WSN030713

WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS PRESENTS

THE HOUSING

GUIDE

ON CAMPUS Alumni Hall Broome Street Carlyle Court Coral Towers Gramercy Green Greenwich Hotel Lafayette Street Palladium Second Street Seventh Street University Hall 13th Street MANHATTAN East Village Lower East Side Stuyvesant Town BROOKLYN Brooklyn Heights Crown Heights Park Slope

2 | WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

WALKING TIME IN MINUTES

PROVIDE TOILET PAPER & TRASHBAGS

YEARLY RATE*

NEAREST SUBWAYS

Single: $17,264; Shared: $14,828; Shared studio: $14,828

N, Q, R, L, 4, 5, 6

10

GREENWICH HOTEL

Single: $17,264; Shared: $14,828; Low cost: $12,180

A, C, E, B, D, F, Q, 1, 2, 3, 9, PATH

10

Free toilet paper, no trashbags

CORAL TOWERS

Single: $17,264; Shared: $14,828; Low cost: $12,180

N, Q, R, L, 4, 5, 6

10

Free toilet paper, no trashbags

CARLYLE COURT

LOUNGES

C1 tower: first floor study lounge C2 tower: first floor entertainment lounge

Subcellar: lounge

Subcellar: study lounge and common space

Floors 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 13, 14: study lounges 15th floor: study rooms

ALUMNI HALL

Single: $19,708

6, 9, R

10

UNIVERSITY HALL

Shared: $14,828

N, R, L, Q, W, 4, 5, 6

10

First floor and Basement: lounges

GRAMERCY GREEN

Private bedroom, shared suite: $17,264 Shared bedroom, shared suite: $14,828 Shared studio: $14,828

6, R, W

20

Floors 2, 4, 6: lounges Subcellar: study rooms

Private bedroom, shared suite/loft: $17,264 Shared bedroom, shared suite/loft: $14,828

N, R, L, Q, W, 4, 5, 6

Private studio: $19,514 Shared studio(2-3): $14,828 Low cost studio(2): $9,758

6, B, D, F, M

Private studio: $17,264 Shared studio(2-3): $14,828

6, N, R

PALLADIUM

SECOND STREET

SEVENTH STREET

LAFAYETTE STREET

BROOME STREET

13TH STREET

Third floor: game room

10

7

Free toilet paper, no trashbags

Basement: music room, entertainment lounge, computer & study lounge

Basement: game, television, study and communal lounges

10

N, Q, R, W, 6, J, M, Z, A, C, E, 1, 2, 3

15-20

Free toilet paper, no trashbags

Private: $17,264 Shared: $14,828 Shared studio: $14,828 Low cost: $12,180

D, M, Z, N, R, 4, 5, 6

15

Free toilet paper, no trashbags

Third floor: Main event lounge Floors 5 and 6: 24hour lounges

Shared bedroom: $14,828 Shared studio: $14,828 Low cost bedroom: $12,180 Low cost studio: $12,180

L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6

10

Free toilet paper, no trashbags

Second floor: lounge Loft: event space

Private studio: $17,264 Shared studio(2-3): $14,828 Low cost studio(2): $12,180 Low cost triple: $10,316

*Expected yearly rates for 2013-2014

First floor: game, music, study and communal lounge

WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

EXPLORATION FLOORS

LOW-COST HOUSING

HOUSING CHANGES

BY MICHAEL DOMANICO

Low-cost bedroom in shared suite

Low-cost bedroom in shared suite

One of the biggest changes to fall 2013 housing is the university’s decision to allow gender-neutral housing. For the first time, upperclassmen will have the option to share rooms with members of the opposite sex, a change expected to apply to all upperclassman residence halls. NYU will be joining a university trend in making strides to provide a comfortable living environment for students, regardless of gender identity.

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This new policy allows those who identify outside of the strict gender binary to feel comfortable and confident in the housing process.

– KYLE TIEMANSTRAUSS

“ ”

It’s surprising to me that NYU has not made this progressive change sooner, with its reputation for being an open-minded and accepting university.

– ZAINAB QURESHI

Low-cost studio (doubles)

“ ”

There are going to be couples that decide to room together and then break up and it gets awkward. But that’s no different than the real world of living together in New York City.

– DIVYA KAUSHAL

LETTER FROM THE

EDITORS

Hello and welcome to the 2013 Washington Square News housing guide. Life at NYU is more than taking classes, getting internships and exploring the city. One of the best, and sometimes worst, parts of being an NYU student is navigating the maze of on-campus residence halls and off-campus options. Each NYU hall has a unique vibe and neighborhoods near and far have multitudes of options for students.

Hopefully this issue can serve as a guide to settling yourself in for the coming year. There are profiles of each upperclassman hall, dining lists, neighborhood profiles and DIY tips.

Changes to NYU housing include the introduction of gender neutral room options, the return of Brittany residence hall as a freshman dorm and University Hall as an upperclassman dorm. The chart on the facing page has comparisons of hall features. Note that the costs listed are the expected ones for the 2013-2014 year but will not be approved until June.

Though the residence halls are spread out, we have grouped them geographically into three groups ­— South, East and North — based on their direction from Washington Square Park. Though some may seem far away from campus, each residence hall offers something different, occupying varying neighborhoods including SoHo and Chinatown.

If you choose to move off-campus, check out the hot areas for students in Manhattan and Brooklyn. There are ups and downs in leaving the university’s housing system. Leaving the NYU system means more independence, no meal plans and potentially cheaper housing in a neighborhood where NYU does not have property. Our pages focus on six neighborhoods and highlight key features, average prices and campus accessibility.

