Tips on going to college in NYC

[Gmerchant123]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 6:55pm

Hi! My parents and I are looking at colleges, We are currently looking at PACE, I want to study to be a director but that's besides the point. I live in Texas and i realize New York City is much different than Dallas, so could you possibly give me some tips on moving to the city, and how to use your money wisely as a poor college student? Also...Like...where to live?good places for students to work? etc.
Thanks!!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 7:52pm

I would say Pace Housing is a pretty good start. You can alway venture out on your own after you get the lay of the land.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 7:58pm

"and how to use your money wisely as a poor college student..."

Part of me is glad I didn't go to college in NYC. I would've been more broke than I am now seeing shows LOL. Take advantage of student rushes and discounts.

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 11:00pm

Live in the dorms, at least freshman year. If you want to move off campus, do some research once you're already there. See what neighborhoods you like. What you can afford. What is a manageable commute to school. But start off in campus housing and spend your first year learning the city.

As far as money goes: live within your means. You know how much you have, and how far it needs to stretch. Have fun, but don't be foolish.

I did my BA and PhD at two NYC universities, and have lived in the city for the better part of 12 years. I'm now a professor at an NYC college. It's a great place to go to school.

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 11:21pm

I went to NYU for college. I agree that you should live in the dorms at least your first year. If you go to Pace, you'll be below the grid of numbered streets, so you have to learn Manhattan differently. The best way to learn is just to explore and get lost. My first few months at NYU, I went on dorm trips, explored different neighborhoods with friends, and walked around the same building 5 times before I got frustrated and went back to my dorm.

I don't know about Pace, but during NYU's orientation week, they have workshops on creating a budget. Try to go to something like that if it's offered. Take advantage of student discounts- always have your ID with you. Learn about free nights at museums, discount days at grocery stores, etc.

The college experience in NYC is very different than a college town with a "campus" and a quad. (Some schools, like Columbia, are more campus-like.) It can be an amazing experience, though. With college, and life, it's what you make of it.

[Gmerchant123]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 11:29pm

I really appreciate all of your tips and wonderful insight! @ahhrealmonsters : please tell me more about NYU!? From what I've heard it's the most expensive school in the country right now! How was your experience at NYU?

[philly03]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 11:30pm

One of the best things about Pace's location is that you can get to pretty much any where in the city very easily since nearly all the major subways connect at Fulton or BK Bridge, too.

Pace is also (essentially) in one building or within 5 blocks, as opposed to somewhere like NYU where the campus is scattered throughout the city. Updated On: 7/3/13 at 11:30 PM

[Gmerchant123]

Posted: 7/3/13 at 11:38pm

Btw What kind of degree would I get in order to be a director? Is the competition as fierce for directing jobs like it is for being a actor?

[BwayTday]

Posted: 7/4/13 at 12:46am

I doubt it's as fierce but I do know that the Pace program is a B.A. in Directing. They accepts around 5 directing majors (I think they accepted a few more this year) who work closely with the B.A. Actors in the international ensemble. You also prepare a monologue for your audition/interview. P.M. me if you have more questions.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/4/13 at 12:59am

"But start off in campus housing and spend your first year learning the city."

And also your studies.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/4/13 at 1:19am

I seem to recall my brother living in a dorm for his freshman year at NYU. This is going back more than ten years but I think there was something about not enough dorm rooms to go around. I may be mistaken but I feel I remember this.

He also had his clothes stolen. Not sure if it was from his room or the laundry.