The Brooklyn Commons is an outdoor open area in the heart of the Brooklyn campus. Surrounded by Tandon buildings, the space is typically occupied by engineering students in between classes. It is common to see NYU students eat lunch, hang out with friends and study in the Brooklyn Commons. Though the area surrounding the commons is always bustling, it is a great place to find a spot to relax on one of the nearby benches.

The Brooklyn MetroTech, which is part of the Tech Triangle, is home to a number of companies such as JP Morgan, ConED, the Brooklyn Nets, and Verizon. The Tech Triangle covers the area between Downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO and the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Startups like Etsy and Makerbot are located in this area. Approximately 81% of students work a job or internship during their time at NYU, and having so many technology companies within reach makes these opportunities very accessible for students.

A student sits in the sun reading a book in the commons
three students sit at a table in the commons talking
Events and Traditions

The Brooklyn Commons is home to several different events and offerings throughout the year. The Brooklyn Academy of Music hosts their R&B Festival, where artists hold free concerts during summer afternoons. The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership also hosts movie nights in the space several days per week. Another event, Sports on the Commons, brings a large screen to the commons for sports fans to watch popular sporting events together. Other summertime events include: ping pong happy hours, fitness classes and swing dance classes.

During the winter, there is still plenty of fun to be had. The ice skating rink is a favorite of the community. Weather permitting, the rink is open from January through March every year.  A tradition of the area is the Christmas tree lighting during the holiday season.

a large crowd of people walk through the trees in metrotech commons
People can be seen walking through the lush green trees in metrotech commons
Exploring Brooklyn

Some of Brooklyn’s most exciting attractions are located near the Brooklyn Commons. Places like the Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music are a few places students can explore nearby.

A group of students sit in red wooden chairs in metrotech commons