Make sure you don’t miss the two phases of the re-application process for NYU housing, which begins March 11. Regardless of where you choose to live, there are some consistencies including decorations and grocery tips. If you’re curious about housing at study abroad sites, check out our online housing content at www.nyunews.com.

Having so many choices can be overwhelming, so take the time to explore your options in the pages of this issue.

– EMILY BELL

&

ANGEL CHANG Deputy City/State Editor Dining Editor

Studio triples; triples and doubles in shared suites

Low-cost bedroom in shared suite

Bedroom in shared suite; studio (2-3 students)

PHASE 1: REAPPLICATION AND PAYMENT MARCH 11 TO 25, 2013

PHASE 2: ROOM SELECTION APRIL 15 TO 19, 2013

Students who wish to live in NYU housing must fill out the online application and deposit a $1,000 reservation fee. If they wish, they can form a group of other students to live with, select gender-neutral housing and/or apply for special-interest housing.

Students may select rooms from the housing inventory depending on their assigned time.

Brittany residence hall will reopen in fall 2013 and will be available as a freshman-only dorm.

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ALUMNI HALL

JOON LEE/WSN

SECOND STREET Second Street residence hall is one of the smaller residence halls, housing about 300 upperclassmen on 12 floors. Of the upperclassman dorms, it is one of the closest to campus.

The sense of community at Second Street is surprising. Many complain about the unfriendly faces around NYU and the rest of New York, and after a tough day, the familiarity here is welcome. Because of the dorm’s relatively small size, it is easier to recognize some familiar faces and begin making friends.

The neighborhood is also quite special, full of great restaurants. It is one of the most historic in Manhattan. There is also an abundance of quaint coffee shops, bakeries and boutiques.

The residence hall is near live music venues like the Bowery Ballroom, as well as many nightclubs and

CHUCK KUAN/WSN

poetry cafes. The New Museum of Contemporary Art is also just a few blocks away. There is much to do in the area, and when out on a stroll, celebrity sightings are common.

– BOJOSI MORULE MAEGAN VAZQUEZ, CAS SOPHOMORE: “Walking down Bond Street to get to class is just as glamorous as it can get, state-of-the-art architecture, high end stores, cobblestone streets. My favorite restaurant in the area is Mile End, which is just across from Second Street. Be sure to try the chicken salad sandwich.

The residence hall is also next to the building which used to house CBGB, a famous rock club.”

The biggest factor that draws people to Alumni residence hall is that it is comprised of all single rooms. Because residents are guaranteed individual space, Alumni is a safe alternative to playing the housing lottery. Although bedroom and common room sizes vary, even the smallest rooms are equipped with relatively new appliances and provide a clean living environment. There are even individual bathrooms in each suite. In addition to single bedrooms, Alumni features individual study rooms on almost every floor of the building.

The location of the residence hall, which is just one block away from St. Marks Place, makes Alumni the closest upperclassman residence hall to Washington Square. With easy access to St. Marks Place, great restaurants and latenight spots abound. There is also a 24hour grocery store down the block from the residence hall.

However, Alumni is plagued with a lack of community involvement,

Located a mere 10 minutes from nearly every building on campus, the quiet, 80-student Green House at Seventh Street residence hall is a haven for eco-friendly minds. Offering its residents a stronger community than many other upperclassman dorms, the entire building works to build a sustainable environment through programming events, maintaining a garden and hosting communal dinners.

Students hike, plant trees and visit local gardens to promote sustainability. Residents still have access to more traditional housing events at Alumni residence hall through the 7A partnership, but they also grow a small garden in the lobby with fresh herbs, perfect for residents to use when cooking free communal dinners that take place once every two weeks.

Sorting bins are conveniently located on each floor of the building, making recycling impossible to avoid, and a compost bin is also available for students to dump decomposable scraps of food.

The building itself is composed mostly of apartment-style quads, with two double bedrooms sharing one common room, kitchen and bathroom. The apartments are spacious, but the kitchens lack counter space and cabinetry. The building has neither air conditioning nor an elevator, but it is only four stories tall and after the first few weeks of school pass, having no air conditioner poses no problem.

For anyone who supports sustainability in an urban metropolis or searches for a smaller community, the Green House is an ideal place to live.

– EMILY MCDERMOTT

as many of its residents don’t care for community-building programs or group events. For those who are interested, programs include free trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, spaghetti dinners and free study snacks during midterms and finals.

But besides the lack of spirit, Alumni’s location, facilities and single bedrooms make the residence hall a solid option for next year’s housing selection process.

– GABY COHEN CODY LIPTON, CAS SENIOR “Alumni is a great place to live for upperclassmen because of its location in the heart of Greenwich Village. It also offers the amazing opportunity of having single rooms for those who like having a roommate but having their own space at the same time.”

“

Now that we have a brand new lounge, why wouldn’t we utilize it for community events?

”

– LAUREN MILBURN

SEVENTH STREET KELSEY LEDGERWOOD/WSN

SETTLE IN WITH LIGHT READING

BY FRANCIS POON Coffee table books are typically thick and expensive, especially if you are moving every nine months. These magazines are slimmer alternatives that will do the same thing — give house guests something to look at and use to catch up on current events.

ESPN For both the sports fan and the average college student, ESPN features mind-blowing action photography.

WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013 DAVID LIN/WSN

Lafayette residence hall is roomy.

That’s possibly the one true benefit of living at Lafayette, rather than any other residence closer to campus. Some of the rooms at Lafayette boast the best views in the city, the largest closets and, most importantly, there’s no chance of claustrophobia with high ceilings.

As an added bonus, Lafayette also has hardwood floors.

Colloquially it’s known as “Laf.” It is the place that is close to cheap Chinese food, oddly quiet after 5 p.m. and where most things close — including the deli next door — by 6 or 7 p.m.

Lafayette has the largest RA staff of all the NYU residence halls, and the team works hard to create a sense of community for the dorm.

NYU Greek Life occupies some floors of the residence hall, lending the building a collegiate feel.

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A favorite Faculty Fellow in Residence event is “PJs and PB&Js” with SCPS professor Fred Mayo on Tuesday evenings. Mayo usually hosts over 150 students in his apartment and serves free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Lafayette also offers parties in the lounge for events like the Oscars, and holds trips to places like vegetarian markets.

With six elevators — although up to two of them could be out of service at any given time — getting up to your room is usually a breeze.

There are also two stairwells for residents who prefer to walk.

Some say that the distance from campus is an inconvenience.

Those who live here try to make the best of it, which isn’t hard considering the cheap food nearby, Lafayette’s many events and with luck, a room with a grand view.

– WALEED OVASE

LAFAYETTE STREET After the chaos of a freshman dorm, Greenwich Hotel is an oasis for upperclassmen — a perfect place to escape after a long day of classes and work.

The dorm sits on quiet cobblestone streets just a few blocks from the Hudson River.

The serenity is the main advantage to living in Greenwich Hotel.

While still located near restaurants, cafes, stores and venues, the dorm is peaceful and, after the clock strikes 9 p.m. on weeknights, the streets clear out. But don’t worry — the West Village nightlife on weekends is better than any other area of the city.

The dorm also offers a free weekly cleaning service and is within walking distance of the 1, A, C, E, B, D, F and M subway lines and the PATH trains. The one thing Greenwich has that

other dorms do not is proximity to open space. The Hudson River Park is a great place to exercise, enjoy fresh air and see stars at night.

The quality of the rooms, however, is based on the luck of the draw.

Some rooms, even the low cost triples, are spacious and feature tall windows, but other rooms barely have an arm’s length between beds.

A major drawback is that almost every suite has one room that has a gap between the door and the ceiling, which provides little privacy or quiet. Some other strikes against Greenwich Hotel include the inaccessibility of the East Side (the 4, 5, 6, N, Q and R subway lines are at least 25 minutes away) and the lack of dining halls around.

– TATIANA BAEZ

Greenwich has the best security guards who are always friendly and helpful.

”

– CAITLIN RYAN

GREENWICH HOTEL

BROOME STREET

RACHEL KAPLAN/WSN

HOLLYWOOD REPORTER Get past the entertainment PR by taking an insider look at the Hollywood machine.

“

REBECCA CLEMENTI/WSN

Sandwiched between SoHo and Little Italy, Broome Street residence hall is known as the upperclassman residential college dorm. Though the residential college requirement is now optional, Broome still offers social, learning and volunteer events that foster a warm, friendly community that is unique at NYU. Each RA has a “stream” and students may particpate in as many as they choose. Events include free restaurant outings, Broadway shows and even acrobat lessons. Residents who actively participate benefit from having a better room selection time. New residents, however, have to apply to live in Broome.

Broome is located in a dynamic, vibrant neighborhood. With the heart of SoHo just blocks away, it is a prime spot for shopaholics, though shoppers and tourists can hamper those trying to get to class. Nearby Little Italy can also offer delicious but often pricey food. Luckily, there are affordable restaurants within the area, as well as in Chinatown, which is a five to 10 minute walk away.

KINFOLK Dedicated to the art of entertaining, Kinfolk offers photo essays and recipes.

There is a regular bus that picks students up about a block away and takes them to campus.

Broome offers its residents various amenities, such as access to laundry rooms on all but two floors.

There are also three study lounges. As the building management is renovating each floor, more lounges are being added and the hallways are being re-tiled.

There is a deli connected to the lobby, which can fulfill essential needs for the kitchen or bath.

The rooms themselves can vary among singles, doubles or triples in suites with two, four or even 11 people. Sometimes there is more than one bathroom in the larger suites.

– EMILY YANG

MONOCLE Complement your global studies with a lifestyle magazine about international culture.

LINDA WU, CAS JUNIOR “I like the awesome programs that help build the community.”

W An oversized glossy that intelligently blends fashion photography with culture criticism.

6 | WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

PALLADIUM

Living in Palladium residence hall is a great choice if location and amenities are primary concerns. The rooms are simple and small, and may feel less homey than those at nearby Coral. The rooms at Palladium are typical dorm-style, but the spacious common rooms are perfect for any type of small get-together.

The building is in a prime location. For an upperclassman dorm, the 10 to 15-minute walk is relatively good, and the 3-second walk to the gym and dining hall easily makes up for the distance. When it’s cold outside it’s great to be able to stay inside and still enjoy a balanced meal or a good workout.

All of Palladium’s amenities — the

Wasserman Center for Career Development, gym, dining hall — allow for productivity without leaving the building.

Palladium is also close to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and Food Emporium, making it easy to stock the compact kitchen. But beware, the worst part of living in Palladium is the ID card-activated doors — the benefit of not having to carry a key is quickly mitigated by the finicky locks. Sometimes the doors accept the code with no issue, while at others they fail to open after several attempts.

