
NYU Langone outlines climate change initiatives in 2024 report
(Danny Arensberg for WSN)
2 faculty members arrested at Bobst demonstration
An overhead shot of students sitting inside Bobst library. You can see the Palestinian flag and various banners next to them.
Students and faculty call for divestment from Israel at Bobst
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
An overhead shot of students sitting inside Bobst library. You can see the Palestinian flag and various banners next to them.
Students and faculty call for divestment from Israel at Bobst
A group of people stand with protest signs in front of a purple-colored construction wall and barricades
NYU Law admin threatens pro-Palestinian students with disciplinary action
A group of people stand with protest signs in front of a purple colored construction wall and barricades
Students protest police presence on campus outside Gould Plaza wall
An audience sitting in rows of wooden desks attentively listening in a well-lit conference room with large windows in the background.
NYU, UC Berkeley activists criticize crackdown on free speech at college campuses
A large group of people sit on the large staircase inside the lobby of New York University’s Kimmel Center for University Life, with one person in the front row holding a sign with text “WOMAN LIFE FREEDOM” printed on it.
Students demand more from Hamilton on Iran demonstrations
The logo of New York University's Asian/Pacific/American Studies in white in the middle of leaves and flowers.
Asian/Pacific/American Studies major lacks adequate representation, students and faculty say
An exterior shot of the Bronfman Center. On the left is the entrance of the building with a New York University sign that reads “STILL REQUIRED FACE MASK.” On the right is a plaque that reads “New York University 7 The EDGAR M. BRONFMAN CENTER FOR JEWISH STUDENT LIFE”
NYU disputes failing grade on antisemitism report
Dr. Jonathan Haidt speaking in front of an audience with a presentation labeled “The Partisan Divide on Political Values Grows Even Wider” behind him.
Stern professor resigns from professional org. after refusing to write diversity statement
An illustration of a gray facade which reads “NYU School of Global Public Health”, with a purple banner that reads “NYU” on the right side, all against a pale background.
Women with disabilities more likely to report food insecurity, NYU study finds
A woman smiling against a black background with the words “N.Y.U. BEYOND” written to the left.
Beyond NYU: Opening doors to STEM for students of color nationwide
A close-up shot of a man wearing a blue-striped shirt and brown pants sitting in a floral-decorated staircase with big white words that say “BEYOND N.Y.U.”
Beyond NYU: From 8th-grade star to Broadway regular
A girl standing next to a lifesized cardboard cutout of herself, with the words “BEYOND N.Y.U.” written to her left.
Beyond NYU: Turning a creative outlet into a personal brand
A man standing in a suit holding a trophy, with “STUDENT ACADEMY AWARDS” written on the wall behind him and “BEYOND NYU” written to the right.
Beyond NYU: Documenting human rights abuses on camera
A man posing in front of a white backdrop with the words “Beyond N.Y.U.” illustrated next to him.
Beyond NYU: From high school debate to the Broadway stage
Doctor Carl Zimmer speaks from the wooden podium in Hemmerdinger Hall. An audience sits in front of him. Behind him is a projector screen displaying two images.
How science journalists reported on the ‘story of our lifetime’
A man wearing a dotted tie, a white shirt and a black suit jacket speaks in an online conference session. Behind him are a bookshelf and five clocks displaying times in different time zones.
Minnesota prof criticizes public health response at COVID-19 lecture
An illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination card in the background with a half-full syringe on the left of the foreground and a bottle reading “COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER” on the right.
Most NYU students haven’t received the bivalent booster, WSN survey finds
A building which has NYU and NYU Steinhardt flags hoisted from a walls.
After one month of checking visitor vax cards, NYU gives up
Seven students wear masks while sitting at their desks in an NYU classroom. A professor sitting on a table listens to a student.
Immunocompromised students concerned following mask mandate removal
A plate of buttered naan topped with greens next to a plate of oysters
These 6 restaurants near NYU are joining the Michelin ranks
A bread circle on a black plate with a white cream sauce in a small, white bowl.
New eats near NYU: What even is Australian food? ACRU offers a fine dining answer
Two men in black T-shirts with an orange and blue “roam” logo printed on it stand in a hallway, smiling with their arms crossed.
The NYU student-founded startup helping international students roam through college with ease
A display with small cookies with various colors of icing and toppings on top of them.
‘Tis the season for finished finals and festive treats
A park with trees with bright Christmas lights.
Jolly lights and sights around the city
An illustration of a woman wearing a short red dress with a brown bow. They wear knee-high stockings and red kitten heels.
The Christmas song kit for a perfect winter fit
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
A display table with several decorative chocolates. Words on the front of the table read “LE CHOCOLAT, Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton.”
Fashion designers are cooking, literally
An illustration of various winter clothing items. Depicted in front of a snowy background is a fur coat, a gray sweater, brown ballet flats, a mannequin head with a furry hood and a pair of legs in a miniskirt wearing knee-high boots.
Winter fashion trend report 2024
Six pairs of various boots and loafers against a magenta background.
Booting out the basics: 6 unique Dr. Martens for the winter
A plate of buttered naan topped with greens next to a plate of oysters
These 6 restaurants near NYU are joining the Michelin ranks
A bread circle on a black plate with a white cream sauce in a small, white bowl.
New eats near NYU: What even is Australian food? ACRU offers a fine dining answer
A display with small cookies with various colors of icing and toppings on top of them.
‘Tis the season for finished finals and festive treats
The interior of a restaurant with several tables and bar seating. A staircase leading up to a second level is lined with garlands and holiday lights.
5 restaurants for a proper end-of-semester feast
A screen with the words “Fork n’ Film” projected onto it, with an image of a fork and a film reel below it.
Sipping and savoring cinema
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
On a light green background, four orange rectangles show hands making different signs in each one.
How multicultural sororities foster community at NYU
An illustration of a map of New York City with Filipino flags marking points on the map.
Finding community from Manila to Manhattan
The letters in my NetID differ from the name I go by. Here’s why.
The letters in my NetID differ from the name I go by. Here’s why.
An illustration of a silhouette of a person with short hair in front of several world landmarks and a turkey.
Home is where the heart finds its place
A collage of various N.Y.U.-specific illustrations in green and blue.
Ranked: NYU lore
An illustration of an oven roasted turkey against a light purple background.
Ranked: Thanksgiving foods
An illustration of a taco fighting french fries boxing in a ring.
Ranked: Fast food near campus
(Gia Sidhu for WSN)
Ranked: Microtrends
A collage of three photos. On the left, a model walks in a black, lace bodysuit with knee–length tassels hanging from the neckline. In the middle, a model stands in front of a flashlight, wearing a high khaki-beige collar with layered circular cut-out on two sides, with a side slit skirt and knee high boots. On the right, a model wears an oversized blue pinstripe suit and a beige hat. There is a red bandana tied around their neck and collection of small red knotted ropes attached to one breast of their jacket.
Ranked: The top 5 looks from WSN’s NYFW coverage
A model wearing a long light-blue spaghetti-strap dress walks in the middle of 10 other models standing in a circle.
WSN at New York Fashion Week
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
Frederick Anderson delivers African glam and elegance in his Spring 2025 collection
A model wears a pink and green tweed jacket in front of clothing racks.
Californian brand St. John puts an edgy twist on vintage classics at NYFW
Two images of models side-by-side
Andrew Kwon’s ‘ephemeral’ embraces fantastical floral fashion
A model wearing a black hat and hoodie with orange accents, a white undershirt and black pants and shoes walks down a white tiled runway while carrying a beige bag with green leaves.
Flying Solo returns to NYFW, attempting to push the fashion envelope
Many pink and yellow books stacked on top of each other, with “MMXXIV” written on one side of the book in the middle and “STAFF LIST!” written on the other.
Staff Recs: The best books we read this year
Two women sit on a bright turquoise couch in a cozy, artfully decorated living room with artworks on the wall and a coffee table in the foreground decorated with books and mugs.
