Student's Perspective on Freshman Dorms

A Student’s Perspective on Freshman Dorms

By Hela Watson

Monroe: 

Considered one of the more “social” dorms, Monroe is a co-ed all freshman dorm located by the business school. It’s location is handy because not only is it very close to Bruff, but it is the closest dorm to the LBC, Loyola’s dining hall (“Luff”), and Starbucks. So if you prioritize proximity to food, “Mo” is your best choice. Additionally, the Monroe quad is ideal for tanning or throwing a Frisbee.

Sharp: 

Sharp is Monroe’s brother dorm that houses freshman females and males. Also a “social” dorm, Sharp is positioned next to Monroe and about 30 seconds closer to Bruff. The rooms in sharp have furniture that cannot be moved- so if you don’t plan on adjusting the setup of your room, Sharp will work for you! Instead of a grassy quad like Monroe, Sharp boasts a sand volleyball court.

Wall: 

In order to live in Wall, students need to apply. Wall is a co-ed freshman and sophomore dorm conveniently located behind Bruff. Students living here are often very involved on campus. Wall is pretty new so residents do not have to struggle with some of the inconveniences of other older dorms.

Josephine Louise (JL): 

Many female students moan and groan about their unwanted placement in the single-sex JL at first, but almost all end up loving it. JL has a quad that is almost private, spacious rooms, many shower stalls, large windows, and individual thermostats. JL is located right next to Newcomb, so students only need to leave a minute or two before a class there. 

Patterson: 

Home to the more “alternative” students, Patterson is a co-ed dorm for freshman and sophomores. Students living here are generally laid back and perhaps chose Patterson because it is the healthy living dorm.

Butler: 

Butler is the co-ed freshman honors dorm. Although honors students are not required to live here, many do. It tends to be quieter and slightly less rowdy than other dorms. The floors alternate gender and refer to themselves as “Butt-(insert floor number).” Butler is perhaps the best dorm for Bruff lovers because it is just across the street. 

Greenbaum House: 

New to Tulane this year, Greenbaum is a freshman and sophomore dorm located next to Newcomb. Some call it the “Boot Dorm,” because it is positioned right by the famous bar, The Boot. This makes it convenient on the weekends because it is a quick and easy walk home. 

For more information about student housing, check out: http://tulane.edu/studentaffairs/housing/index.cfm

A Conversation with CakeWalk Vocalist Piper Browne

CakeWalk is a nine-piece band made up of Tulane students that dabble in soul, funk, and pop music. They opened for Smashmouth at the Tulane University Homecoming concert, and now are in talks for a Back to School show at Gasa Gasa this spring. Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down with one of the lead vocalists, Piper Browne, and discuss her experience balancing music and schoolwork in the context of the Big Easy.

What would you say is your style of singing, and how does mesh with the rest of the band?

Kyle, Jenna, and I all have very different voice types, which I think is one of the best parts about having three different vocalists. It adds diversity to the bands overall sound and makes sure that each one of our songs has a little something different to it. Even though we all have very different styles, our voices actually mesh together really nicely. We generally have one person sing lead and the other two on backup with some sweet harmonies. I would describe Kyle’s voice as Motown meets neosoul, Jenna’s as soulful betty pop with theater/classical undertones, and my own voice as jazzy pop with folk undertones.

What other groups are you a part of on campus?

Music wise, I have been in Green Envy A Cappella since freshmen year. That and CakeWalk have been my main music groups for the past year. Before CakeWalk I was in a band with some other friends Saf City and was in one of Tulane’s jazz combos my sophomore year.

Has your singing, and/or performing changed since you got to New Orleans?

I would say my singing and performing have definitely changed since I’ve gotten to New Orleans. In high school I did a lot of musical theater and choir. Once I got to Tulane I started studying jazz voice, singing pop with Green Envy, and now funk with CakeWalk. I haven’t done any theater or even choir type music since I’ve been at Tulane. My time here has really solidified my unique and versatile sound and has made me realize what kind of music I really love singing. As far as performing, I did a lot of performing before I got here, but definitely performing of a different kind. Through Green Envy I’ve learned how to perform very in sync with about 15 other people on a stage and keep up complicated voice parts while listening to three others and dancing to the groove. With CakeWalk I’ve learned how to really let lose while on stage and improv. I have always loved performing and being on stage, and my time in New Orleans has only increased that love.

