Issuu

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 41, No. 95 | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013

HOW TO

THE City life can be confusing. Here’s how to make it work for you.

ISSUE

NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

ON THE SIDE

COMPILED BY THE

WSN STAFF

NYUNEWS.COM EXCLUSIVES

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

VIA FACEBOOK.COM

Editor-in-Chief JONATHON DORNBUSH Managing Editor

JORDAN MELENDREZ Web Managing Editor

HANQING CHEN Creative Director

LYANNE NATIVIDAD Blog Editor

AMY ZHANG Special Issues Director

KALEEL MUNROE SENIOR STAFF

news EMILY BELL, NICOLE BROWN,

VIA GONYUATHLETICS.COM

Violets start off basketball season with bang

The team kicked off with a win in the NYU Basketball Tip-Off Tournament. Violets jumped out to an early lead and then ended the game with a win at 80-63.

Victoria anticipates second EP

Tisch senior Kiah Victoria, a student in the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, is set to release her second EP “Gravitate,” on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Victoria wrote the songs on the EP while she was studying in Berlin, Germany, which influenced the sound.

Kennedy’s assassination does not define his legacy

MICHAEL DOMANICO investigative KAYANA JEAN-PHILIPPE arts JEREMY GROSSMAN features JONATHAN KESHISHOGLOU sports FRANCISCO NAVAS multimedia JONATHAN TAN copy CASEY DALRYMPLE social media GENTRY BROWN senior editors VERONICA CARCHEDI, TONY CHAU, DAN HINTON, MICHELLE LIM, STEFAN MELNYK, SAM RULLO, WICY WANG

DEPUTY STAFF

news KEVIN BURNS, NEELA QADIR,

COURTESY OF NYU POLY

With the 20th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination nearing, critics must not consider his presidency a failure.

BILLY RICHLING books/theater DYLAN JARRETT film ALEX GREENBERGER entertainment ISABEL JONES music JAKE FOLSOM the highlighter blog VALERIE NELSON features MARINA ZHENG beauty & style ARIANA DIVALENTINO dining DANIEL YEOM sports CHRIS MARCOTRIGIANO multimedia RACHEL KAPLAN, JOON LEE video ALEX LINZMEIER

OPINION PAGE opinion editor

RAQUEL WOODRUFF deputy opinion editors

EDWARD RADZIVILOVSKIY, PETER KEFFER

ADVERTISING BUSINESS MANAGER

ELLEN MCQUEEN

CIRCULATION MANAGER

CHLOE COFFMAN SALES MANAGER

ALISON LIZZIO

NYU Poly hosts Hackathon finals

The winners have been decided. After five Cyber Security Awareness Week competitions where students from various universities competed for cash prizes and scholarship awards. Check out our online article for details.

PROMOTIONS MANAGER

KALEEL MUNROE UNIVERSITY AND ALUMNI COORDINATOR

CLAIRE MAHANY

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

ARIANA DIVALENTINO, ETHAN JACOBS

ADVISING DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

NANCI HEALY EDITORS-AT-LARGE

JAEWON KANG, AMANDA RANDONE, EMILY YANG

About WSN: Washington Square News (ISSN 15499389) is the student newspaper of New York University. WSN is published Monday through Thursday during NYU’s academic year, except for university holidays, vacations and exam periods. Corrections: WSN is committed to accurate reporting. When we make errors, we do our best to correct them as quickly as possible. If you believe we have erred, contact managing editor Jordan Melendrez at managing@nyunews.com or at 212.998.4302.

GOT AN EVENT? EMAIL US AT AGENDA@NYUNEWS.COM OR TWEET US @NYUNEWS. GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? EMAIL US AT TIPS@NYUNEWS.COM.

NYUNEWS.COM

NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

IT’S 5 A.M. ON A MONDAY NIGHT and we’re sitting on our dorm room floor, exams forgotten, essays abandoned and problem sets cast aside, trying to piece together the rest of our lives. Some of us want to believe we have everything figured out, and some of us are still grappling with where we’re going. No matter where we are in our college careers, it’s hard to believe how fast four years can fly by. While there are hundreds of advice pamphlets and blog posts about how to navigate a college experience locked away inside the four walls of a grassy college compound, not as much exists for what an NYU student might call a college experience. That’s because we chart our own college experience in the city instead of letting it be defined by the confines of a college campus. In these pages, we try to unpack the day-to-day struggles of being a student in the city into digestible nuggets. We’re asking the questions that we all face at one point or another wandering around Washington Square Park, from how to fit into the fabric of the city to how to carve your own career path. We’re trying to offer our best tips to the crammers at Bobst Library on how to stay up all night and how to avoid the ill-planned schedule you may have set this semester. We’re trying to bring people together as we ponder how to connect with professors, how to build a student club and where to start a romance in the city. The ideas in this issue are more than words printed on paper — they’re a call to action for us all to become more in touch with the city and the thousands of people around us. We don’t have all the answers, but just like everyone else, we’re looking for them.

