Let’s face it: Moving can be stressful. And while moving somewhere like New York City may seem especially daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Everything you need for a successful move—and everything you need to make your new city feel like home—is right at your doorstep.
From restaurants and gyms to hardware stores and grocery stores, the neighborhoods surrounding NYU’s Washington Square and Downtown Brooklyn campuses have it all. Ready to start exploring? Our friends at NYU Community Engagement have curated guides to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, whatever your needs may be.
You’ve worked hard to get here—welcome to your new neighborhood. Welcome home.
A City Fit for Foodies
While we may be biased, there’s no better city in the world when it comes to food than New York. No matter the cuisine, your taste buds are in for a treat. In fact, wherever you live, you’re surrounded by incredible dishes from around the world. You just have to know where to look.
“I was able to try so many different cuisines in my first year at NYU,” says Hannan Abraham, a Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education major at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. “And I’ve continued to branch out and try new spots. Restaurants can ease the transition away from home, too, because you can have familiar comfort food whenever you like.”
To help you get started, NYU’s Office of Community Engagement created an interactive map featuring restaurants near both the Manhattan and Brooklyn campuses. From the best spots for outdoor dining to the sweetest bakeries, cheap eats to fancier fare, you can explore the diverse cultures and cuisines that make our local communities unique. Click here to check out the guide.
A Taste of Home, a Taste of Somewhere New
If you’re wondering where NYU students are eating, look no more. We went straight to the source and asked them!
“Uncle Ted’s Modern Chinese Cuisine offers a perfect balance between authentic and modern Chinese dishes. Their lunch specials are super student-friendly too. Additionally, the environment makes it great for a casual dinner with friends.”
—Pei Lin Lu, Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education, NYU Steinhardt
“My favorite restaurant near campus is The Grey Dog. There are a few around the city. Not only is the food amazing, but the atmosphere is so welcoming. It’s the perfect restaurant when it’s warmer to sit outside. Plus, I love their cute dog decor. My favorite thing to get is the Mexican bowl; it’s so good!”
—Jade Ramirez, Interactive Media Arts, NYU Tisch School of the Arts
“I love going to NAYA on University Place. Even though it’s a chain, it’s my go-to spot for a Mediterranean bowl. I’ll usually grab one and eat it outside, either in Union Square Park or Washington Square Park. I always try to eat outdoors, and NAYA gives me a healthy, vegetarian, easy, and delicious way to do just that!”
—Agnese Salvatico, environmental studies and education concentration, NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study
“One of my favorite restaurants near campus has to be Loring Place. It is conveniently located close to Brittany Hall, and it has one of the best smoked salmon pizzas! So, I love going there for brunch.”
—Daniel Lee, International Relations and Public Policy, NYU College of Arts and Science
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