– ALEXA SINGH

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HANNAH COHEN/WSN

1 Carlyle

Palladium

3 Coral Towers

4 W

. 13 th Str e et

1

ADU MATORY, CAS FRESHMAN “We have the finest selection of premium-grade candy here at U-Hall.”

Un ion Sq ua re W est

5 University Hall 6 Gramercy

small market carries everything from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to toilet paper.

The living spaces are exactly the same — one big living room, a kitchen and two adjoining rooms for two. It’s clear which room arrangements this humble abode has to offer. Floor dynamic in U-Hall is hit or miss depending on the floor, but overall, it’s a lovely place to live.

– BLAIR SIMMONS

HALL

HANNAH COHEN/WSN

Welcome, upperclassmen, to University residence hall, or U-Hall as we refer to it. While freshmen have been living here for the last year, the university has again opened the hall to sophomores, juniors and seniors. Be ready to reclaim the territory next year.

The location of U-Hall is one of its many selling points. Right on Union Square, there is easy access to Trader Joe’s, Chipotle, Palladium dining hall and gym, Dos Toros, and some solid shopping. The commute to Washington Square Park is anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes.

Inside U-Hall the Burger Studio grills patties and chicken sandwiches on demand and a

UNIVERSITY

4 13th Street

CORAL TOWERS

to food, medicine and other essentials.

For groceries, Trader Joe’s is less than a block away, and Whole Foods in Union Square is not far either. Food Emporium, the most frequented grocery store, is situated between the two.

Every room in Coral has at least one bathroom. Unlike the five-person suites in Palladium, those in Coral come equipped with two.

Still, some residents complain about the slow elevators, which are frequently out of service. The friendly security guards, however, are more than willing to help pass the time.

– KEVIN BURNS

Coral Towers residence hall is quickly becoming a hit. Situated on 14th Street and Third Avenue, Coral is convenient with a degree of comfortable separation. Residents can easily take advantage of the resources of Palladium, Third North and University residence halls, while avoiding living directly in the commotion of Union Square. In addition, Third Avenue is a convenient passageway to class. The average walk from Coral to campus is about 15 minutes.

The Third Avenue subway station is just around the corner, and the Union Square station is only a block away, giving residents easy access to multiple trains.

Vanessa’s Dumplings, located just across the street, is one food destination residents of Coral adore. Vanessa’s offers four dumplings for fewer than $2. Coral is also situated above Duane Reade, giving residents 24-hour access

JAY REED, TISCH SOPHOMORE “I like the practice room. It’s a really nice space, and it’s been really convenient. It’s a place to blow off steam.”

EXPRESSIVE DECORATION IDEAS

REBECCA CLEMENTI/WSN

BY MICHELLE LIM If your dorm room already looks like a cold, lifeless hospital room, it is your responsibility to breathe some life into it. Room décor can be a way to express yourself, but it’s also a way to build positive energy in your living space. Here are some ways to be inspired from what you thought was a bland shared space.

CREATIVITY Add some whimsy with vintage maps and your favorite movie posters — the older, the better. Maps bring a smart look, but also portray warmth and antiquity. Finding the perfect vintage movie poster can be tough, but once it’s up on the wall, you will be able to channel the creativity, inspiration and bold glamour from your favorite film.

E. 10

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The 13th Street residence hall, also known as the Senior House, is quite possibly the least dormy of all residence halls — it’s a perfect transition from college housing to real-world New York apartments.

Stay in the familiar, convenient embrace of residence hall life while experiencing the independence of the adult world. The Senior House may have more perks than a student-budget New York apartment with its spacious rooms, walk-in closets and full kitchen — dishwasher included.

There is a laundry room in the building, and washing and drying is cheap.

The resident hall sits on a quiet block between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The location can’t get much better — it’s a short walk from campus, Union Square is a stone’s throw away and Murray’s Bagels,

Starbucks and Rite Aid are all down the street. There is access to multiple subway lines within a three-block radius. Bonus: there’s a Biscuits & Bath a few doors down with cute puppies who are constantly playing.

If walking through a never-ending dungeon-like tunnel to get to and from the dorm each day sounds like fun, go with the North tower. If it doesn’t, go with the South tower. Either way, 13th Street is a nice place to end an undergraduate career.

– CARRIE COUROGEN

WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

13TH

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STREET

ANGELI RAFER, CAS SENIOR “[My] least favorite part is the lack of WiFi, but otherwise it’s a pretty nice spot.”

KELSEY LEDGERWOOD/WSN

GRAMERCY GREEN

23

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3rd Av enu e

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2 3

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“

Gramercy Green residence hall, sometimes called “Glamercy,” is known to most NYU students as the nicest dorm on campus.

With large bathrooms, hardwood floors and touch-screen microwaves, it’s possible that the apartment-style rooms are the nicest we’ll ever be able to afford in Manhattan. Plus, the elevators talk.

Compared to other NYU upperclassman residences, Gramercy almost certainly boasts the coolest kitchens.

Apart from the futuristic microwaves, it also has gas stoves and dishwashers. Though the storage space may be a bit tight for appliance-crazy cooks, there will be enough room if the drawers and cabinets are used wisely.

Despite its deluxe appliances and features, Gramercy is not in the most convenient location. True, the building is situated a mere three blocks from Madison Square Park’s Shake Shack, but Third Avenue at 23rd Street is not so posh. Though the upperclassman dorm is located in the Gramercy neighborhood, it is not the most fashionable address in the area.

