As a senior this year, I feel as though it is my duty to pass on some words of advice for every student who feels as though they are floundering in the world that is Stern. I get it—I’ve been there. So much work, caf card running low, can’t get any studying done in the library, exhausted all the time, and more. With some crowdsourced help (thank you, Stern College: In the Know), here are just a few tips to help your stay at Stern get easier.
The elevator in the 215 cafeteria. No, not that one. There is a second elevator! Admittedly, it only goes to the 5th and 6th floor—but next time you’re running late for class, and the usual elevator is crammed full of girls and their lunches, go through that little door on your left and voila! No need for stairs.
The gym on the 11th floor of the 245 building. All the Lady Macs know about this fun little gem, but for the rest of us laymen, yes—there is a full gym available for use on the 11th floor of the 245 building. So, if you found out about the extra elevator in 215 and didn’t take the stairs, here’s a good place to get that workout.
Jack’s 99 Cent Store. Did you also spend an exorbitant amount of money at Duane Reade over your stay in Stern? Yes, it happens to all of us. Duane is great, but Jack’s has everything you would need for way less, and there are a few right near Stern. And FYI—they also have a more extensive snack selection than Duane Reade. Oh, and they also have Essie nail polish for $3 a pop.
7th floor in 215, reference library in 245 (near the vending machines), 215 caf after 3:30 PM. What do all these places have in common? They are all the best surreptitious napping spots. If, between classes, you need that power nap but you’re far too lazy to walk back to your dorm (thinking of you, 29th Street dormers), here are the best places to grab some shut-eye.
Student discounts. They’re almost everywhere. Just ask. Specifically, for all you Brookdale dormers, when you need a caffeine boost in the morning (or at night during finals week) the Dunkin Donuts across from Brookdale is a good one to know about — just show your student ID for a 10% discount.
Google Express/Amazon Prime. Both of these services offer a free trial period for several months and are so helpful, especially here in the city, when walking 20 blocks with heavy packages in the snow is a very real possibility. It’s also a great idea to buy items like paper towels and toilet paper in bulk at the beginning of the semester and split it with your roommates! It’s definitely easier and cheaper down the line.
Chabad of Midtown. Need a last minute Shabbos meal? Check. Missed Megillah reading on Purim? No worries. Chabad of Midtown is an amazing resource to know about — located on 5th between 42nd and 43rd — check out their website for more information!
Get creative with your study spots. Can’t focus in your dorm room? Too intense of an environment in the Stern library? Scared of being known as “the Library Girl” uptown? The media room (downstairs in the North wing of the library) is one of the quietest spots in Stern to study. But if you’re too antsy to stick around Stern but need to get some real studying done, check out some nearby coffee shops — Perk on 38th and 3rd or Gregory’s Cafe on 33rd and Park are both nearby, quiet and not too packed during the week. If you want to go a little further out, the big New York Public Library on 5th and 40th is my personal favorite to use as a study spot.
Pull up, don’t push down. Possibly the most important hack of all: keep the entire Stern population happy by pulling up on the toilet flusher instead of pushing down on it. No more clogged toilets or angry rants on Stern College: In the Know.
Take advantage of NYC. If you have a couple of hours free that you don’t want to spend doing work, why not spend them exploring the city instead of sitting on your bed, binge watching Breaking Bad? (no judgement—I have definitely been there). Take a walk in Central Park. Check out Groupon for fun things to do with your friends. Go to that exhibit at the Met. Ask the Arts and Culture editors of The Observer for more suggestions.
Get involved! I know this is super cliche, but getting involved in different clubs or activities is really what makes Stern great. No clubs that you like? Start a new one. Stern is small enough to really make things happen.
So, to my fellow stressed out Stern girls—good luck, and keep your eyes peeled for upcoming Stern hacks: caf edition, commuter edition and more!
Tips were contributed by: Rebecca Khakshoor, Lee Sahar, Navah Maynard, Viti Felder, Makena Owens, Chaviva Friedman, Tova Ross, Molly Pocrass and Observer Staff.