Review: ‘The Room Next Door’ closely examines death
An illustration of four colorful Christmas stockings hanging above a fireplace. From left to right are purple, turquoise, green and red stockings that contain vinyl albums.
8 pop Christmas albums to broaden your holiday horizons
A group of four people smiling at a camera in a red room.
The Radio Relics on indie rock, Clive Davis and pissing off the neighbors
A screen with the words “Fork n’ Film” projected onto it, with an image of a fork and a film reel below it.
Sipping and savoring cinema
Many pink and yellow books stacked on top of each other, with “MMXXIV” written on one side of the book in the middle and “STAFF LIST!” written on the other.
Staff Recs: The best books we read this year
A photo of a half green and white book cover with a cat, three chairs and three mugs on a table. Displayed is the title “Before we forget kindness, a novel" and the author’s name “TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI.”
Review: The comforting magic of ‘Before We Forget Kindness’
Two greyscale photos of women, with “DIDION” at the top, an ampersand in the middle and “BABITZ” at the bottom. The one above holds a cigarette and the one below looks over her sunglasses.
Q&A: Lili Anolik on literary ‘It’ girls Joan Didion and Eve Babitz
Four illustrations of different book covers.
Books beyond Bobst: 2 collections of feminist essays, a critique of U.S. foreign policy and more
A man with glasses and a mustache wearing a blue jacket stands in front of the McDonald’s golden arches.
Mapping out McDonald’s
Two women sit on a bright turquoise couch in a cozy, artfully decorated living room with artworks on the wall and a coffee table in the foreground decorated with books and mugs.
Review: ‘The Room Next Door’ closely examines death
A screen with the words “Fork n’ Film” projected onto it, with an image of a fork and a film reel below it.
Sipping and savoring cinema
An illustration of a Christmas wreath wrapped in shiny gold ribbon and an ornament, with red and green sections showing different film posters. In the middle is the Netflix logo wearing a red santa hat.
Ranked: Every 2024 Netflix Christmas rom-com
Two men sit next to each other on a beach, a yellow blanket wrapped around their shoulders.
Review: ‘Queer’ is full of psychedelics and painful pining
A woman wearing a blindfold holding a piece of paperwork over her head.
Review: ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ distills national tensions into a suspenseful family drama
An illustration of four colorful Christmas stockings hanging above a fireplace. From left to right are purple, turquoise, green and red stockings that contain vinyl albums.
8 pop Christmas albums to broaden your holiday horizons
A group of four people smiling at a camera in a red room.
The Radio Relics on indie rock, Clive Davis and pissing off the neighbors
A woman standing in a long, white dress in front of a building with a carousel behind her.
Q&A: Rising artist Zoe Tan on new single and her time at NYU
An album cover with various polaroids of a man, overlaid to make a whole body.
Review: On ‘Puss & Poems,’ no one complains like Jake Shane
(Courtesy of Universal Pictures)
Review: ‘Wicked: The Soundtrack’ ends on a high note — literally
An illustration of a hand holding a nutcracker on a blue background scattered with snowflakes.
Let out of the doll box: My retirement from ‘The Nutcracker’
Dancers dressed in soldier costumes lined up onstage.
The Rockettes don’t know when to tap out
Two people stand on a stage with their hands on a table, looking at each other.
Broke People Play Festival expands to uplift more student artists
A person wearing a blue suit with white sleeves holds the hand of a person wearing a pink dress while they sit on a beige couch in a set of a house.
Review: ‘The Great Gatsby’ disguises mediocrity with a star-studded cast
Two women stand over a kitchen island, making a cup of coffee together.
Review: ‘The Roommate’ struggles to find its heart
Three balconies spiraling up with various art pieces on the walls and people perusing them.
Review: The Guggenheim’s new exhibition teaches a history lesson about a fleeting art movement
Ten paintings are hung up in a large group on a light purple gallery wall.
Review: ‘Toward Joy’ builds new frameworks for American art
An illustration of an armed man with a redacted face in front of a collage of U.S. conspiracy imagery.
Review: ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’ is annoyingly fun
A woman stands and looks up in front of abstract colors.
When I need to reconnect with myself, I go to museums
A collection of photographs pinned on beige boards on a white wall.
Review: Annie Leibovitz weaves together a tapestry of American culture
A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.
Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.
A red snake wrapped around a black and white rifle like the Rod of Ascelpius, in front of a blue background.
Off Topic: A shot heard around the health care sector
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
Opinion: Congestion pricing is the cure to NYC’s traffic crisis
A protester holds up a white sign that reads “DISCLOSE, DIVEST”.
Opinion: NYU must sever ties with Tel Aviv University
An illustration of the flags of Ukraine and the United States crossed in front of a black-and-white drawing of destroyed buildings.
Off Topic: A ceasefire in Ukraine isn’t as simple as you think it is
An illustration of a collage of different scenes, such as a war zone, the face of prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and a person holding a sign that says "BANS OFF OUR BODIES."
Editorial: Reflect. Recharge. Then get to work.
An illustration of a balancing weight scale with a box on each side. One says “LOCAL VOTE” and the other says “FEDERAL VOTE.”
Editorial: Think globally, vote locally
NYU students gather for a vigil in Washington Square Park mourning the loss of life in Lebanon on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 in New York.
Editorial: NYU needs to talk about Lebanon. Publicly.
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image
(Samson Tu for WSN)
Editorial: NYU must reckon with its actions at Gould Plaza
The number 6 train arrives at the Union Square station. People stand on the platform and walk on an overpass above the tracks.
Opinion: Congestion pricing is the cure to NYC’s traffic crisis
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
Three people wearing purple graduation gowns and black graduation caps are standing raising diplomas. To the left is former N.Y.U. president standing behind a purple-and-white N.Y.U. sign.
Opinion: No longer behind bars, but not truly free
A stone bench with armrests on Astor Place.
Opinion: Hostile city planning hides homelessness, but doesn’t solve it.
The exterior of a public restroom in a park.
Opinion: Let New Yorkers be free to pee
A caricature illustration of a large man wearing a white nationalist pin while sitting behind a microphone and in front of an upside down American flag.
Opinion: How alt-right media influenced the Gen Z vote
A cobblestone street with brick buildings on the left side and white buildings on the right.
Opinion: Language & Cultural Houses are more than just quaint cottages splattered across campus
An illustration of a white speech bubble that reads “This shit sucks” in black font. Next to it, another speech bubble that is blue and reads “Right?”. Both speech bubbles are against a gray grid background.
Opinion: A 3-step guide to complaining correctly
An illustration of a purple world map with four circles of club logos overlaying it. The top left circle has text “the French club” with the French flag drawn inside the letter “F” against a blue background. The top right circle has the tip of the Empire State Building lit with green, white and red lights and text “ITALIAN CLUB AT N.Y.U.” against a light blue background. The bottom left circle has text “C.M.S” in red and a red flower icon. The bottom right circle has text “Russian Club at N.Y.U” in red against a white background.
Opinion: NYU should promote more conversation clubs
An illustration of a tweet from user @A1exandraCohen with text “if i EVER get Twitter blue, just know it’s a cry for help.” against a blue background. The tweet has two likes.
Opinion: Students can save Twitter
An illustration of seven people standing at purple podiums. One of the podiums has a spotlight on it, with a person raising their hand under the light. There is another spotlight that highlights the words “UP FOR DEBATE”.
Up for Debate: Should NYU adopt institutional restraint?
An illustration of Donald Trump on the left of the drawing pointing his finger, and on the right are a crowd of different colored hands raised and three signs in the middle with the letters “D.E.I.”
Opinion: Will DEI survive another Trump presidency?
A three person panel sitting in front of a crowd. The left person has a blue spotlight on them, the person in the middle has a red and blue spotlight and the person on the right has a red spotlight.
Opinion: Student activism in the age of Trump
Opinion: NYU should reduce the amount of CAS core requirements
Opinion: NYU should reduce the amount of CAS core requirements
An illustration of Donald Trump pointing his finger at a group of figures wearing graduation caps. Behind them are flags of the world.