Then again, there are many convenience stores nearby, and the ever trusty Pick-A-Bagel is just across the street.

The walk to campus — 25 minutes — is not unpleasant, especially if one takes the route through Gramercy Park and Irving Place rather than Third Avenue.

Gramercy certainly has everything residents need, as well as some pretty luxurious extras. Although it may not be in the best location, with all the dorm has to offer, you may never want to leave the building.

– CLIO MCCONNELL

It’s far away enough from campus to make you feel like you’re a part of the city.

”

– MACKENZIE CASH

CLIO MCCONNELL/WSN

AMBIENCE String lights seem to be a staple in decorating a college dorm room, and for good reason.

There’s something comforting and inviting about warm lights. Try putting up a variety of different shapes, like hearts, stars and small lanterns, or even your favorite cartoon character to create a jovial atmosphere.

PERSONALITY Personalizing your room can be fun if you make your own décor. Buy inexpensive woodblock letters with your initials or name from a craft store, and decorate however you please.

Glitter paint, sequins, googly eyes, beads and stickers are just some of the countless options. Express your pride and self-confidence by hanging your letters on the wall.

RACHEL CABITT/WSN

CARLYLE COURT It’s hard to imagine living in a dorm room without a door.

At Carlyle Court residence hall, nestled in Union Square, about half of the towers’ residents experience this lack of privacy every day. For the two residents who live in a quad, spending a year with their bed in the living room while their suitemates enjoy a private room just a few feet away isn’t optimal. Some try to alleviate the situation with a curtain or two, while others tape Styrofoam to block the open space between the kitchen cabinets and counters.

Aside from the lack of privacy some students face, and the struggle to combat it in creative ways, the residence hall does have its perks.

The rooms are spacious, the kitchens are large enough to accommodate the dietary needs of four students and the location is unbeatable.

The Union Square subway

ENCOURAGEMENT Seeing photos of your loved ones and memories of good times will cheer your spirits on a tough day. In addition to displaying personal pictures, stimulate your artistic side by going through old magazines and cutting out images that define your goals or lift your mood.

Embed the cutouts with your own pictures to create a montage mini poster of who you are.

station with the N, Q, R, 4, 5, 6 and L trains is less than 100 feet outside the lobby doors.

Even though the park can be noisy and quite crowded at times, especially during the holiday season, the Carlyle Court location still manages to offer students a taste of the art and music scene in Greenwich Village.

– KRISTINA BOGOS SILKE HEROLD, CAS SOPHOMORE “Being next to Union Square gives us access to locally grown foods at the [Greenmarket], street art vendors and a constant flow of musicians and entertainers that make Union Square a lively location. It is also extremely convenient. The subway is a few steps away and several food trucks and stands are literally right outside your door.”

UPBEAT When it comes to decorating, opt for brighter colors. A tiny dorm room will only seem more suffocating if you add dark colors. When choosing a comforter, go for a light colored graphic or pattern. This will visually widen your room. When natural light streams into the room, the bright color will invigorate the space and your attitude.

8 | WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

MANHATTAN

STUYVESANT TOWN BRYAN NELSON/WSN

LOWER EAST

REBECCA CLEMENTI/WSN

The Lower East Side is one of the most energetic, fun places to live in the city because of its abundance of hip restaurants and nightlife activities. This downtown neighborhood also boasts many trendy boutiques.

The Lower East Side stretches east from Bowery to the East River Park and is bordered by Houston Street and Canal Street.

Nearby subway lines include the B, D, F, V, J, M and 6 trains. The Lower East Side is about a 15 to 25-minute walk from the NYU campus.

Great local stores and restaurants include the Essex Street Market between Delancey and Rivington Streets and Key Food, a supermarket on East Fourth Street and Avenue A. The Lower East Side is known for its unique assortment of cuisines — the neighborhood was a major hub for European immigrants in the 20th century. Famous restaurants located on Houston Street include Katz’s Delicatessen, which offers classic Jewish food and Frankies Spuntino, which serves unforgettable Italian food.

For nightlife, the Lower East Side has numerous bars, lounges and clubs around Essex, Clinton, Stanton and Rivington Streets. The neighborhood is bordered by the East River Park, a perfect spot for relaxing or exercising.

On average, rent prices for studio apartments on the Lower East Side cost range from $600 to $2,000 a month.

– NEELA QADIR

SIDE

The downsides to living in Stuy Town include the location — it is a far walk to most places, and the First Avenue L station is the closest subway line to most apartments. Stuy Town is not the cheapest place for students to live, although sharing rooms or choosing an apartment farther uptown or toward the east side of the complex can save money. A two-bedroom apartment costs approximately $3,000 and a four-bedroom approximately $5,000.

Stuy Town has more perks than problems, and the student community in the complex continues to grow.

– LAVYA YALAMANCHI

If nothing else, the East Village is eccentric — packed to the gills with delicious gourmet food, quirky bars, clubs and bustling urban parks, this is a neighborhood that is never boring. Located to the east of Greenwich Village and just north of the Lower East Side, the East Village is prime real estate, and NYU students have undeniably taken advantage of it. The area is packed with young people, leaving the East Village in a perpetual state of youthful energy.