Who are your biggest influences, and why?

I would say my biggest influences in the music realm are the other musicians I perform with 100%. I was trying to think of famous people that I listen to and look to for ideas and advice, and there have definitely been some of those over the years, but I am surrounded by so many talented singers and performers constantly in my different music endeavors that I really don’t have to look very far. They all bring something so special to our groups and when I hear something they do that I love, I’ll try to recreate it with my own Piper twist. Specifically, Jenna Winston has pushed me to new vocal heights more than I’m sure she even knows. That girl can absolutely wail and never ceases to amaze me. I’ve always felt pretty sure about my own vocal range and capabilities, but I think I was being a little timid with it and standing next to Jenna up there and listening to her belt out crazy lines, timid is definitely something one can be. She has forced me to open my mind and try new things and push myself even when I think I probably won’t be able to make it up to whatever note I’m reaching for. I still remain faithful to my lower more jazzy and sultry? Haha (that’s what I go for at least) sound, but because of her I’ve really pushed myself and sang parts I never used to think I could.

What are your favorite venues in New Orleans?

My favorite venues are always the clubs on Frenchmen. I love how intimate they are and how close you can get to the stage and performers. It’s a completely different experience and you really feel like you’re a part of it. I love surrounding myself with the kind of people who go to these clubs as well. Everyone gets so into the music and doesn’t even think judge when you just have to go a little wild on the dance flow…if anything, they’ll just join you!

What is the greatest challenge you've faced as a performer?

I’ll be honest, singing backup has definitely been a challenge in different ways. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in your own part and solo when you’re up on stage and switching gears and singing backup can feel like a bummer in the moment, but now it has turned into one of my favorite things. Especially with Green Envy where we have really complicated, beautiful, and overall amazing background parts, knowing your part and singing in sync with the rest of the group, eyes locking and bodies bouncing, while the lead sings over us is an amazing feeling. It’s when I feel most cohesive with the group and when I really appreciate the beauty and complexity of a cappella. In CakeWalk, being a backup singer is just plain fun. We come up with catchy, funky background harmonies and belt out those (and dance…a lot) while the lead wails on top of them. I think it takes our band to the next level and being a part of creating that is incredible.

What is you favorite show you've ever played? (What/Where/When/Why etc.)

I think my favorite CakeWalk show has been the one we played at Cafe P (Cafe Prytania) at the beginning of the semester. We opened for Naughty Professor which was so cool and such an honor and it was our first show back together after the summer and it was just pure magic. I had been missing the guys and Jenna, and making music tougher, a ton. The singers also wore overalls, which was clutch. We were vibing with each other hardcore and I’m pretty sure the audience could feel the love emanating from all of our instruments. 

What does the future hold for CakeWalk, and for you?

In the immediate future, we’re working to book some studio time to record some of our originals and hopefully release an EP of sorts. That’s our primary goal at the moment, so we’ll be putting a hold on performing for a couple weeks, probably until around Mardi Gras. And as far as my personal future…I’ll be working to take advantage of every sweet moment I have left as a student at Tulane as a second semester senior. Being a senior is definitely bittersweet. On one hand, I’d like to be a Tulane student forever, but on the other hand (and I’m more so on this hand), I really cannot wait to get into the real world and start my new life in a different part of Nola. 

Check out the CakeWalk in our Homecoming video!

Justin Picard

Eating Out in NOLA for Vegetarians - Christopher Halbohn

Eating Out in NOLA: A Vegetarian’s Guide to the Culinary Utopia That is New Orleans

If you’re a vegetarian, then you are already aware of the difficulties that come along with your ethical decision to avoid meat and fish. Whether for environmental, animal cruelty, or health reasons, being a vegetarian in New Orleans may carry a stigma of being impossible due to the importance placed on seafood and spicy meats here. But I can tell you with certainty that you will not starve in this city if those sources of protein are just simply not your thing. 

The list featured below names ten restaurants that offer a dazzling array of meatless options for special diners, like myself, who do not eat meat. Each featured restaurant will come with a brief description and the recommended order that will be sure to satisfy carnivores and herbivores alike! 

Ba Chi Canteen- 7900 Maple Street, Uptown University Area

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ba-chi-canteen-new-orleans 

Located a mere 10 minute walk from Tulane’s Uptown campus, Ba Chi is a cozy place specializing in Vietnamese fare. Start with the classic tofu fresh spring rolls and then move to the curry tofu po-boy with basil aioli—a twist on the authentic New Orleans po’ boy sandwich (it’s like a hoagie or sub, depending on what area in the United States you are from). Wash it down with a Thai tea after. 