Kaleel Munroe SPECIAL ISSUES DIRECTOR

Hanqing Chen WEB MANAGING EDITOR

NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

HOW TO: PLAN SUCCESSFUL, EFFICIENT ALL-NIGHTERS By CASEY DALRYMPLE Eventually — through poor planning or a difficult schedule — it will happen to you. Your homework and other obligations will stack up, and the deadlines will creep closer and closer until they are tomorrow and you have no other options. You’ll have to pull an all-nighter.

DRINK YOUR COFFEE A rookie mistake is to over-caffeinate. Think twice before chugging down energy drinks. If you consume your vitamin C all at time, you may become jittery instead of developing a healthy, focusing buzz. Those jitters will cause you to crash later when staying up is truly imperative.

CHANGE YOUR SCENERY A change in venue can do wonders when it’s crunch time. Being in a focused environment — your dorm’s study lounge, the basement of Bobst, the common space of your apartment or house — can translate to actually being focused, which makes the work easier. Moving around can also help break up writer’s block for when an essay is due in six hours.

HOW TO: PLAN OUT CLASSES TO SUIT YOUR SCHEDULE By KLEIN ALEARDI

ARE YOU A MORNING PERSON? Some people are up with the sun every morning, but for others, barely rolling out of bed is a tremendous effort. Consider which type you are when scheduling your classes.

WILL YOU WORK?

As the midnight oil burns, and you inevitably become bleary-eyed, a long nap can seem like a tempting, almost logical option. Instead, lie down for a short time to recharge. Try to actually limit yourself to 15 to 30 minute naps. Anything more than that, and you’ll just wind up more tired than you started.

CARDIO If you’re still feeling groggy, do some cardio — jumping jacks or arm twirls. When you blood starts pumping, you’re less inclined to want to lie down. An object in motion stays in motion.

POWER IN NUMBERS Staying up all night can be demoralizing. A friend can help you through to dawn, keep you focused, remind you of what’s at stake and point out that you will, more likely than not, survive. And you can do the same for him or her. Think of the entire night as a bonding experience. Above all, don’t abuse the all-nighter. It is a powerful weapon — the most powerful in the procrastinator’s arsenal — but like all weapons, it is not to be abused.

HOW TO: EFFECTIVELY USE YOUR MEAL PLANS By CASSANDRA CASSILLAS

DINING DOLLARS

DINING SPECIALS

Keep in mind that Dining Dollars are not simply for dining. Third North’s Quick Stop and Upstein offer toiletries, laundry detergent, cold medicine, air freshener and other items for dorm life. They are also stocked with refrigerator staples like Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, packs of Red Bull, bread, milk and other groceries. While Dining Dollars roll over from the fall to the spring semester if you keep your meal plan, make sure to have some saved up for finals time each semester.

Tired of the traditional fare at your local dining hall? Keep your eyes open for special events at the dining halls, including a Nacho Bar on Nov. 19 at Hayden dining hall and a State Fair theme taking over Third North courtyard cafe. And don’t forget about Palladium food court’s famous weekly Sunday brunch. Most dining halls will also feature rotating Restaurant Nights.

BE GENEROUS

PACK YOUR TO-GO BOX When you grab your meal plan to-go, pack a couple extra slices of pizza and pick up some apples and oranges so you don’t have to swipe again later in the day. Also, those paper cups can hold cereal, soup, peanut butter, goldfish and other foods, making them a great way to stock up on snacks.

Meal plans can lead to new friends and even earn new mentors. Weekly meal plans roll over on Saturday nights, so make new friends by cashing in your extra meals at Dunkin Donuts for friends or feeding an upperclassmen with no meal plan. Feed a hungry classmate by contacting the NYU Meal Swipes Facebook page and putting your meal swipes up for grabs.

VIA DOYOURPART.COM

For people who don’t want to find themselves without spending money, you’ll want to take into consideration the hours you will be working. In these cases, the best strategy would be to block your classes — schedule all of your classes in the morning to have a few hours to work.