Guest Essay: Studying as an international student under a second Trump administration
A four panel illustration of four different people drawn in a monochrome purple pallet.
Off-Third: NYU released their shortlist for consultants on ‘institutional restraint.’ You won’t believe who’s on it.
An illustration of a poster on a utility pole with a woman in the center with a question mark over her face. Above are the words “LINDA MILLS” and below are the words “Lookalike Contest.”
Off-Third: Linda Mills lookalike contest brings new crowd to Gould Plaza
A portrait of Eric Adams wearing a gray suit, white collared shirt and navy blue printed tie. He stands in front of a royal blue background and an American flag on a floor stand.
Off-Third: Eric Adams and Rudy Giuliani compete to be NYC’s most disgraced mayor
An illustration of a person with binoculars staring in awe at a woman wearing dark sunglasses and red lipstick.
Off-Third: How to stalk campus celebrities
An image of a N.Y.U. flag, with the color purple edited into pink.
Off-Third: NYU changes branding to save misled patients
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Silver School dean on the case for a tuition-free social work education
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: Wasserman Center director on the Handshake job search platform
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: CWS director on suicide response and mental health resources
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: NYU remains committed to NYU Tel Aviv
An illustration of a white postcard with a red stamp in the top right corner. On the postcard are the words “letter to the editor” in a cursive style. Behind the postcard is a closed gray envelope.
Letter to the Editor: An open letter to President Hamilton
Protesters holding hands amidst a crowd waving a Palestinian flag and holding signs that say “CEASEFIRE NOW LET GAZA LIVE!"
Guest Essay: Why we protest
Five panelists sit on a stage in front of a red curtain and a screen that reads “Listening from the Heart.”
Guest Essay: NYU in Dialogue’s ‘Shared Grief, Shared Hope’ panel was heartbreakingly healing
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Editorial: NYU is stifling protest in an attempt to control its image
The photo is shot from behind a troupe of police in helmets surveying a group of protesters while the Washington Square Arch stands above them all.
Opinion: NYU’s hypocritical attitude toward student activism isn’t new
A student with long hair wearing five different graduation caps stacked on top of one another. There is a purple graduation cap falling off the top and the student is reaching out to catch it.
Opinion: NYU needs to give transfer students a better shot
A cardboard sign taped to a metal barricade with the words “WE DO NOT ENGAGE WITH ZIONISTS! WE KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE!”
‘A chilling effect’: Conduct guidelines cast shadow of concern over faculty
A person wearing a keffiyeh is zip tied by a cop in protective gear.
Inside NYU’s 180-plus disciplinary cases against pro-Palestinian students and faculty
Students walking on NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus. (Sam Klein for WSN)
‘Extremely disturbing’: Concerns over academic freedom at NYU Abu Dhabi surface following policies restricting attire at graduation
A purple N.Y.U. flag hangs on a building.
A search firm failed to find misconduct allegations against NYU’s former athletics director. Here’s why.
File Photo: NYU Tisch School of the Arts located at 721 Broadway. (Katie Peurrung for WSN)
A Tisch professor disappeared during a misconduct investigation. Two semesters later, he’s scheduled to teach again.
An illustration of an outline of a referee yelling “OUT OF BOUNDS” with three buildings behind him.
Out of Bounds: Major sports news out of Accra, London and Madrid
Two people wearing ski suits posing with their hands in the air in front of a snowy mountain with snow-covered trees in the background.
NYU’s Ski & Snowboard Club returns to the slopes for the 2025 season
A man in a dark coat standing outside in a park and smiling at the camera.
In the Huddle: Zach Knudsen on his aspirations and optimism for the upcoming season
NYU woman's basketball team celebrated their historic win at the University Senate meeting on March 28.
Why NYU Athletics?
An illustration of bold white text that says “Weekly Sports Update” on a purple background with light purple flowers.
Basketball remains undefeated, wrestling sweeps meet and other news
In the panel titled Tisch, a girl with long braided hair, alternative clothing and round glasses types on a computer with sheets of paper flying around her. Her eyes are swirls and her expression is panicked as she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a 73-page play due tomorrow!” In the panel titled Stern, a man with short dark hair and rectangular glasses wears a suit saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have 500+ LinkedIn connections due tomorrow…” He holds a phone with a symbol of people and the number 500 while people shake hands in the background. In the panel titled Gallatin, a boy with wavy brown hair and goggles holds ropes while saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to weave a basket underwater tomorrow.” Another dialogue line reads “Yeah, that’s my concentration…” next to drawings of fish and baskets. In the panel titled Steinhardt, a girl with curly blonde hair and freckles stares at a phone while various electronic devices are scattered in the background including a phone with a caller ID saying “Kiara & Allina.” In a dialogue bubble she says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to communicate tomorrow.” In the panel titled Tandon a boy with round glasses, a puffer vest, a quarter-zip sweater and dyed purple hair says, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have a robot due tomorrow!” Behind him is a robot holding a sandwich on a plate saying “YUMMY,” a laptop on a desk displaying “Chat G.P.T.” and a blackboard with various diagrams in white chalk. In the panel titled C.A.S. is a girl wearing a white lab coat and goggles over a pink shirt and saying, “Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I have to write an essay on bird migration in Ancient Greece due tomorrow!” She holds an open book while plucking a leaf off of an overhead branch with forceps, facing away from a desk where a beaker of green liquid overflows.
Cartoon: NYU during finals is just so … unique
An aerial view of an autumn field with a runway and body of water, with factories and suburbs on the left.
How to legally fly a drone in NYC
A person stands on stage staring into the distance. They have dark hair and wear a black fur shawl.
For Hannah Weisz, performance is resistance
In a grayscale comic, a person works at a desk in front of a computer next to a window showing a city in ruins with a fallen sign saying “TECH INDUSTRY.” In the bottom right corner is a thought bubble that says, “Why can’t I find an internship?”
Cartoon: Your major in computer science has been declared
A person in a white top, jeans and pink strawberry earrings sits on a park bench with a pink tote bag.
Style on the Square
An aerial view of an autumn field with a runway and body of water, with factories and suburbs on the left.
How to legally fly a drone in NYC
A person stands on stage staring into the distance. They have dark hair and wear a black fur shawl.
For Hannah Weisz, performance is resistance
(Krish Dev for WSN)
Finding school spirit at NYU
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate on Gould Plaza holding a Palestinian flag and a sign that reads “No more dollar sign for Israel’s crimes.”
Inside the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at NYU
(Krish Dev for WSN)
‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ becomes site of mass arrest at NYU
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
SLAM! at NYU celebrates the art of spoken word
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
Mou Theatre brings together Mandarin-speaking theater enthusiasts at NYU
A woman hanging a Turkish flag on a curtain by a window at N.Y.U.'s Kimmel Center. Outside of the window is a red building.
Turkish NYU students commemorate 85 years since the death of republic founder
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Barks in Tompkins Square Park: Annual Halloween Dog Parade returns
Rob Benevides applies a white wig to an actor wearing a prosthetic costume face.
An inside look at the art and design process of behind-the-scenes artists
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
The Sports Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
An illustration of Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, over a blue and red background.
The Election Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
Six models wearing all black, walking down a runway in a single-file line.
The Fashion Issue | Under the Arch Magazine
(Alisia Houghtaling for WSN)
Welcome home, class of 2028
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
The Housing Guide | Under the Arch Magazine
SPONSORED: Navigating mental health as a student: How Mid City TMS can support you
SPONSORED: How do I sublet my apartment this summer?
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
Alexa Donovan

Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor

Alexa Donovan is a junior majoring in journalism and art history and minoring in creative writing. Her favorite drink is lemonade and she never shuts up about the book she is reading. You can find her in Bobst Library most hours of the day, on instagram @alexadonovan/@lemonadequeen5678 and on Goodreads @alexafdonovan.

All content by Alexa Donovan
An illustration of a light blue retro television, with colorful statics and “Staff Recs Nostalgia Edition” written in the middle.

Staff Recs: Childhood holiday nostalgia

The holidays never fail to make us miss our own childhood whimsy.
Alexa Donovan, Julia Diorio, Dani Biondi, Eleanor Jacobs and Siobhán Minerva • December 11, 2024

As the snow falls — but certainly does not stick — and holiday decor pops up along the streets of New York City, our lives feel a little bit more magical. As we all get older,...

Four illustrations of different book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: 2 collections of feminist essays, a critique of U.S. foreign policy and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Yezen Saadah and Eva Mundo • December 2, 2024

“On Womanhood: Bodies, Literature, Choice” by Sophie Gilbert  “But the ability to shape the narrative in our own terms is a transformative one, as so many of the subjects...

A woman stands and looks up in front of abstract colors.

When I need to reconnect with myself, I go to museums

Seeing art around New York is the best remedy for my stress.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor • November 22, 2024

In the summer after my first year of college, I considered some of my closest friends to be the statues in the Greek and Roman Art section of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Feeling...

A collage of four illustrations of book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: An activist’s self-help book, a new Percy Jackson novel and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Anjali Mehta, Aashna Miharia and Mariana Arboleda • November 18, 2024

“Writers & Lovers” by Lily King “There’s a particular feeling in your body when something goes right after a long time of things going wrong. It feels warm and...

An illustration of a woman screaming and text that reads “STAFF RANTS.”

Staff Rants: Post-election feelings

WSN staff shares their feelings in light of the 2024 presidential election results.
Yezen Saadah, Alexa Donovan, Kiran Komanduri, Krish Dev, Naisha Roy, Noah Zaldivar, Dani Biondi, Sidney Snider, Anna Baird-Hassell, Dharma Niles and Leila Olukoga • November 8, 2024

The Democrats have severely underestimated the power of the insecure white man.  — Yezen Saadah, Editor-in-Chief To the women from our grandmothers’ generation and to the...

An illustration of Donald Trump, depicted in red, and Kamala Harris, depicted in blue, side-by-side.

Staff Recs: Election season

We are all exhausted, but for the love of God, get out and vote tomorrow.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Dani Biondi, Eleanor Jacobs and Siobhán Minerva • November 4, 2024

Nov. 5 is Election Day in the United States, and we at the Arts Desk implore you to vote. Politics and art have always been intrinsically intertwined and oftentimes ignite each...

An illustration of four book covers. “The Art Thief,” “A Certain Hunger,” “Knife,” and “The Nightingale” are depicted.

Books beyond Bobst: An artsy true crime book, a novel about a woman eating her lovers and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva, Annie Emans and Maya Santiago • November 4, 2024

“Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” by Salman Rushdie “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” is a short memoir recounting the immediate aftermath...

A collage of four illustrated book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: An art criticism compilation, a romance set in Communist Poland and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Alisia Houghtaling, Anna Baird-Hassell and Ella Sabrina Malabanan • October 21, 2024

“Hot, Cold, Heavy, Light, 100 Art Writings 1988-2018” by Peter Schjeldahl “Schjeldahl has enriched the sensibilities of several generations by narrating his own process...

A man and woman look into each other's eyes lovingly in front of a room of people. The man wears a yamaka and a ceremonial scarf.

Review: ‘Nobody Wants This’ comedically represents the Jewish American experience

The Netflix series about a hot rabbi and his shiksa girlfriend is funny, lovely and full of Jewish mothers.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor • October 15, 2024

Warning: This review contains spoilers.  I don’t really watch TV, but when my 84-year-old grandfather called me to tell me to watch “Nobody Wants This,” I figured I should...