Seed- 1330 Prytania Street, Lower Garden District 

http://seedyourhealth.com

Seed is a restaurant offering purely vegetarian dishes, so this restaurant is a good one if you are a bit stricter with your eating habits. Start with the mango and kale salad and then treat yourself to the sweet potato and mushroom cake. Both are to die for! 

Juan’s Flying Burrito- (three locations) 

4724 South Carrollton Ave, 2018 Magazine Street, 515 Baronne Street 

http://www.juansflyingburrito.com

Mexican food is always sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all diners, especially in the eclectically-designed Juan’s restaurants! While meat is obviously on the menu and offered in almost all of the dishes, one can simply request to have no meat and to replace all meat with extra beans! Take some chips and guacamole first, then enjoy the Supergreen Burrito, stuffed with green chiles, spinach, grilled onions, bell peppers, broccoli, avocado, mushrooms, salsa, and cheese! Don’t forget to try any of the famous margaritas, also! 

The Rum House- 3128 Magazine Street, Garden District 

http://www.rumhousenola.com

A Caribbean-inspired restaurant on the famous Magazine Street, The Rum House offers a spectacular event every Tuesday called “Taco Tuesday.” On Tuesdays all tacos are $2 and most beers are also $2, while the margaritas are $4 until 6:30 p.m. Try the Rasta tacos, complete with jerked veggies, avocado lime sour cream, and cilantro. For sides, choose the jalapeno coleslaw and the homemade sweet potato chips for a delicious balance to the tacos! 

City Greens- 909 Poydras St. #125, Central Business District

http://eatcitygreens.com

Providing a clean, eco-friendly eating environment, City Greens serves crispy salads and savory soups for incredibly low prices. My favorite is the Southwest salad, with avocadoes, black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, tortilla chips, and pepper jack cheese! Vegetarian and vegan soups, however, are only offered on Mondays. 

Nirvana- 4308 Magazine Street, Garden District 

http://www.insidenirvana.com

Indian food is usually a great dining option for the modern vegetarian. While dining here, one can look around at the interesting artwork adorning the walls of the restaurant, really adding to the ambiance of the experience! Take the palak paneer, a dish of spinach and farmer’s cheese cubes with a side of naan. If you’re still hungry, some veggie samosas are a great addition! Who knows, you might even see John Goodman there! Nirvana is one of his favorite restaurants. 

Sukho Thai- (two locations) 

1913 Royal Street, French Quarter and 4519 Magazine Street

http://www.sukhothai-nola.com

Thai, like Vietnamese food, is another cuisine that caters to those who do not eat meat. Sukho makes the dining experience a bit more modern and elegant, providing delicious foods while offering a clean, more upscale setting. Try any of the Pad Thai dishes, spiced to taste. If you’re looking to save some money, go during lunchtime to take advantage of reduced-price meals!

Biscuits and Buns on Banks- 4337 Banks Street, Mid City

http://www.yelp.com/biz/biscuits-and-buns-on-banks-new-orleans

A fabulous brunch locale, this restaurant may be a bit out-of-the-way, but it certainly is worth the trek. Named as one of the best restaurants in the United States for biscuits, this comfortable restaurant located in a renovated house is perfect for all tastes! While the biscuits are a must, also try the Blueberry and Brie Stuffed Waffle, both taken with a cup of endless freshly-brewed coffee!

Vincent’s- 7839 St. Charles Avenue, Uptown University Area

http://www.vincentsitaliancuisine.com

Just a 5-minute walk down St. Charles from Gibson Hall, Vincent’s is a well-established Italian restaurant that caters to a wide array of tastes. Though full of carbs, Italian fare is still pretty vegetarian-friendly. Order the eggplant parmesan for an authentic taste of Italy here in New Orleans!

 Pizza Domenica- 4933 Magazine St, Garden District 

http://www.pizzadomenica.com

Another sure way to make sure everyone in your dining party is satisfied, head to John Besh’s Pizza Domenica to try any one of their nuanced takes on pizza! This restaurant also features a happy hour every day from 2-5 PM to take advantage of reduced-priced pizzas! Be sure to try the Garlic Knots with aged provolone fonduta and the Roasted Carrot pizza with goat cheese! Mm.