BEWARE OF YOUR BED

DON’T OVERWHELM YOURSELF

The most important step in compiling a schedule is to be honest about what you can handle. Don’t take four of the hardest classes of your college career in one semester — you’re only guaranteeing yourself a tough four months. Think about the work load before finalizing your schedule.

LOOK OUT FOR THE TEACHER A teacher can make or break a class, so you want to be sure to choose a good one. Talk to other students, or even keep ratemyprofessor.com open while scrolling through Albert. Take note of the hotness rating — having a professor that is easy on the eyes is scientifically proven to improve learning in the classroom.

CONSIDER YOUR COMMUTE Not everyone can live two minutes from Washington Square Park — for some of us, oncampus housing still means classes can be only a bus ride away. If you have a long commute to class, don’t pick an 8 a.m. and don’t space your classes out unless you want to spend all day trapped on campus.

HOW TO: BUILD STRONGER BONDS WITH PROFESSORS

By MICHAEL FRAZIER Whether you’ve had good experiences in the past, building relationships with professors is an important part of a college experience. From seeking extra assistance outside of class to asking for a letter of recommendation, forming bonds with your professors is worth more than a class grade.

PARTICIPATE IN CLASS You pay tuition, so you should reap all of college’s benefits, even if that means you are the only student in class who answers a professor’s questions or participates in discussions. While the rest of the class stares lifelessly at the professor or just blatantly nods off into oblivion, you will be cultivating a strong relationship with your professor.

NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

HOW TO: OVERCOME MIDCOLLEGE CRISES

Learn how to deal with the decision to change your major and how to take the most advantage of your time in college. By ARIANA DIVALENTINO Take a walk around Bobst Library on most nights and you may see at least one strained student fighting back tears. The pressure of schoolwork, internships and extracurriculars is difficult enough when it is gratifying. When it isn’t, it can be suffocating. If you find yourself surrounded by empty cups of black coffees, waist-deep in work, asking yourself, “Why am I even doing this?” it might be JOON LEE/WSN time for a change. I don’t think a single one of my friends is going to end up graduating with the same degree and life plan he or she had in mind when he or she started college. More than one premed biology major freshman has transformed into a senior finishing his or her English degree, and vice versa. Changing your mind about your major even five times in one year isn’t unheard of, a claim to which I personally can attest. As impossible as it may seem at first, rerouting your college and career plans can be a liberating experience. advising against a major life Sometimes friends and fam- change because of preconily know you better than you ceived notions they hold, eiknow yourself. Always try ther of you or of your career talking through your con- choices. This process can recerns with the people you sult in obstacles that only add trust and who care about you. to the stress of your midcolYour loved ones, naturally, lege crisis. Parents are nowant the best for you and can toriously guilty of this. The provide an incredible source best you can do is explain the of strength when you’re feel- weight this alteration will lift ing lost and unsure of your- off your shoulders — and genself. Steer clear of naysayers, tly remind them that you’re however — there’s a differ- an adult now, making your ence between giving difficult own adult decisions. but helpful advice and being Once you’re more or less connegative and closed-minded. vinced you need to go through Often, those who are trying with change, logistics become to be supportive only end up the next step. If what you’re

AS IMPOSSIBLE

AS IT MAY SEEM AT FIRST, REROUTING

YOUR COLLEGE AND

CAREER PLANS CAN BE A LIBERATING EXPERIENCE

considering is a change of major, talk to your advisor or someone in the department you hope to join to see if it’s academically possible to still graduate on time. The earlier you are in your academic career, the easier a switch will be. If it’s looking unlikely, and staying an extra semester or two is not a financial possibility for you, consider making a smaller change, like picking up a minor. However, some changes of career don’t even require a different degree. If you have skills and a willingness to learn, nearly any type of career is within reach. Consider dropping by the Wasserman Center for Career Development for help with restructuring your resume and looking for internship opportunities. Ultimately, only certain fields require a specific degree and most can be broken into with proper experience. College can be a testament to your ability to work hard, utilize skills and accomplish something. Your major can only count for so much. The truth is that no matter what common wisdom tells you, any career you could possibly choose will have its own collection of ups and downs, and hard work is inevitable. If you’re not devoting all those hours pouring over books, job applications and eventually the trials of post-college life for something you care deeply about, you simply won’t be satisfied. College is the time to take risks — if it feels like something’s missing, now is the time to take a deep breath, be fearless and make a change.