A black lamppost sign that reads “TULSA” and “DECO DISTRICT” with beige, stone buildings behind it.

Opinion: Oklahoma’s abortion ban cannot be ignored at NYU Tulsa

NYU has conveniently left the state’s oppressive reproductive restrictions out of conversations about the study away site.
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor • October 9, 2024

Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Oklahoma revived a law that made abortion illegal except when it is “necessary to preserve” the life of the pregnant person....

A collage of four book illustrations.

Books beyond Bobst: A play about an artist, a novel spanning 300 years and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Katherine Welander, Naisha Roy and Diana C. Sánchez González • October 7, 2024

“Red” by John Logan “When I was your age, art was a lonely thing: no galleries, no collecting, no critics, no money. We didn't have mentors. We didn't have parents. We...

A large skull with orange vines wrapped around it. There are orange and purple pumpkins, and "STAFF RECS" is written above the skull on the dark blue background.

Staff Recs: Some scary stuff

Halloween haters and lovers alike are welcome here.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Dani Biondi, Eleanor Jacobs and Siobhán Minerva • October 2, 2024

BOO! It’s the Arts Desk. We’re back with some particularly spooky recommendations as October kicks off. Whether you’re an avid hater of the holiday and will spend the entirety...

An illustration of four woman walking across a crosswalk. The first woman is wearing a black t-shirt and tan shorts and holding a book with the word "JOAN." The second woman is wearing a black tube top and maxi skirt with sunglasses and a blue necklace. The third woman is wearing a black leather jacket, a skirt and tights, and holding a green bag that matches her green heels. The fourth woman is wearing an oversized white jacket over a black skirt and holding a martini glass.

How the writers I love — both fictional and real — influence what I wear

Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor • September 30, 2024

An illustration of four women’s faces, each in front of a blue square. The words “COCO MELLORS” are above the faces and “BLUE SISTERS” are below the faces.

Review: ‘Blue Sisters’ by Coco Mellors perfectly underscores the meaning of sisterhood

The novel, written by an NYU alum, exceeded expectations following the author's debut bestseller, "Cleopatra and Frankenstein."
Alexa Donovan, Arts Editor • September 24, 2024

I have been eagerly waiting to read “Blue Sisters” by Coco Mellors since early May, when I asked a bookseller at McNally Jackson Books if a copy could be held for me. The book...

A collage of four book illustrations.

Books beyond Bobst: A novel longlisted for the National Book Award, a book by a trailblazing activist and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Hannah Marr and Tina Nejand • September 23, 2024

“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar tells the story of Cyrus Shams, a first-generation Iranian immigrant struggling with sobriety and grief while living...

A collage of four illustrated book covers on solid-colored backgrounds.

Books beyond Bobst: An art history novel, an athletic autobiography and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva, Eleanor Jacobs and Ana Sofia Erath • September 9, 2024

“Peggy” by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison Before reading "Peggy," I imagined the glamorous art collector Peggy Guggenheim in a luxurious caftan, sitting at her waterfront...

An aisle of bookshelves filled with multicolored books.

5 books that will help your transition from the beach to the classroom

On the off chance you have time to read a book for pleasure this semester, here are some suggestions to get you excited for the upcoming academic year.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva and Eleanor Jacobs • September 6, 2024

With rested minds and lingering tan lines, the summer ends and the school year begins once again. New classes mean new professors, a new workload and new expectations. If you get...

On a dark purple background, hand-drawn white letters spell “BACK TO SCHOOL STAFF RECS” with a C.D. and musical notes, an open book, and a black film clapperboard surrounding them.

Staff Recs: Falling into autumn

The best media to cozy up to during the fall semester.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Dani Biondi, Siobhán Minerva and Eleanor Jacobs • September 4, 2024

The endless summer is coming to an end, and with autumn comes our favorite fall media. Maybe you are a sweater weather enthusiast restarting “Gilmore Girls” for the 10th time,...

(Mikaylah Du for WSN)

Navigating the NYC arts scene as an NYU student

New York City can be an overwhelming and expensive place to spend your weekends — here are some of the best places to go on a budget.
Alexa Donovan and Julia Diorio • August 7, 2024

New York City has a plethora of art offerings — there’s something to see, listen to or watch at every turn. The endless options can be overwhelming, especially at the start...

A blue woman in pink sunglasses with one ear phone in, and coming from it is a speech bubble of an ocean and sunset.

Staff Recs: HOT HOT HOT!

As the semester comes to a close, welcome in the warm weather with some of our summery staff favorites.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong • May 3, 2024

The days are getting longer and the heat is turning up. Most of us have nearly finished our classes this semester and are fighting our way through final exams. But there is...

A collage of the four books.

Books beyond Bobst: A summertime romance novel, an analysis of the art world and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Ariana Wahab, Aarna Dixit and Ethan Beck • April 29, 2024

“Playing to the Gallery: Helping Contemporary Art in Its Struggle to Be Understood” by Grayson Perry — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor My copy of “Playing to...

A screen displayed on the wall of wooden sticks in water with a mountain in the background, an art piece displayed dangling from the ceiling and a red art piece displayed on a platform.

Photo: Review: ‘Threads to the South’ explores Latin American identity through textile art

April 18, 2024

(Alexa Donovan for WSN)

Collage of four illustrated books: on the top left is an illustration of a book cover filled with oranges under a plastic film. The title “BLISS MONTAGE Stories” lies on top of the film. On the top right is an illustration of a black book cover titled “POVERTY, BY AMERICA” on a light green background. On the bottom left is an illustration of a book cover with a black, bold line across it. A bee is in the top right corner, along with the title “The Bee Sting” written between the lines. On the bottom right is an illustration of a dark green book cover with a pink box in the center, titled “THE VIRGIN SUICIDES.” There are five dark green flowers in the box and one of them has a missing petal. A pink petal is in the bottom left corner.

Books beyond Bobst: A modern classic, a short story collection and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Emily Genova, Krish Dev, Ella Sabrina Malabanan and Alexa Donovan • April 15, 2024

“The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray — Emily Genova, Deputy Managing Editor  This nearly 700-page novel follows an Irish family as they reckon with a failing family-run...

Collage of four illustrated books: on the top left is an illustration of a blue book with a deer jumping over shrubs drawn in black. The cover says “YOU ARE HERE” in white, “POETRY IN THE NATURAL WORLD” in orange and “EDITED AND INTRODUCED BY ADA LIMON” in black and white. On the top right there’s an illustration of a green book with several white chairs on it and the words “EMMA” and “JANE AUSTEN” written in white. On the bottom left there is an illustration of a book cover with a woman sitting in a garden of flowers overlooking the water. The cover says “THE ENCHANTED APRIL” in white and “VINTAGE VON ARNIM” in brown and white. On the bottom right there’s an illustration of a white book cover with a blue contorted body on it in a black box. On the cover, “MATISSE”, “VOLKMAR ESSERS” and “TASCHEN” are written in white.