The East Village has plenty of cheap, scrumptious food, boasting everything from discount cheese emporiums to Chinese food and beyond. Wandering into Sarita’s Macaroni & Cheese on any given afternoon can guarantee a friend sighting, and there’s nowhere better than Blue 9 Burger for late night satisfying cravings.

If those night-owl expenses seem to be piling up, save some cash by spending dining dollars at Palladium food court’s brunch and at Third North Courtyard Cafe for gourmet hot dogs.

Unfortunately, NYU has caught on to the East Village’s ideal subway access and downtown vibe, and apartment rent prices are teetering on the edge of unreasonable. Room and board in a most likely cramped apartment will run upwards of $2,000 dollars a month.

If independence is a primary goal but the comfort of proximity to campus is still desired, the East Village is ideal.

– HELEN HOLMES

BY JORDAN MELENDREZ

BUDGETFRIENDLY GROCERY SPOTS

is also patrolled by Stuy Town security guards.

The development is safe, clean, relatively quiet and features extensive amenities. The maintenance service is convenient — residents simply fill out an online maintenance form to schedule an appointment if needed.

Many students choose Stuy Town because brokers often offer the apartments as no-fee rentals, and a majority of the listings on NYU’s off-campus housing registry are Stuy Town apartments.

NYU also conveniently provides the C line bus which takes students from Stuy Town to 715 Broadway, but as of now the line only runs until noon. It is often a half-hour walk to campus.

REBECCA CLEMENTI/WSN

Stuyvesant Town is a great choice for a residential offcampus atmosphere.

This housing complex stretches from 14th to 20th streets, between First Avenue and Avenue C, and has many facilities, including the Oval Study, Oval Lounge, Oval Cafe and Oval Fitness gym. The development is populated by different types of people, including older residents living in rentcontrolled apartments, young families and the growing young adult population.

All buildings have laundry, rent drop boxes are stationed around the oval and Stuy Town makes moving in and setting up cable and Internet extremely easy. The complex

Many students struggle to decide where they should go grocery shopping, and with limited time and a student-budget to consider, you may have to visit multiple locations to find what you want for a decent price.

EAST VILLAGE

FOOD EMPORIUM — While the prices are a bit higher than those at Trader Joe’s, Food Emporium has a greater selection of name-brand items. Additionally, Food Emporium has a rewards card that gives you discounts on various items, and there is an online site for coupons.

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BROOKLYN HEIGHTS Perhaps one of the most popular sites in the area is the Promenade, a five-block walkway along the East River, with great views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. From the promenade extend Montague and Henry Streets — Brooklyn Heights’ main retail district — where thrift shoppers can find both vintage clothing and modern home furnishings. And those who wish to get into the art or music scene don’t have to venture too far outside of the neighborhood

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Those who appreciate historic architecture and classic tree-lined streets might take to Brooklyn Heights, a neighborhood with the feeling of a small town in a big city. This region features some of New York City’s oldest clapboard homes and Gothic revival brownstones, as well as the Orange, Cranberry and Pineapple “fruit streets.” Residents can shop for produce at the Borough Hall Greenmarket on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, or pay a visit to the Brooklyn Historical Society and New York Transit Museum.

CROWN HEIGHTS Looking for a cheap place to live without losing the city vibe?

Park Slope South, Brooklyn, is a cool and affordable area that has a lot to offer. Rent prices average around $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, but you can find rentals for about $1,500 to $1,700 per month. This is much cheaper than the typical Manhattan apartment, which averages around $3,500 per month.

The neighborhood has a lot to offer, from art galleries like Under Minerva to thrift stores like Monk Thrift Shop and coffee shops like Has Beans. There are many outdoor events throughout the year, like concerts and fairs. It’s also in close proximity to the beautiful Prospect Park.

— just north is DUMBO, home to the Galapagos Art Space and St. Ann’s Warehouse.

The Heights is perfect for those who enjoy strolling on cobblestone roads and are looking for a quiet neighborhood. It is located about 10 minutes away by subway from NYU, with service available to the 2, 3, 4, 5, N and R trains at Borough Hall. For onebedroom apartments, rentals start at about $2,000.

– LYANNE NATIVIDAD

For more information about off-campus living, visit NYU’s Off-Campus Living website, where you will find advice about offcampus meal plans and city and commuter resources. Explore the apartment search links, such as NY Cheap Apartments and Inside Digs and other links to listings for short-term stays, summer rentals and city hostels. There is also information about the NYU Housing Registry, a tool students can use to sift through apartment listings and find compatible roommates.

Some students might think that Brooklyn is oh-sofar away, but Crown Heights, a north-central Brooklyn neighborhood, may lead one to reconsider.

Surrounded by other well-known Brooklyn districts, such as Prospect Heights, Flatbush and Brownsville, Crown Heights is a great location for those looking to leave Manhattan and still live in an area full of activity. Residents are never far from world-class cultural attractions like the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park. Don’t worry about shopping and dining either — Park Slope, a popular neighborhood with great amenities, lies just to the west.

Crown Heights is home to a very diverse population, including people of African and Jewish descent. The Daily News went so far as to call Crown Heights the “Hasidic SoHo.” This cultural mix has resulted in an increasing number of cafes and restaurants featuring

The neighborhood is a family-friendly area, so don’t be surprised at the abundance of young children and families. This neighborhood is just like any Manhattan neighborhood, except it is much quieter, cleaner and friendlier. Commuting to school is not a problem because subway stops are close by, such as the Ninth Street station with the N and R trains that stop at Eighth Street NYU. Also available is the station at Seventh Avenue, which has F train service to the West Fourth Street stop by campus.

