I’ve been feeling some serious real-estate envy recently. No offense to my suitemates, but the obnoxious New Yorker in me has been craving off-campus life since I stayed at a friend’s house on Dwight Street during Bulldog Days (just think of all the dinner parties you could host!). Unfortunately, I have one more year until I can finally make the move, no thanks to the friends who’ve rejected my semi-serious offers of marriage. But I know that when the time to leave Yale’s nest comes, I’ll have to face some uncomfortable realities, particularly rent and other scary costs of living I probably can’t even imagine right now. In the immortal words of Destiny’s Child: “Can [I] pay my bills? Can [I] pay my telephone bills? Can [I] pay my automo-bills?”

Beyonce and I are not the only ones worrying about our bills, though. Turns out New Haven’s got financial woes, and Yale, whose status as a non-profit exempts it from paying property tax, might not be doing its part. This week, Kohler Bruno, SM ’16, investigates how much New Haven could stand to gain from Yale contributing more than the small percentage it voluntarily pays of the full taxes.

The Herald isn’t looking to bum you out completely, though. In Features, relax at the Institute Library’s pig-roast fundraiser with Maya Averbuch, BK ’16, who will tell you all about the community efforts to keep the library alive. In Voices, learn how to let go of your worries with Olivia Valdes, JE ’16. In Opinion, let loose at a frat party with Jin Ai Yap, MC ’16.

Maybe you’re the type who needs comfort food (Lucas Sin, DC ’16, recommends Tikkaway). Maybe you just need to find that special someone (Jenny Allen, JE ’16, gives you a rundown on your digital mate-seeking options). Or maybe your idea of relaxing is sitting down with your favorite weekly Yale newspaper. No matter how you’re looking to relieve some stress, the Herald’s got you covered.

Best regards,
Kevin Su
Reviews Editor