Start your spring right with these 4 books

It’s time to get excited about the weather warming up.
Marisa Sandoval and Alexa Donovan • April 11, 2024

There’s nothing more exciting than the first day the weather is warm enough to head to the park, bask in the sun and finally get lost in a good book. It’s important to pick...

An illustration of a person’s silhouette with a speech bubble saying “hear me out…”

Staff Recs: HEAR ME OUT!

This is a judgment-free zone.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong • April 2, 2024

While we love to revel in the world of pretentious high-brow art, there is no better feeling than drowning yourself in a sea of pop-culture trash. Sometimes we find the most comfort...

People walk around a large gallery room, looking at multicolored art pieces made of acrylic and metal hanging from the ceiling.

Review: The 2024 Whitney Biennial poignantly portrays life in the modern world

“Even Better Than the Real Thing,” displays works from over 70 contemporary artists who explore ideas related to “the real.”
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor • April 2, 2024

From a piano playing itself in a dark room to pastel buoys suspended over a pile of rope and lobster traps, the 81st Whitney Biennial: Even Better Than the Real Thing invites viewers...

Collage of four book covers. On the upper left is Asimov’s “Foundation,” on the upper right is Ishiguro’s “Never Let Me Go,” on the bottom left is Morelli’s “The Night Portrait” and on the bottom right is Biggs’ “A Life of One's Own: Nine Women Writers Begin Again.”

Books beyond Bobst: A science-fiction novel, a multifaceted memoir and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Katherine Welander, Ana-Sofia Erath and Tori Morales • April 1, 2024

“A Life of One's Own: Nine Women Writers Begin Again” by Joanna Biggs  — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor Mixing memoir with biography, Joanna Biggs seeks to understand...

Collage of four books: on the top left is “HEREAFTER: THE TELLING LIFE OF ELLEN O’HARA” in red and brown font on a burgundy background, with "VONA GROARKE" written in the bottom corner in red font. On the top right there’s a pink book on a light blue background, titled “THE EDIBLE WOMAN BY MARGARET ATWOOD” in white font. Bottom left there is a book cover titled “THEY’RE GOING TO LOVE YOU” in green font, with "BY MEG HOWERY" in pink font below. Bottom right is a white book cover on a red background titled “THE COURSE OF LOVE BY ALAIN DE BOTTON” in black and blue cursive.

Books beyond Bobst: Heartbreaking tales of family, an untraditional romance and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Anna Baird-Hassell, Eleanor Jacobs and Elena Portnoy • March 11, 2024

“They’re Going to Love You” by Meg Howrey — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor The night I began reading “They’re going to Love You” by Meg Howrey, I knew...

A pink illustration of a girl in a blue top hugging her mother, who is in a green top. In the background are pink flexed arms and flowers.

Staff Recs: Who runs the world?

Our favorite feminist media to carry you into this Women’s History Month cultured and empowered.
Clara Scholl, Stephanie Wong, Mick Gaw, Alexa Donovan and Julia Diorio • March 8, 2024

The greatest part of March — besides the warming weather — is that it celebrates women. It creates a space to go back in time and highlight powerful women in history who were...

The interior of a gallery where a white front desk with a logo saying “GREY ART MUSEUM” printed on it is placed near the entrance. A group of people is looking at photographs and paintings displayed on white walls.

The Grey Art Museum inaugural exhibition is a nod to a French-American artistic past

“Americans in Paris” is on view at NYU’s newly relocated and rebranded fine arts museum.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor • March 4, 2024

There’s a new purple banner flying in the East Village, marking NYU’s recently relocated Grey Art Museum. The museum, formerly the Grey Art Gallery and located on Washington...

Museum display with headline “MARTA MINUJÍN: ARTE! ARTE! ARTE!” in green and red. Under the headline a glass display has a fabric sculpture of multicolored stripes.

Review: ‘Marta Minujín: Arte! Arte! Arte!’ explores the meaning of life through mattresses

The Argentine artist’s first U.S. survey exhibition at the Jewish Museum is now on view and it’s worth the trip uptown.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor • March 1, 2024

Behind large glass doors directly opposite to the Jewish Museum’s entrance, Marta Minujín’s gigantic mattress sculpture “Intertwined Concepts” invites viewers into her...

An arched purple neon light above a collection of black and white photos and a pink shelf.

Photo: Review: The Met’s ‘Don't Forget To Call Your Mother’ captures the essence of family

February 27, 2024

“Don’t Forget to Call Your Mother” is now on view at The Met through Sept. 15. (Alexa Donovan for WSN)

A collage of four books: at the upper left is Lauren’s Elkin’s “Flâneuse” placed on a light green background, at the upper right is Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” placed on a dark red background, at the lower left is Mieko Kawasaki’s “Breasts and Eggs” placed on a brown background, on the lower right is Annie Ernaux’s “Exteriors” placed on a dark green background.

Books beyond Bobst: 2 Japanese novels, a book of journal entries and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Marisa Sandoval, Juliana Guarracino and Maggie Turner • February 26, 2024

“Breasts and Eggs” by Mieko Kawakami — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor At first, I felt silly reading a book called “Breasts and Eggs” on a crowded subway —...

Two mannequins in front of a wall that says “ANNA WINTOUR COSTUME CENTER” and “WOMEN DRESSING WOMEN.” One mannequin wears a white dress and one wears a black dress.

Review: The Met’s ‘Women Dressing Women’ is a feminist approach to analyzing fashion history

The Costume Institute’s fall 2023 exhibition honors the legacy of women working in fashion from 1900 through today.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor • February 22, 2024

A collage of four books. The top left is “Happy Hour” by Marlowe Granados. The top right is “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin. The bottom left is “Okay, Cupid” by Mason Deaver. The bottom right is “Prep” by Curtis Sittenfeld.

Books beyond Bobst: A summer-set novel, an unconventional love story and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Diana C. Sánchez González, Molly Koch and Josie Leach • February 12, 2024

“Happy Hour” by Marlowe Granados — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor New York in the summer has a particular feeling to it. The feeling may just be one of thick,...

A group of models walks down a runway in a line. At the front of the runway, a model opens a black and white checkered cape to reveal a blue ruched mini dress with red stars.

Cultural commentary meets couture at first day of Global Fashion Collective

A fusion of worldwide attire and casual streetwear reigns supreme at Global Fashion Collective’s NYFW shows.
Juliana Guarracino and Alexa Donovan • February 12, 2024

A woman with dark skin and brown curly hair wearing a red sweater, a pair of blue jeans and red sneakers smiles as she lounges back on a pale pink couch. A bucket of popcorn is in her right arm and a book named “Love Stories” lies on her leg.

Staff Recs: Mwah!