Oak Street Poboy Festival! - Nora Colman

Po Boy Fest 2014

I just went to one of my favorite events...PO-BOY FEST! The po-boy festival takes place every year right before Thanksgiving on Oak Street (about a fifteen minute walk off campus), and is one of the most popular festivals of the year for Tulane students. Po-boys, sandwiches made with French bread, are a staple of New Orleans cuisine. Po-boy fest brings over fifty different restaurants, bars, bookstores, live music, and food trucks together for one big party in the streets! Some of my favorite food options this year include grilled corn with a chili-rosemary butter dressing, a salted chocolate caramel po-boy from The Sammich, and the fried lobster po-boy from GW Fins.

Corn!

Salted caramel po-boy

My two favorite things about po-boy fest (besides the food, of course) are the prices and diverse options! In the mood for pizza? Try the Pizza po-boy from The Harbor. Ready for some Thanksgiving food with a Nola twist? Try the Turkey rib po-boy covered in cranberry barbecue sauce, topped with creole coleslaw. How about some sushi? Ninja sushi offers a variety of sushi po-boys including salmon sashimi and fried catfish.

Poboy fest is a beloved tradition for all Tulane students and each year the food just gets better and better! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…

The famous Jacques-Imo's tent

"The Baby Maker" - fried oysters, bacon, cheddar and remoulade

Tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella

Wild Mushroom - vegan and vegetarian!

Thanksgiving in NOLA

One of the worst parts of being an international student is watching your friends hang out with their family while you are 6000 miles away from yours, as it is usually too expensive to fly internationally for a week-long visit. As everyone slowly left campus Monday through Wednesday, and my Facebook news-feed was bombarded with my friends reuniting with their dogs, a feeling of isolation came upon me. Luckily I had some friends who were also staying in New Orleans for Thanksgiving. We decided that we would make most out of the experience and enjoy ourselves as much as possible.

The crowd watching the parade

On Wednesday night, I went on a short trip to Metairie, Louisiana to one of my fraternity brothers’ house for dinner. As soon as I got into the house I was warmly welcomed by his whole family and once again realized how accurate the term “southern hospitality” was. There were turkey and trays full of delicious stuffing waiting for us. After months of cafeteria and restaurant food, having homemade cook was a great change.

Street car with Megan

We were at the table enjoying the food when his dad and grandmother suddenly started singing “Happy Birthday”. It was a surprise party for my friend. As he started opening his presents, I was appalled at what I saw. It was one of those “the American culture you see in the movies” moments. He received a rifle from his dad, with many bullets and accessories from his uncle.

I am very anti-gun. I don’t think that people need objects that were invented to kill other people. Yet one of the nicest people I know, in front of my eyes, turned into a 5 year old child receiving one from his dad. He caressed it, hugged it… Although I first wanted to blame the culture and get mad, I stopped myself. As I took a step back to think about how he and his family felt about guns I gained some perspective. I had trouble all my life understanding how guns can be part of a culture because of all that they represented in my country and the Middle East: terrorism, pain and war. Yet for him, it was nothing more than an exhilarating toy. A way of expressing his masculinity that he shared with his family. He wasn't planning on shooting anyone. I am still against guns as they pose risks when they are so easily available, but now I am more aware of interest in guns being no more than a simple hobby. My dinner was a fun, warm, shocking but a learning experience. It was one of the instances that made me feel happy for my decision to come to USA. It is impossible to understand a culture without experiencing it.

Onion soup with me in the background

On Thanksgiving Day, I went downtown with a group of friends. We caught the end of the thanksgiving parade, which was quite unimpressive after.Experiencing Mardi Gras last year, but that comparison seems unfair. Despite our efforts, we weren't able to find a restaurant with any space. We then decided to go to the hotel my friend Nick’s dad and brothers were staying in, which offered a thanksgiving dining option.

HOT TUB

I can understand why so many of my friends say Thanksgiving is their favorite holiday. It is a day filled with great food. It is a day when you come together with your family. But more than that, it is a day for gratefulness, and for appreciating what you have. It reminds you of the things you don’t think about that much in day to day life. I am very grateful for being where I am right now, in a great school, around people who I love and care about and who love and care about me, with tons of opportunities and experiences still waiting for me. I am also for the hot tub we got to relax in after the dinner.