HOW TO: CREATE YOUR OWN STUDENT CLUBS By DEBORAH LUBANGA

It may not be common knowledge that Carleton College is home to the Moustache Club or that the University of Minnesota encourages the classic past time of creeping with the Campus People Watchers Club. Similarly, the Dignified Educated United Crust Eaters Society, which has a thriving chapter at Western Michigan University, was noticeably absent at this year’s Club Fest. At NYU, facial hair aficionados, people-watching connoisseurs or fans of pizza crust have no formal place to gather for the purposes of sharing their grooming techniques, spying tactics or eating habits. However, there is no need to transfer to one of these universities to join such clubs. Instead, be proactive and fill the club-related void in your NYU life by starting your own. Club applications are due in October, and while this year’s deadline has passed, you have plenty of time to plan ahead. And deciding how your first general meeting will run is not something to take lightly. If you have an idea for a new club, familiarize yourself with the New Club Development Program. Organized by the Student Activities Board, this mandatory program helps clubs through the inaugural year and includes a step-by-step process on how to be a university-recognized club. Prospective clubs in the

NCDP are expected to produce clear statements about the prospective club’s mission and uniqueness, both of which should explain the goals and objectives of the club to distinguish it from existing organizations. Throughout the school year, the SAB will monitor the club as it functions on a trial-basis. In the spring, the SAB will conduct a final evaluation to determine whether the club will become official. While not much can be done in terms of starting a club this school year, if you have an idea to fill a gap in the current roster of clubs, start laying the groundwork to increase the club’s likelihood of becoming a fullyfledged, SAB-approved club next year. Start gathering the required 100 signatures in support of the club now to save time later. Moreover, make sure to stay in contact with the individuals who sign the petition — your club could potentially start with 100 members. Consider reserving some space around campus to host informal interest meetings. Take advantage of the many NYU-related Facebook groups to engage in some shameless self-promotion. Be interesting and capture the spirit of your club with a funny video or picture. And if all else fails, remember if you offer food, students will come.

UNIQUE ALL-SQUARE CLUBS

Scuba Dive & Snorkel Club

Cheese Club at NYU

Tea & Philosophy

Sweet Side of Life

GO TO OFFICE HOURS

EMBRACE ONLINE COMMUNICATION

DO THE WORK

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Never be ashamed if you need to attend office hours because you missed class or do not understand a concept. Devoting some of your personal time to learn shows a professor you care about the class and your education, and it says a lot about your character. The professor will be elated that you came to their office hours, but remember to be punctual if you make an appointment.

Keep an open line of communication between you and your professor by emailing them articles and videos pertaining to the topics discussed in class. It may sound like additional work, but you can learn more by engaging in intelligent conversations outside the classroom or continuing a thought that might have been halted because of time restraints.

This should go without saying, but do the work your professors assign you. You cannot participate in class or know where to start when writing an email to your professor if you are unaware of current class topics. It is easy to fall into the background of the class or lose focus, but this causes you to fall into the background of your professor’s mind as well.

One of the most important things to remember about building a relationship with a professor is communication. Talk to your professors and treat them as you would treat a friend you respect — within reason. But not all conversations with professors need to be about class. They are people who have a life outside the classroom too, and professors have a lifetime of experiences that could help you learn.

abc

NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

was 98 percent Latino, one percent Asian, one percent other. The wonderful pastiche of warm culture there invited interaction with strangers. The bag lady at Publix, our local version of Gristedes, offers life advice in her heavy Cuban accent as she puts your eggs under the gallon of milk. In New York, I found the forced silence in the elevator upsetting. The expectation of distance irked me. But as an Argentine familiar with close interaction — we kiss other men when saying hello — I was able to adjust. I missed home, the freedom of speaking Spanish to the person next to me and picking up a cheap arepa at a gas station at 4 a.m. The closest thing I have found to arepa vendors are the halal trucks that line the streets in front of Palladium food court — not exactly the same, but it would do. Half of my day’s thoughts are related to the weather as I brace for the city’s chilling winds. At home in Florida, an area in a constant state of tropical bliss, this was never a problem. With that mindset going into last September at the beginning of my first fall in New York, I did not take the weather seriously. I had heard that it got cold “for real” in November, but having lived in 80 degree Novembers for the last 12 years, that sounded improbable. Then came the snow. I still did not have a winter jacket, and I froze over. So if you’re from the South or the al-

One NYU student’s take on adjusting city life and culture By FRANK NAVAS Saying that adjusting to NYU was hard for me is an understatement. I was alienated, lost and foreign to every portion of the experience when I arrived — the food, the language, the culture and the weather. You could say that I’ve forced myself to love it here. But freshman year, when everyone else seemed to have an unabashed obsession with the city, nothing in particular about New York attracted me. I was here for NYU, for the classes. But fitting in, finally feeling comfortable living in this city meant overcoming a few hurdles, including my fondness for home. Hailing from Miami, my high school

I DID NOT TAKE THE WEATHER SERIOUSLY. I HAD HEARD THAT IT GOT COLD ‘FOR REAL’ IN NOVEMBER, BUT HAVING LIVED IN 80 DEGREE NOVEMBERS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS IT SOUNDED IMPROBABLE.

