Oh, how I remember moving into my freshman dorm last August on a lovely summer day. I was filled with all the optimism in the world. It was my first real place, the first time I was out on my own. Now, a year later, I can think of some things I loved — and some I didn't — about old Weinstein 712.
1. Proximity to campus
Living within a five-minute walk of most of my classes allowed me to hit the snooze button, getting the extra ten minutes of sleep.
2. My random roommate
NYU has a "great" policy about pairing you with a random roommate based on a short living style survey you fill out. It works as well as you'd think, creating situations like mine, similar to Anna Kendrick's in "Pitch Perfect."
3. Living in the same building as a dining hall
All I had to do if I wanted Jamba Juice, Chick-fil-A, and an assortment of other delicious dining options was take the elevator downstairs. Yes, the Freshman 15 is very real, people.
4. No parents = no one pushing you to get up and go to class
While the freedom of being on my own was really great, there were some times when I had to pretend to be my mother and remind me someone exciting appearing on "Live! with Kelly and Michael" was not a valid reason to skip my boring 9:30 a.m. class.
5. Living in what used to be a famous person's dorm
Given the numerous famous people who have attended NYU, it's not too difficult to find a place where Lady Gaga or Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen used to hang out. I was just lucky enough to land the room where Rick Rubin formed Def Jam Records (he returned last year).
6. Decorating (without damaging the walls...)
Admittedly, it is difficult to create an HGTV Magazine worthy space without nails, but it is possible (yes, that's my freshman room).
7. FYRE events
Everything from theater discounts to apple picking to just simple evenings during finals week with free pizza — First Year Resident Experience (FYRE) plans a lot of cool stuff for freshmen.
8. Amazing Manhattan views
Your state school friends might be a little jealous, unless they're in Florida. Then, when it won't stop snowing, you might be the one who's jealous..
9. Living (and working) in the same place
I joined the WNYU, NYU's radio station staff, this year, which was super convenient as it's located in the basement of Weinstein! Sadly, though, I did not find the Jesse to my Beca, a la "Pitch Perfect."
10. A great selfie mirror
It's so great, it might just make you miss the elevator.
So have fun, NYU 2019! Enjoy the good and get through the bad. It's going to be a memorable experience.