WSN’s Arts Desk spotlight their favorite swoon-worthy books, tunes and films to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong • February 1, 2024

Whether you’re excited for or dreading Valentine’s Day, we at the Arts Desk have compiled a wide range of romance-related media to get you through the holiday. We’ve got...

A man and woman standing face-to-face on a street at night time.

5 NYC movies to get you excited about being back on campus

The best movies for living your main-character life.
Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw and Alexa Donovan • January 31, 2024

For many students, our first taste of New York City was through the silver screen. Whether it was watching the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man trample through Midtown or Meg Ryan climax...

A collage of four books: on the top left is a book titled “Daughter: A Novel” written by Claudia Dey, with an abstract pink, red, orange and yellow shape with white sparks on its black cover; on the top right is a book titled “My Husband” by Maud Ventura, with a face with blue eyes, blonde hair and red lipstick on its cover; on the lower left is a book titled “Know My Name: A Memoir” by Chanel Miller, with a dark turquoise cover with three yellow lines across corners; on the lower right is a book titled “Cleopatra and Frankenstein” by Coco Mellors with a close-up of a woman’s face on its cover.

Books beyond Bobst: A story about a father and daughter, a book narrated by an obsessive wife, and more

Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Julia Diorio, Emily Genova and Alisha Goel • January 29, 2024

“Daughter” by Claudia Dey  — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor  I am absolutely certain about only a few things in life, but one thing I am sure of is this: when...

Four book covers in four quadrants colored purple, sky blue, and black. In the top left the cover reads “THIRST FOR SALT” and “MADELINE LUCAS”. The bottom left cover reads “JUST KIDS” and “PATTI SMITH”. The top right reads “GEORGE R. R. MARTIN” and “FEVRE DREAM”. The bottom left reads “EMILY HENRY” and “BOOK LOVERS”.

Books beyond Bobst: A vampire novel, a literary-themed rom-com and more

Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Joe Paladino, Maisie McDermid and Ariana Wahab • December 11, 2023

“Thirst for Salt” by Madelaine Lucas — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor “It’s in the water where she first sees him,” reads the blurb of “Thirst for Salt”...

A yellow trophy with multi-colored confetti on a purple background.

Staff Recs: la fin.

Join WSN’s Arts Desk in celebrating some of this year’s artistic triumphs.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong • December 4, 2023

The final stretch of the year is both cherished and chaotic with its never-ending festivities. Before you gorge yourself on Christmas cookies or get tipsy on spiked eggnog, though,...

An illustration of a megaphone with the phrase “Staff Rants” written on it. The megaphone wears a red Santa hat and the background is white with blue snowflakes.

Staff Rants: Holiday Overload

It's the end of the term, which means it's the holiday season! WSN staff shares their thoughts about it — the good and the bad, but mostly the bad.
Krish Dev, Alisha Goel, Alexa Donovan, Molly Koch, Qianshan Weng, Sabrina Lee, Bruna Horvath, Natalie Thomas, Katherine Welander and Naisha Roy • December 1, 2023

On giving gifts Krish Dev — Deputy News Editor  Whenever I have to buy gifts for the holidays, I feel like I am walking on a tightrope — it’s a delicate balance between...

A pink book cover with a black and white illustration of a person turning to smoke on a blue background. The cover reads “SLOW DAYS, FAST COMPANY THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND L.A.” above “EVE BABITZ” and “INTRODUCTION BY MATTHEW SPECKTOR.” An illustration of a book cover which reads “ELIZA CLARK PENANCE” featuring three people sitting on a dock with one of them scribbled over. The cover is on top of a light pink background. An illustration of a yellow book cover featuring a face covered with white and blue flowers with the text “IF I HAD YOUR FACE” and “FRANCHES CHA”. The cover is placed over a green background. An illustration of a book cover which reads “THE SECRET HISTORY” and “DONNA TARTT” over an illustration of a male sculpture’s face. The cover is placed over a brown background.

Books beyond Bobst: A fictionalized memoir, a true crime-inspired novel and more

Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Emily Genova, Alexa Donovan, Lulu Chatterjee and Ariana Wahab • November 20, 2023

“Penance” by Eliza Clark — Emily Genova, Copy Chief “Penance” is a dream read for those who love true crime podcasts. The novel centers around the night that...

Three colorful dresses are hanging on white hangers. The dress on the left is yellow with silver beads, the one in the middle is purple, pink, orange, and blue, and the one on the right is cream-colored with colorful stripes and circles.

Review: New House of Chloé exhibition guides us through groundbreaking fashion eras

"Mood of the moment: Gaby Aghion and the house of Chloé," currently on display at The Jewish Museum, chronicles the iconic brand’s different eras, from its 1952 creation to the present day.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor • November 13, 2023

With banana hands holding up boobs, shrimp-printed jeans, dress-patterned dresses and hand-painted gowns, “Mood of the moment: Gaby Aghion and the house of Chloé” is the museum...

An illustration with a woman screaming while holding her head with her hands. Around her are the silhouettes of three birds. At the lower right side of the illustration is the title "STAFF REC: Birds".

Staff Recs: Caw-caw!

WSN’s Arts Desk shares their fowl-themed favorites.
Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw, Stephanie Wong, Alexa Donovan and Clara Scholl • November 2, 2023

If you couldn’t tell, we had a little trouble coming up with a theme for this month’s staff recs. November is a strange month, awkwardly sandwiched between two of our favorite...

A collage of four illustrations of books titled "Acts of Service," "Couplets," "everything I know about parties, dates, friends, jobs, life, love," and "Stay True."

Books beyond Bobst: A novel in verse, a Pulitzer-winning memoir and more

Books beyond Bobst is a monthly book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Krish Dev, Ariana Wahab, Ana-Sofia Erath and Alexa Donovan • October 30, 2023

“Stay True: A Memoir” by Hua Hsu  — Krish Dev, Deputy News Editor In his personal essay for The New Yorker, “My Dad and Kurt Cobain,” Hua Hsu discusses his experience...

A multimedia piece of an “Only Murders in the Building” poster, a portrait of musician John Maus, a red book cover titled “Berlin” by Bea Setton, a blue book cover for “In The Miso Soup” and a Yeah Yeah Yeahs album cover of a hand cracking open an egg.

Staff Recs: BOO!

With the Halloween season officially starting, WSN’s Arts Desk highlights books, songs and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong • October 2, 2023

Trick or treat from WSN’s Arts Desk! We can’t give you candy, but we can give you something even more delicious — our Halloween-themed favorites.  In case you haven’t...

A photorealistic painting hangs on a white wall. The painting depicts an arts installation of several black-and-yellow dotted structures with people viewing them.

Painter and sculptor Joe Fig on the importance of seeing

The artist’s exhibition, "Contemplating Compositions," is open until October 21 at the Cristin Tierney Gallery on the Bowery.
Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor • September 18, 2023

On the morning of his exhibition opening, artist Joe Fig told me that “Seeing is like a superpower.” Fig and I sat in the middle of the light and airy main gallery space and...