– LAYLA ILCHI

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BROOKLYN

RACHEL KAPLAN/WSN

WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

all types of cuisines. Many festivals, such as the West Indian Carnival, also add to the neighborhood’s cultural, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Crown Heights has something for every taste — row houses, some dating back to the 19th century, are typical in this region of Brooklyn, though you can also find Baroque-style houses and newly opened condominium buildings. The neighborhood has attracted artists and young professionals seeking more affordable living.

Express subway lines — the 2, 3, 4 and 5 trains — make the trip to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan quick, and a shuttle along Franklin Avenue allows travel through Brooklyn to the north and south.

– LUIZA MONETTI

PARK SLOPE SOUTH

RACHEL KAPLAN/WSN

FARMERS’ MARKETS — This is great for those who want to pick up local, organic items for a relatively inexpensive price.

Farmers’ markets, like the Union Square Greenmarket, offer a variety of groceries that range from dairy and bread to fruits and vegetables.

FRESH DIRECT — This grocery delivery service has received excellent reviews from users and is relatively inexpensive. Simply enter your zip code and select which groceries you need.

TRADER JOE’S — The prices at Trader Joe’s are some of the best that you will find. The only drawback to the Union Square store is they might not offer a specific brand you desire.

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10 | WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

EXPLORATIONS FLOORS PROVIDE UNIQUE SPACE TO DELVE INTO INTERESTS, HOBBIES

BY NICOLE BROWN

A unique feature of NYU residence hall life is the option to live on an Explorations floor. The Explorations program features theme-based floors in various residence halls, creating a community of students with similar interests. Additionally, while living on an Explorations floor, students get the opportunity to participate in free group activities they may not get to experience otherwise.

Each Explorations floor has a budget that the students and the RA can decide how to spend.

To be on an Explorations floor, students must fill out a short application explaining why they want to live on the floor and what their interests are.

There are 21 available Explorations floors in the upperclassman residence halls for next

semester. These floors focus on a broad range of themes from entertainment to academia.

If you are an avid fan of New York City artists, consider applying to be on the NYC Spotlight floor at Palladium residence hall to have the opportunity to see concerts in Lincoln Center, attend Broadway productions or even meet a film director.

Students who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs and want to collaborate with other students should apply to the Entrepreneur’s Dormcubator floor at Second Street residence hall. Residents will be able to share their ideas with each other, receive guidance from alumni entrepreneurs and go on field trips in the city.

In addition to theme-based floors, there are a few options for students to live in theme-

based residence halls.

For environmentally conscious students, the Green House, also known as Seventh Street residence hall, is a great option.

Students on this floor collaborate to create a community that supports a more eco-friendly student lifestyle.

The International House, which is a part of the Special Interest Housing Suites, is located at Palladium residence hall. It allows international and domestic students to interact and learn from each other.

Students can attend monthly dinners, participate in citywide community service projects and attend lectures given by global speakers.

A full list of Explorations programs and their descriptions can be found on NYU’s Explorations program website.

INTO THE CITY: MOVING OUT OF YOUR DORM

REBECCA CLEMENTI/WSN

BY GENTRY BROWN Many students fantasize about a life after dorms. They dream about a cozy Greenwich Village apartment, a Lower East Side abode above a cafe or an Uptown pad with convenient subway access. The decision to move out of NYU housing is a weighty and permanent change worth debating. Here are some things to consider before opting out of university housing:

ROOMMATES Moving off campus means no more RA mediator, so issues are resolved in-house and fast. One of the most common problems you will encounter when moving off campus with roommates is deciding how to pay the rent and discussing the breakdown. Whether it’s by square-footage or evenly split, it’s vital to establish before movein day. Also, establish a guest policy.

WSN HOUSING GUIDE 2013

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BEST OF DINING AND DRINKS UNION SQUARE & MADISON SQUARE

WEST VILLAGE & NOLITA WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS

BY NICOLA PRING

BY JULIE DEVITO LATE NIGHT CHEAP EAT NEW AMICI PIZZA Up late and craving a slice of pizza, a box of garlic knots and some pasta? This Third Avenue joint has an excellent selection of classic New York City chow and a great selection of drinks as well.

88 Third Ave. QUICK LUNCH PLACE PANERA BREAD The only Panera location downtown, this is a great place to grab a quick sandwich, salad, soup or baked good. Although technically a chain, it is a nice change from Cosi.

10 Union Square E. FANCY RESTAURANT EATALY Just off of Madison Square Park is the Italian market Eataly, owned by chef Mario Batali. Although it serves as an Italian grocery store, it also houses a restaurant menu with upscale pizza and pasta entrées. They also have a rooftop beer garden.

200 Fifth Ave. COFFEE SHOP THE BEAN The second location of this trendy East Village coffee shop is located at Broadway and 12th Street. They offer a wide selection of coffee and tea, baked goods and sandwiches. They also have unique macarons. After 9 p.m. all food is sold for half the original price.

824 Broadway DRINKS SIDEBAR SideBAR has a myriad of themed nights, including Taco Tuesday, with discounted tacos and tequila. Be sure to visit this classic bar that has a lot of ambiance.

118 E. 15th St.

FANCY RESTAURANT HUDSON CLEARWATER Hudson Clearwater, an elegant West Village eatery, serves delicious entrées to please any palette. After indulging in the Atlantic sea bass ($25) or spice-rubbed pork chop ($23), try the delicious dark chocolate ganache ($8).

