So you are visiting New York University. It’s exciting, it’s fun, and you are in love. Before you decide to have Mom and Dad take out a second mortgage or enter a long term love affair with Sally May, here are some questions you might want to ask:
1.) “Will I have a meal plan?”
Yes, all freshmen have a meal plan. Each freshman dorm has a dining hall, and it’s a great place to meet friends. However, upperclassmen dorms have kitchens where students elect to cook instead of invest in a meal plan. In the end, this is entirely up to you?
2.) “Is there Greek Life at New York University?”
Like any other college, there are fraternities and sororities. However, because it is a non-campus structure, the frats and sororities do not have houses but instead meet on the floors of various dorms. There are no Toga Parties nor is there Bluto. If this is important to you, make sure you read about the things I wish I’d known before I got to New York University it might help make your decision easier.
3.) “Is there religious life at New York University?”
Yes, yes, and yes. There is a Catholic Center that has a very strong community. Also, there is a Bible Study Group that has an apple picking trip every fall. Additionally, there is a Jewish student union. As a matter of fact, there is even a kosher dining option in some of the dining halls if your beliefs require that dietary need.
There are also Muslim and Buddhist that have a fellowship, as well. If you are a non believer, the Atheists Organizations are also quite strong.
4.) “What are the different schools New York University has?”
NYU has many different schools for many different students who have many different dreams. There is the Tisch School (acting, technical theatre film/TV, dramatic writing, costume design), College of Arts and Sciences aka CAS (English, history, math, premed, biology, etc.).
Gallatin School of Individualized Studies where students can create their own course of study, The Steinhart School (musical theatre with a voice emphasis, educational theatre, instrumental music, music education, and education), and Stern School of Business.
5.) “I am a perspective Tisch acting student. What are the studios?”
Primary training studios include Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Meisner Extension, Experimental Theatre Wing, Playwrights Horizons, and New Studio on Broadway for musical theatre. Advanced training, available after completing 2 years, are Stonestreet Studio for Film and Television as well as the Classical Studio.
Some primary studios have transfer track, which means after your primary training is complete, you can do your advanced training with their approach.
6.) “Where is the bookstore?”
Good question. It is on Broadway across the street from 721, the Tisch Building. Not only will you be buying all your course materials there, but you can also NYU get hats, sweats, shot glasses, cup holders, and anything else you can imagine, to sport your purple school spirit.
7.) “I want to do musical theatre, and I understand both Steinhart and Tisch have musical theatre. Is one program better than the other?”
Both programs are excellent. However, it depends on what you want. Tisch turns out to be a triple-threat performer. However, at Steinhart, the emphasis is more on the voice part of the musical theatre major as opposed to acting and dance.
8.) “I am an LGBT student, what is LGBT life on campus like?”
There is an LGBT organization that does quite a bit at New York University, and they have many events throughout the course of the year. Also, if you are just coming out or questioning they are known to be supportive as well.
Additionally, some academic advisors are what are known as an LGBTQ safe zone. They have a sticker on their door denoting this, and are a safe place to talk if you are questioning your orientation or gender.
9.) “Second or third year, I might live in a dorm off campus, does New York University offer transportation services?”
Yes, New York University offers shuttle buses to and from their dorms that are further away from Washington Square. That way students can get to class in the morning, and get home safely if they need to late at night.
10.) “Where is the library?”
Bobst Library is the big building you hit while walking up West 4th. It is on your right, across from Washington Square Park; right next to Judson Memorial Church.
Bonus tip: Check out 5 Things to Avoid at New York University, and ask your tour guide if there’s anything to add.
There you have it. I hope I have cleared up any doubt you have. Enjoy your campus visit. If you choose NYU; great. If not, some college/university is getting a smart, well rounded, creative student next fall.
April Brucker received a BFA in Acting from the Tisch School of the Arts in 2007. She is the author of I Came, I Saw, I Sang: Memoirs of a Singing Telegram Delivery Girl. For more on April please go to www.aprilbrucker.com.