Live on Campus at NYU: What to Expect

Mackenzie Cavagnaro is a Drama major at NYU Tisch. She’s also an RA at University Hall, where she’s always ready to assist with everything from navigating conflicts to adjusting to college life. “I love anything where I can help people,” she says. “I’m someone who has questions about everything. So I want to be there for others who have a million questions and are maybe scared to ask.”

In her first year at NYU, Mackenzie made new friends while attending events in her building. She now facilitates similar connections for her residents, including a casual meetup called Hall Snacks—something all halls take part in during the first six weeks of school. For her Hall Snacks meetups, Mackenzie supplies fun food like gummy frogs for Leap Day or sweet potato fries on National Cook a Sweet Potato Day (yes, that exists!).

“It’s a nice way to meet your peers and to meet me,” she explains. “I’m always here for questions and concerns, but it’s hard to approach someone you don’t know, especially about something personal. Interacting with your RA in a more normal context alleviates some of that fear.”

From hall council president to Inter-Residence Hall Council (IRHC) advocacy chair to two-time RA, Steven Martinez is an experienced student leader and knowledgeable resource. A Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Biomolecular Science double major at NYU Tandon, Steven started college during the pandemic. This experience solidified his drive to help other students. In the IRHC, he focused heavily on mental health and supporting first-generation and low-income students.

While building connection was harder during the pandemic, Steven recalls his RA leading games residents could play while remaining six feet apart. “He introduced me to the community building aspect of being an RA, which is my favorite part,” Steven shares.

Steven strives to make his residents—who include many international students—feel comfortable at NYU and in the city. He caters activities to their interests and joins them at other NYU events to ease their nerves. He also enjoys introducing students to varied cultures and traditions, from hosting Black History and Hispanic Heritage Month events to taking residents to a local Japanese cafe.

“Students here are so multifaceted. You’d be surprised who you have common interests with,” he says. “As big as NYU is, we’re all really connected, and I’m glad to help build those connections.”