A collage of a copy of Either slash Or by Elif Batuman, a long playlist of “BELEZA PULA” by Masayoshi Takanaka and various black vinyls lay against a purple background.

Staff Recs: How to romanticize the start of a new term

WSN’s arts editors spotlight a range of media to help you fight those back to school blues and start your semester right.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong • September 5, 2023

We know what the first days of school are like. Whether you’re a first-year trying to navigate living in New York City for the first time or an overwrought senior ready to wrap...

An illustration of a smartphone with an alarm going off that reads “Alarm. Snooze,” a pair of wired headphones and a N.Y.U. shuttle that is titled “Route W” against a purple background.

What I learned during my first year at NYU

While I haven’t mastered everything during my first nine months at university, these nine tips will help any incoming student ease their first few semesters.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • April 28, 2023

Going to a rigorous college in New York City can be challenging, but I’ve learned certain things that have made the transition easier. College can be fun, academically challenging...

A red, brown and white painting hanging on a cream colored wall inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There is a cream colored railing around the base of the wall, and “Cecily Brown, Death and the Maid” is written in capitalized gray letters above the painting.

Review: ‘Death and the Maid’ breathes color into mundane inevitabilities

Cecily Brown’s solo exhibition can be viewed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art until Dec. 3.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • April 26, 2023

It is hard to miss the Cecily Brown exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; its advertising banner creates a stark contrast of color on the colossal and ornate building on...

A collage of two photos of six mannequins wearing different fashion clothes. The mannequins are exhibited inside the Museum at F.I.T.

FIT’s new exhibit explores the intersection of fashion and interior design

Showcasing designer's work alongside their living spaces, ‘Designing Women: Fashion Creators and their Interiors’ is on view until May 14.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • April 13, 2023

The most recent exhibit at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology emphasizes the bridge between high fashion and interior design. Drawn from the museum’s permanent...

A white wall with three pieces of art displayed on it. On the left, a large textile artwork. In the middle, a small abstract black-and-white print. On the right, a slightly larger black-and-white print of silhouettes of two bodies facing each other.

‘Mostly New’ brings the best of NYU’s art collection into the spotlight

The latest exhibition at NYU’s Grey Art Gallery, which will run through May 20, shows a new breadth of work in the university’s collection.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • April 11, 2023

The humble exterior of the Grey Art Gallery, NYU’s fine arts museum located inside the university’s Silver Center, fails to convey the beauty of the spectacular pieces of art...

An illustration of writer Annie Ernaux wearing a green shirt and holding her head with her left hand.

Review: Annie Ernaux’s ‘Happening’ illustrates the necessity of reproductive care

The winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature retells her personal difficulties accessing healthcare in 1960s France.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • March 29, 2023

In October of 1963, a 23-year-old Annie Ernaux wrote in her diary, “I am pregnant. What a nightmare," an entry later featured in her 2000 book, “Happening.” Though at the...

A bar counter with several people sitting next to it. There is painted text reading “Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe” in all capital letters on the wall behind the counter.

Celebrate women’s history year-round at these local spots

Women's History Month is coming to a close, but you can commemorate feminism all year at these city spots.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • March 29, 2023

Women’s History Month may be ending soon, but appreciation for feminism and women’s empowerment is a year-long affair. With a storied past and thriving culture celebrating...

The nighttime skyline view of Downtown Manhattan.

How channeling my inner ‘Sex and the City’ changed my life

When I found myself with three single best friends at NYU, I turned to one of my favorite shows for inspiration.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • February 24, 2023

I like to consider myself to be one of the Carrie Bradshaws of the world. Perhaps we are not one hundred percent alike — where she falls victim to Manolo Blahniks, I fall victim...

An illustration of two figures conversing at the Guggenheim Museum. Various paintings are displayed on the walls above the spiraling, white balconies.

Review: ‘Alex Katz: Gathering’ balances natural and urban New York City

The downtown New York artist’s solo exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum is on display until Feb. 20.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • February 16, 2023

The entire rotunda of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is full of color and life thanks to artist Alex Katz. Katz is familiar with NYU’s surrounding...

A small christmas tree placed on top of a wooden shelf with two gift boxes wrapped with brown paper under it. The boxes are tied with red straps with text “FOR YOU” in all caps. In the background are shelves of indistinguishable goods.

The ultimate gift guide for the NYU student in your life

If you’re wondering what your Violet wants for the holidays, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • November 23, 2022

With the holidays just around the corner and Black Friday sales starting soon, you may find yourself wondering what to get that NYU student you know and love for the holidays....

The painting “New York Office” by Edward Hopper. A young woman stands next to a large window. She wears a blue dress and holds a letter. The room has light blue walls and warm lighting, and the building has a white marble facade. The sun shines diagonally into the scene, casting a shadow on the adjacent street.

Review: Edward Hopper’s art showcases his hatred for NYU

“Edward Hopper's New York,” a love letter to New York City, is on view at The Whitney until March 5, 2023.
Alexa Donovan, Staff Writer • November 22, 2022

Edward Hopper’s 1945 painting “August in the City” depicts the side view of a rounded window protruding from an elegant brownstone. The urban house, adorned with yellow curtains...

An illustration of a female-presenting figure sits, with legs crossed, listening to music with black over-ear headphones. In the background, a urban landscape approximating Times Square in New York City. The signs in the background read “Cinema,” “Bank,” “Fitness Center,” “Tattoo,” “Art,” “Great Recipe,” “Green Tea,” “Restaurant,” “Jazz” and “Cupcake.”

How moving to New York helped me rethink my relationship with anxiety

I had expected my anxiety to get worse after moving to Manhattan. Instead, my relationship with it got exponentially better. 
Alexa Donovan, Contributing Writer • October 28, 2022

I have always been more anxious than the average person. A panicker. A perfectionist. A people pleaser. I overthink, I overshare, I overexert myself.  New York City works better...

A weaving titled “Gretal Gretal” hangs on a white wall in an art exhibition space.

Christina Forrer’s exhibition nourishes your inner child

Los Angeles-based artist Christina Forrer’s weavings and drawings, on view at Luhring Augustine through Oct. 29, express relatable anxieties and fears through a childlike lens of the world.
Alexa Donovan, Contributing Writer • October 24, 2022

Known for creating fantastical art that expresses chaos and evokes powerful emotions, Swiss-born and Los Angeles-based artist Christina Forrer is hosting her second solo exhibition...

Alexa Donovan stands in front of 211 Thompson St., an apartment building in Greenwich Village. Alexa is looking at the camera and wearing a navy shirt and denim skirt.

Born To Be at NYU

As this NYU student returned back to her family’s first stomping grounds, she finds her true self.
Alexa Donovan, Contributing Writer • October 20, 2022