Here’s some breaking news that hopefully everyone can agree to be happy about: The New School will be closed Monday, March 4, due to the severe weather.
The weather update was announced through the university’s website. Even though classes are cancelled and administrative offices will be closed, dorms and the University Center will remain open. “In the case of extreme weather, The New School follows the lead of the Department of Education. If the NYC public schools are closed, The New School will follow suit. Please be safe and, if possible, stay indoors. We anticipate returning to regular hours on Tuesday,” the status update said.
Wondering what to do now? While you let that thought crystallize, let us offer you some suggestions on how to spend the day off. The Free Press has 10 ideas for you to make the most of the snow day.
Binge your favorite shows/movies
There’s no need to get out of bed to escape the confines of a super-small New York dorm or apartment. Here’s what the Free Press watching on Netflix, Hulu, and cable these days. (Wait, does anyone still have cable?)
Art director Olivia Heller is streaming Bodyguard, Chef’s Table, Mad Men, and Assassination of Gianni Versace on Netflix. “All at the same time?” this reporter asked. She declined to comment.
Reporter Mikey Izquierdo recommends Russian Doll on Netflix, because “it’s a quick 30-minute, eight episode binge,” or Broad City on Hulu, since “it’s on its last season this year.” Co-editor in chief Molly Mintz is planning to watch the highly-anticipated HBO documentary Leaving Neverland about abuse allegations against Michael Jackson. Now it’s your turn to catch up.
Build a (mini) snowman
New York City’s weather forecast expects four to eight inches of snow accumulating through the night until tomorrow morning. Though that doesn’t sound like enough to actually build a regular, life-sized snowman, heading over to Union Square or Washington Square Parks and gathering snow from every bush, branch, and bench in sight might just amount to a mini snowman. And perhaps make you some new squirrel friends.
Sigh ‘ahhh!’ and treat yourself to a spa day
Usually too busy to treat yourself to a day of relaxation? Today’s that day. Now’s the chance to trudge through the slush to Kosette Beauty Market in Koreatown. Try their refreshing face masks (buying five masks gets you five additional for free) or get your nails done at Il Girasole Spa, in Noho on E 4th St. between Broadway and Lafayette, which offers discounts to New Schoolers with student IDs.
Indulge in your creative side (even more than you’d usually do)
Our community is replete with creative thinkers; we’re artists, musicians, writers, designers, experimentalists. Being stuck inside leaves little room for avoiding your crazy talents. From the comforts of the UC or your home, work on a new fashion design look or take sketch the scenery through the windows. Remind yourself why you decided to go to The New School in the first place.
Keep up with homework
Snow days are synonymous with lazy days, but practicality must be a priority if your stress is unsurmountable. We’re all busy with assignments, projects, and performances. And with midterms coming up, there’s nothing wrong with doing homework on a no-school day. If the thought of spending your day doing this makes you weepy, we tallied up the best places to cry around the city.
Get organized
Where is Marie Kondo when you need her? Whether it’s your own bed or that messy roommate of yours, now’s the right time to get clean and make living spaces pristine. If you’re trapped inside with someone you need to confront, our advice columnists from 2017 offered solutions to dealing with difficult roommate situations here.
Spend the day with that special someone
Do you have a significant other? A lover? A best friend? A cat? A dog? A rat? If it’s the latter, we’re concerned, but we won’t judge. Show some extra appreciation to those around you today. Avoid flooded or freezing subways and take a walk up 5th Ave, or Flatbush Ave, with that special someone. Or treat your ‘me, myself, and I’ to dessert at Max Brenner, located near campus on 13th St. and Broadway.
Plan that spring break vacay
March is here and Spring Break is only two weeks away. If you haven’t planned a getaway, buy yourself a (roundtrip) ticket out of this blizzard and experience warmer weather somewhere tropical. Subscribing to the Scott’s Cheap Flights newsletter guarantees that discounted fares to the world’s best destinations will land in your inbox as soon as they’re available.
Give the city your full attention
We’ve all had moments where we say to ourselves, “Wow, I’ve made it in New York!” They come when we least expect them, and we might be sitting in subway cars that smell like pee when we feel them most. Today there is time — a true New York luxury — to be grateful for the city and stop to soak it up. If you have your student ID, go visit the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) located on 53rd St and 5th Ave., where you’ll get free tickets to the exhibits.
Drink hot chocolate (with or without booze!)
For anyone over the legal drinking age of 21, spike up that cup of hot cocoa with a splash of Bailey’s Irish Cream. It’s sweet, it’s stylish, and it’ll sure make the day fly by. Anyone under 21 can head to the Nutella Cafe, at the corner of 13th St. and University Place near the UC, to enjoy a latte with a delicious dollop of Nutella whipped cream on top.
Or, do the most by doing the least
“I’m going to wake up at 3:00 p.m, eat all of my groceries, and go to bed at 8:00 p.m,” said Free Press deputy news editor Kurt Burger. Not a bad idea.
Jihan Basyah is the social media editor for the New School Free Press. She started off as a reporter covering fashion, arts, and culture. Currently, Jihan is studying Journalism + Design, with a minor in Fashion Communication, at The New School.
