These days, with all the content out there, it can be difficult to decide which publications are crucial. Many students I asked read one or two publications consistently, along with occasional articles from bigger newspapers. These days, however, it’s important to consume a well-balanced news diet—in addition, of course, to your beloved College Magazine. Combined with the “big” newspaper of your choice (Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, etc.), here are five publications that will get you closer to cultural omnipotence.
New York Magazine
It might be impossible not to love New York Magazine. Michael Feinstein, a senior at NYU, captures its appeal perfectly: “[It has] interesting articles that I want to read as opposed to feel like I should read.” Whether it’s their pristine slideshows, fresh content or restaurant reviews, New York Magazine aims to please the modern, short-circuiting brain. Their culture blog, Vulture, is possibly the site’s best example of instant reader gratification. Each post locks onto some cultural tidbit and makes it entertaining, even fascinating.
The Daily Beast
It’s important to keep up on the news, but sometimes the subject can feel impenetrable. Boasting a clean format, The Daily Beast is organized without being dry, and offers substance without getting too mired in the details. Check out the daily Cheat Sheet for the 10 salient news points of the day.
Thought Catalog
Tiny, youthful and culturally relevant, Thought Catalog is small minded without being narrow. Illuminating the minutiae of being young and living in a major metropolis, their posts are witty, on-point and laugh-out-loud funny.
The New Yorker / The Economist
This one depends on your bent. Do you fancy yourself a literary type? Do you sometimes picture yourself wearing a monocle and sailing down the Thames? If so, let The New Yorker be your highbrow daily. However, The Economist is going to be your periodical for sophisticated journalism if you see yourself as a Master of the Universe type. Alexi Sacco, a senior at American University, captures the need for publications like The Economist in your canon: “It packs more concise information into one article than publications that come out everyday, which can become overwhelming with their material.” To really impress, read both. Between commenting on contemporary fiction and contemporary finance, you’ll be a cultural powerhouse.
