New York University

New York University

New York, NY, USA
Private
4 Year

Teodoro's Review

Review of New York University

from New York City, NY

Describe your college in three sentences.

NYU is a professional, inclusive, top level university and community. Academically it has blown me away with all the available resources, classes, and quality of professors and equipment. Socially I have found the NYU community to be very inclusive, friendly, and diverse; where everyone can find their niche due to the above 50k student population.

Do you have any tips for prospective students?

When you apply, include every positive aspect of your life in your application. NYU looks not only for high academic progress, but it examines every candidate holistically and want their students to be diverse and passionate in their interests and abilities.

Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?

Yes, NYU requires a lot of dedication in order to succeed and make the most out of your education, but it pays off! I feel like if you are doing what you are passionate about, it won't feel like a struggle to study and show up to class because you will be surrounded by people who love doing what you love, and you will have the chance to focus very closely in your specific interests in your area of study. For example, I study film and I get to take multiple courses in sound design, soundscaping, and mixing which is my passion within film.

Describe the dorm life at your college.

Because I'm a transfer student I opted to live off campus after one summer term living on campus. The dorms are pretty great compared to my previous university. The main benefit is that whether its a room or a suite, they all have private bathrooms for the people living in the room or apartment. No need to share a bathroom with your entire hall, which was my case before coming here. Moreover the apartment-dorms all have a kitchen area with fridge, oven/stove, and cabinets so you do not depend on dining halls to be open to eat a meal. The one drawback about NYU dorms is... They are expensive, very expensive, but if you want to live on campus maybe at least for the first year it might be worth it. They do not require students to live on campus, though.

Describe the food and dining at your college.

Dining halls at NYU are pretty good overall. They have ones that have chains within them like chick-a-fillet, and jamba juice, and ones that simply serve food made then and there. I like to keep a balance between both types of dining halls as you won't find salads and "home-made" style food in the first type.

What’s there to do for fun at your college?

I love just going around the city and discovering everything it has to offer, it's a lot! Around campus there are great dining spots, athletic facilities, clubs and bars (for those 21+), as well as many city parks, skate spots, etc. I live off campus in Harlem so I also don't limit my daily activities to campus and think that no one at NYU should limit themselves to the campus. There are so many fun things to do in LES, midtown, and especially other burroughs like Brooklyn, and Queens, where I think you get the "real New York experience."

Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?

Coming to NYU is definitely an investment. It won't be cheap, it won't be easy, but if you are dedicated to your passion and know that is what you want to do for the rest of your life, this is the place for you. NYU will do everything in its power to empower you to become the best professional you can be. It will provide you with great professors, amazing resources, and surround you with thousands of other immensely talented and inspirational students who are on the same boat as you to follow their dreams in becoming the best in their field.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

NYU is known to not be a traditional university, so don't expect much tailgating or traditions like the naked-run. At NYU theres a weird tradition that says the if you walk under the arch at Washington Square Park as a student, you won't graduate or it will take you longer to graduate. I didn't know this until my second semester and having walked under the arch many times I hope it's not true!

Which types of students will excel at your college?

Again, NYU is for those who are PASSIONATE about their field of study, and whom are 100% dedicated to their goals. If you put in the work, you will most certainly come out of NYU with a good job in your field and feeling fulfilled with your college experience.

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

There are so many organized activities at NYU it's crazy. There are all types of intramural and club sports that you can do including things like bowling and videogames, as well as your usual sports (basketball, soccer, etc). Moreover, they organize fun events that you just need to be in tune for; I've went laser tagging and paintballing twice through NYU for free! They have cultural events within and off campus, religious and ethnic events where you can meet people with similar backgrounds as yours, and events at your school or for your major to meet people with your interests. Lastly, there are a huge amount of clubs at NYU that you can get involved with ranging to the wildest possibilities (like Ninja club!).

Are you involved in any clubs or activities?

Yes, greek life at NYU isn't huge, but there is definitely a Greek community for those who want to get involved. Personally I'm not involved in Greek life but have met a lot of people who are and many more that are interested to join. I think this is a good thing in a way because people in Greeek life end up not only hanging out amongst each other but finding many different groups to circulate in.

How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?

Hey, this is New York City. Is it the safest city in the world? No. Is it safer than most places in the world (including where I'm from)? Yes. At NYU most people feel really safe and safety is not a general concern. On campus there is a huge NYU security force roaming around by foot and on cars. To get into any NYU building you have to show ID, and to enter any of the dorms you need to have someone who lives there check you in at the front desk. Personally I don't see how the campus could get any safer. All the incidents we hear about are pick pocketing and things of the sort. In conclusion, the safest measure you can take is if you are walking around NYC at night, don't go alone and always be aware of your surroundings. No this is not la-la land but it is a very safe city and a great place to start your academic and professional career.