NYU Residence Halls Help Students Find Their Home Away from Home

There aren’t many things I can think of that are more frightening than moving to a big city. But fortunately, here at NYU, residence halls have live-in staff that support students 24 hours a day known as resident assistants. Resident assistants are upperclass peer leaders who are responsible for building community on their floor. They plan activities and events to assist students with their transition to college and life in the city. In addition, they are trained to help residents with potential roommate conflicts and other challenges that could pop up during the first year.

One of the best ways for students to meet their neighbors is by attending the programs and outings sponsored by the residence hall staff. And there are offerings to suit everyone’s taste. For example, programs range from potluck dinners to Harry Potter movie marathons to outings to see Broadway shows and museums. Did I mention these events are typically free?

The goal of FYRE is to help first-year students make a healthy and meaningful transition to the University. The program provides students with experiences to help them connect to new friends, NYU, and New York City. All first-year residents are a part of FYRE and can choose to live in our Residential College at Goddard Hall. Students who partake in the program can take classes in the residence hall and attend educational outings. For those who are looking for a less formal opportunity, we offer Explorations floors, where they can live with like-minded students on themed floors.

Learning in the place you live is a hallmark of the residential experience at NYU. One initiative that allows students to learn outside the classroom is the Faculty Fellow-in-Residence program. Through this program, members of NYU faculty live in the residence halls and host cultural and intellectual events like dinners, dialogues, visits to museums, and so much more. Above all, these informal get-togethers allow for deeper connections between students and faculty. 

The residential community is chock full of opportunities for leadership and community engagement, even in the first year. Each of our residence halls has their own hall council that focuses on community and advocacy in the building. In addition, the Inter-Residence Hall Council, the umbrella organization for all hall councils, works to enhance the residential experience and foster community across all of our residence halls.