VIA FLICKR.COM

ways-sunny California, be prepared and take it seriously. I know fall and winter are elegant and you’re supposed to buy a peacoat to be a real New Yorker, but I would opt for a thick wool that will actually keep you warm rather than a puffy Moncler. As strong as the longing for home might be, there are little ways to bridge

the gap. It takes time to adjust. I guess I faked it until I finally made it. But it feels natural now. The easiest way out is to look for friends in familiar places. For me, it was sports. If you like soccer, head to Pier 40. All it takes is asking to hang out. It’s corny, but the smallest similarity in interests means great bonds can bud.

HOW TO: FIND CHEAP, ENTERTAINING DATES THROUGHOUT NEW YORK CITY

By LARSON BINZER

MUSEUM AND PARK New York City is home to some of the greatest museums in the world, most of which are free for students, so take advantage of it. Pack a blanket, stroll through a museum and then snuggle up under a park tree to watch the sun set. The American Museum of Natural History or the Metropolitan Museum of Art cater to history buffs while the Museum of Modern Art has more to offer those with more modern interests. There’s even the Museum of Sex if you’re in more of a risqué mood. It’s not near Central Park, but the subway can bring you right there.

American Museum of Natural History: Central Park West at 79th Street Metropolitan Museum of Art: 1000 Fifth Ave. MoMA: 11 W. 53rd St. Museum of Sex: 233 Fifth Ave.

JAZZ STANDARD For fans of the New York City jazz scene, this is a perfect location for a relaxed date and great music. The Jazz Standard hosts a variety of shows each week with tickets ranging from $20-$35 ($5 off for students). On Monday nights, the club offers a special, including a student discount that brings the cost down to $12.50 for the second set. Although the food is delicious, it is a bit pricey, so

eat beforehand and go later to enjoy a late night vibe and smooth songs. Location 116 E. 27th St. Checkjazzstandard.com for concert times.

STATEN ISLAND FERRY Although it might seem a little cheesy, taking a halfhour ferry ride and watching the sun set over the Hudson River while holding your special someone’s hand could be a great pre-dinner activity. Plus, the ferry is free. Board the ferry with a departure time 10 to 15 minutes before sunset. Ferries run every 15 to 20 minutes in the evening. Find a place to eat on Staten Island or bring a romantic dinner to eat on the ferry.

Location: 1 Whitehall St. (take the R train) last train runs at 11:30 p.m., but you’ll want to catch one before sunset at about 4:30 p.m.

cute places to eat for a bite between your park adventures. Location: lower Manhattan (take the 4 or 5 train downtown and walk west)

BATTERY PARK

BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Take a trip to lower Manhattan and stroll through Battery Park. It offers beautiful green scenery and a clear view of the Statue of Liberty from the Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park. Or take a walk along South Cove for a quiet view of the harbor, where you can explore the North Cove and its Sailing School or visit the Battery Park City Esplanade to watch a volleyball game. The park is a fun, romantic date spot for any couple. Also, the World Financial Center is filled with

Whether you’re interested in music, film, theater, dance or comedy, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has something for you. Student rush tickets are only $10 if you arrive 90 minutes before showtime. So go, grab your tickets and then find a bite with your sweetie before enjoying a fantastic show. Location: 30 Lafayette Ave. (take the Q train to the Atlantic Ave.Barclays Center stop)

HOW TO: FIND WHERE YOU FIT INTO NEW YORK CITY

NYUNEWS.COM | MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2013 | WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

HOW TO: FIND GREAT EATS AROUND NYC FOR CHEAP By CHANDLER WEST

HOW TO: PLAN, PREPARE FOR SEASONAL STORMS By BRYNA SHUMAN A little over a year ago, Hurricane Sandy struck the New York metropolitan area, leaving many students unequipped to deal with such a disaster. This year’s hurricane season may be over, but don’t be caught unprepared if any type of seasonal storm strikes.