447 Hudson St.

Editor-in-Chief JONATHON DORNBUSH Managing Editor

AMY ZHANG Web Managing Editor

HANQING CHEN Deputy Managing Editor

DRINKS EMPLOYEES ONLY This location might look like a psychic’s storefront, but patrons will find a chic speakeasy where mixologists pour special cocktails like the ginger smash ($15), with tarot card readers on hand. Drinks here are a bit pricey, but the speakeasy experience is worth the cost.

510 Hudson St.

JORDAN MELENDREZ Assistant Managing Editor

NICOLA PRING Creative Director

KALEEL MUNROE Duputy City/State Editor

EMILY BELL Dining Editor

LATE NIGHT CHEAP EAT LA ESQUINA CORNER DELI La Esquina is the perfect spot to satisfy late night Mexican food cravings. It offers unforgettable tacos like the tinga de pollo ($3.25) and vegetarian options. These fresh, delicious tacos are all less than $4 each.

114 Kenmare St.

ANGEL CHANG Copy

MICHAEL DOMANICO WICY WANG EDITORS-AT-LARGE

FRANCIS POON MERYLL PREPOSI AMANDA RANDONE EMILY YANG

COFFEE SHOP SATURDAYS SURF NYC Saturdays serves strong espresso and foamy lattes with a side of surfboards and athletic clothing. It is a full-service surf store and coffee shop.

31 Crosby St.

Contributors

GENTRY BROWN CHARLES MAHONEY CLIO MCCONNELL LAVYA YALAMANCHI HELEN HOLMES MICHELLE LIM KEVIN BURNS NEELA QADIR KRISTINA BOGOS MARY JANE DUMANKAYA FRANCISCO NAVAS TATIANA BAEZ GABBY COHEN BLAIR SIMMONS ALEXA SINGH BOJOSI MORULE EMILY MCDERMOTT WALEED OVASE CARRIE COUROGEN LAYLA ILCHI LYANNA NATIVIDAD LUIZA MONETTI NICOLE BROWN JULIE DEVITO LILY CHIN VERONICA CARCHEDI RACHEL PHAM JACQUELINE HSIA NICOLE HAJJAR TONY CHAU MEREDITH STEVENS

QUICK LUNCH PLACE PARISI BAKERY Parisi Bakery serves traditional deli sandwiches. Parisi piles on fresh mozzarella, deli meats, roasted peppers and other Italian delights. Sandwiches here are large — split one with a friend or save half for dinner.

198 Mott St.

EAST VILLAGE

BY MARY JANE DUMANKAYA LATE NIGHT CHEAP EAT POMMES FRITES Sometimes at the end of a good night, all you need is some fries. East Village staple Pommes Frites has fries with over 25 sauces to choose from, so your frites can be tailored to your taste.

123 Second Ave. FANCY RESTAURANT BIANCA Bianca has amazing food, affordable prices and a cozy atmosphere. For an appetizer, be sure to order the gnocco fritto ($9) or fried dough rectangles.

It’s best to get there early in the night, as the wait can be as long as an hour.

5 Bleecker St. COFFEE SHOP MUD MUD coffee shop in the East Village is the place to get a brew and relax. The coffee is strong and flavorful, and a friendly staff adds to the bohemian feel of the place. MUD has an amazing brunch for $15.

307 E. Ninth St. QUICK LUNCH PLACE PORCHETTA Sample the famous porchetta sandwich ($10), which is made with roast-

ed pork with crispy skin, seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs. Dubbed slow-cooked Italian fast food, this traditional Italian street food is sliced to order, and will expand your expectations of a hot, succulent lunch.

110 E. Seventh St.

Photography

RACHEL KAPLAN DAVID LIN HANNAH COHEN REBECCA CLEMENTI JOON LEE BRYAN NELSON KELSEY LEDGERWOOD CARSON MARTINEZ REBECCA CABITT BUSINESS MANAGER

REBECCA RIBEIRO CIRCULATION MANAGER

CHLOE COFFMAN

DRINKS D.B.A. This place is truly a haven for beer enthusiasts.

There are 250 brews and 20 beers on tap, ranging from the more expensive Belgian kriek to favorites such as Guinness.

41 First Ave., between Second and Third streets

UNIVERSITY SALES COORDINATOR

KAITLYN O’BRIEN SALES REPRESENTATIVE

ELLEN MCQUEEN SALES ASSOCIATES

ARIANA DIVALENTINO, CHRIS ELWOOD, ALISON LIZZIO, SAM WANDER CIRCULATION ASSISTANT

BENJAMIN SWINEHART GRAPHIC DESIGNER

KALEEL MUNROE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS NANCI HEALY EDITORIAL ADVISER KEITH LEIGHTY

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FURNISHING Filling an empty apartment is both expensive and a hassle. Decide where you will store your items if you study abroad, leave housing for the summer or if you have to switch apartments.

NEIGHBORS There will be no more pesky RAs or faculty advisors to come into your room and check on you, but that doesn’t mean people still don’t live around you. Apartment buildings often come with neighbors of all sorts — elderly people, young families and other college kids who like to blast music late at night.

SECURITY Although it is possible to find apartments with swipe card access, doormen or heavy-duty locks, these luxuries often come at a price.

LOCATION Having your own space away from university life can be relaxing but also inconvenient. Consider travel time to classes and transit expenses. See if it is possible to catch one of the NYU buses to alleviate commuting stress.

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