Founders Hall NYU: My First Year Experience

Guide to NYU Freshman Housing

Student Guide to NYU Dining

NYU, or New York University, is a private research university located in New York City, United States.

Living on campus is not mandatory, except for students studying away at NYU-NYC from NYU-Shanghai or NYU-Abu Dhabi. The majority of the rooms available for students are shared, with less than 3% being private. Tandon first year residents are assigned to Brooklyn residence halls, while Manhattan-based school first year residents are assigned to Manhattan residence halls with no exceptions.  

NYU dorms come in a few different styles: triple in unit or studio, double in unit and double in studio, with or without kitchen inside depends on the building. NYU also offers lower cost options for students, such as 3 people living in a double. On-campus living is not a requirement but most commonly first-year students would choose to live in dorms.

Lipton Hall is the epitome of an ideal freshman dorm at NYU, standing out for its unbeatable location right by Washington Square Park. Students rave about the spacious rooms with impressive views, such as of the Empire State Building, making it a dream living experience. The convenience of having a dining hall on-site is a major plus, although some mention the absence of individual kitchens. The dorm boasts a well-maintained building with communal spaces like lounges, a meditation room, and even resident Corgis for added charm. Its proximity to classes and various amenities, including study rooms and a dance room, enhances the overall appeal of Lipton Hall. While some found it less social, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, recommending it as the top choice for incoming freshmen looking for a comfortable and convenient campus dwelling.

Experience vibrant communal living at Third North, a dorm known for its social atmosphere and diverse features. Offering various room setups including loft-style apartments and traditional doubles, Third North provides a range of options to suit different preferences. The dorm features spacious common areas like the basement activity space, ideal for socializing and studying. While some students appreciate the convenience of the dining hall and proximity to campus, others mention drawbacks such as occasional maintenance issues and room cleanliness. Security guards are friendly and approachable, contributing to a safe environment. Students highlight the social aspect of Third North, mentioning opportunities to meet new friends and participate in engaging activities organized by staff. Additionally, the presence of amenities like private study rooms, a dance studio, and a piano practice room enhances the overall living experience. Overall, Third North offers a mix of positives and negatives, making it a lively and dynamic choice for student living.

Brittany Hall, located in a prime spot between Washington Square and Union Square, has garnered a mix of reviews from students at NYU. The dorm is praised for its luxurious feel, featuring high ceilings, white walls, hardwood floors, and spacious rooms with modern furnishings. Many students appreciate the convenient location near multiple subway lines, dining options, and bustling city life. The dorm's common areas, recreation room, and study spaces are highlighted as great spots for socializing and relaxation. The dorm also boasts effective climate control, functional bathrooms, and soundproof windows. However, some students noted challenges such as noisy living arrangements, limited kitchen amenities, and issues with water pressure in the bathrooms. Despite these drawbacks, Brittany Hall remains a popular choice for freshmen, especially those attending TISCH, with its cozy atmosphere and opportunities to make lasting friendships.

Rubin Hall, known for its affordable living and great location, is an ideal choice for students desiring to immerse themselves in a vibrant community. Despite being visibly aged and lacking air conditioning, it captures a certain charm with its high ceilings inherited from its past life as a hotel, making spaces feel more like apartments than regular dorms. Its private bathrooms, large rooms, a buzzing lounge, and an active student government accentuate the friendly atmosphere of the hall. However, the hall's ageing reflects in frequent printer issues, slow elevators, and scarce water fountains. The lack of air conditioning may pose a discomfort during the summer months, but post that, this becomes less of an issue. Lastly, its location makes it just a breezy 5-7 minute walk away from the closest dining halls and classrooms. Despite noticeable room for improvement, Rubin Hall offers a distinctive student living experience.

Founders Hall, located in vibrant Union Square, boasts an array of amenities that contribute to its overall 3.5 out of 5 stars rating. Known for its spacious rooms - said to be the largest among NYU freshman dorms - it offers plenty of natural light through large windows, adding to its welcoming and airy atmosphere. Each room comes equipped with a full-sized fridge and microwave, which can compensate for the lack of a dorm kitchen. Larger shared bathrooms get a mixed review; some find them outdated while others appreciate their size, though they do require sharing among suite-mates. Sound insulation room-to-room is reportedly good, so noise and privacy aren't typically an issue. A notable feature is the abundance of common areas, promoting study and social interactions. Some students find the distance to the Washington Square campus a downside with about a 10-minute walk, others enjoy the bustling community offerings such as nearby restaurants, stores, and convenient subway access. While some areas, like the corners of bathrooms are prone to mold, the overall cleanliness is generally praised, with the building being just ten years old.