New York City’s renowned food scene is one of the most fascinating aspects of the city to explore. Unfortunately for some college students, budgets can often be as small as the city is large. Here are four places to find a satisfying meal without feeling guilty when you see the check.

PACK IT UP Before a disaster hits, prepare a bag of important essentials in case your building loses power and evacuates. Pack a change of warm clothes. Keep important documents, such as passports and birth certificates, on you — otherwise, they could be lost in the event of flooding. Write down a list of emergency numbers so you have contacts if your phone dies. Also, remember to stock up on cash before the disaster hits. Although this might be counterintuitive, don’t worry too much about food or water. NYU will evacuate students to a building with a backup generator, where such necessities will be provided.

TAQUERIA DIANA Accepts credit cards Taqueria Diana is a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant withdelicious and authentic Mexican food. Taco prices range from $3 to $3.50. Burritos cost between $6.75 and $8.50, and come with a free horchata. The chicken quesadilla for $8.25 is a tasty option. The food fills you up fast, so don’t be surprised if you end up taking home leftovers. 129 Second Ave. between East Seventh Street and St. Marks Place

JOE’S PIZZA Accepts credit cards It’s not surprising that Joe’s Pizza makes the list. Whether you go to the location at 7 Carmine St. or the Union Square spot by Palladium residence hall, you’re sure to enjoy the restaurant’s old-school New York City-style pizza. A slice of plain cheese pizza is $2.75, and a topping bumps it up $3.50. 150 E. 14th St.

PEELS Accepts credit cards The atmosphere inside Peels makes it feel like you’re spending more money than you actually are. It’s an excellent brunch spot on another budget, especially if you go for the Build-A-Biscuit sandwiches, which start at $3.00 and can be completed with eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, avocado, cheese, gravy, fried chicken or a combination. Another menu standout is the shrimp & grits ($15.25), which is one of the more expensive options on the lunch menu, but the flavor is definitely worth the price. 325 Bowery

CAFÉ ANGELIQUE Accepts credit cards Café Angelique is an ideal place to grab coffee, pastries, lunch or breakfast. Its chai tea lattes are some of the best around. For breakfast, oatmeal with cinnamon, nuts and raisins only costs $3.75. If you’re in the mood for something more savory, they have mushroom omelet sandwiches for $5.10 or ham and swiss croissants for $4.20. 49 Grove St. and 68 Bleecker St.

IN AND OF THE CITY NYU may not be your only resource during the aftermath of a natural disaster. Take advantage of a local coffee shop to charge your electronics, or use your neighborhood dumpling joint to provide you, for a price, with meals cooked in the dark when you grow tired of university-issued rations. On the bright side, past disaster situations have shown moments of altruism, too. Midtown apartments with power ran extension cords outside their buildings, inviting people to charge their phones. If you need help during a natural disaster, don’t be afraid to look around and ask. You never know who may be willing to help.

HOW TO: ENJOY UNIQUE NEW YORK FESTIVITIES DURING HOLIDAY SEASON AWAY FROM HOME By ADELINA ZHANG

Even if you’re feeling far from home this holiday season, you can find something in New York City to keep the homesickness at bay. The city celebrates the holiday season in a variety of festive and entertaining ways, so allow yourself to take in and spread the holiday spirit even if you are not at home with your family.

GO ICE SKATING IN BRYANT PARK Located a few blocks away from Times Square is a large ice skating rink with free admission. If you don’t own ice skates, the cost is only $15 for a rental pair, making it the ideal night out or a romantic date. The Winter Village at Bryant Park also offers snacks and shopping kiosks to visit before or after skating.

WATCH THE MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE Bundle up, head to Midtown and choose a spot to watch celebrities, music performers and colossal balloons pass by for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiv-

ing Day Parade. You can also see a sneak preview of the balloons while they are being inflated at the American Museum of Natural History the day before Thanksgiving.

HIT THE SALES FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING There are always great deals after Thanksgiving, so if you want to snatch up inexpensive retail items, then head up to Penn Station and take a train to Woodbury Commons. But if you’re brave enough to withstand crowds and are looking for a good deal on the latest technology, camp out at your local electronics store on Black Friday. Be sure to bring a friend, blankets, chairs and something to pass the time.

WATCH ‘THE RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR,’ STARRING THE ROCKETTES The must-see show contains music and dance numbers to put you in the holiday spirit. Tickets can be expensive, so take advantage of your student discount through NYU’s Ticket Central. You can purchase cheaper tickets on a convenient date when the venue might not be as crowded.