The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach—they’re sharing their college experiences as well. Casey is a sophomore at New York University studying psychology. She specializes in trigonometry tutoring, psychology tutoring, and several other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience at New York University:
Describe the campus setting and transportation options.
Casey: New York University prides itself on being “in and of the city.” It’s located in Washington Square Park in the middle of Manhattan. Since our campus is around Washington Square Park, it’s very urban, but we have plenty of green space and trees as well. There are free NYU buses to take students from the farther away upperclassman dorms downtown, but everything on campus is maybe a 10 minute walk away, at most. If you need to get around, New York has such a vast transit system that nobody has a car. There’s a bike share program that I don’t use, but I’ve heard it’s wonderful.
How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants?
Casey: The professors are amazingly helpful — they’re mandated to have office hours, and if those don’t work for you, they’ll work around your schedule. TA’s are the same, and the TA’s I’ve had classes for are so caring about their students. My academic advisor has been a lifesaver throughout the registration processes and the day-to-day little problems that come up. They only have a handful of students, so you can go to them for just about everything.
How would you describe the dorm life—rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students at New York University?
Casey: Dorm life at NYU is such a great environment. The freshman dorms are freshman-only and build such a community between students. Our RA’s took us on amazing trips and I befriended almost every of the forty-something people on my floor. Most of the dorms are feet away from classes, but some of the upperclassman dorms are a short walk, 15 minutes at most. There are dining halls in many of the dorms, but nobody is too far away from food. There are apartment-style suites with kitchenettes, as well as traditional style dorms that don’t have a kitchen. One thing I’ve loved about NYU dorming is that every single room has its own bathroom; that means no communal showers.
Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?
Casey: NYU has virtually every major imaginable — and even a school for students who wish to create their own major. There are dozens of support options and career counseling options available to every student, regardless of what they are trying to pursue. I am studying Psychology at the College of Arts and Sciences and Cinema Studies, which is a cross-school major with the College of Arts and Sciences and Tisch School of the Arts. All of the majors have their own advising network of academic advisors and accredited professors. I’ve been very satisfied with the support I have gotten.
How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life?
Casey: Making friends as a freshman was a little scary the first day or two, but it was extremely easy to meet people. I met my best friend by complimenting her skirt when I saw her in the elevator, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. NYU isn’t that big on Greek Life, but I know a handful of people who are involved, and they highly recommend it.
How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services at New York University?
Casey: The career center is amazing and has been pivotal for me in securing internships. NYU has such a vast alumni network that wants to recruit undergrads for every area imaginable. There are so many student support services. There is peer tutoring, skill-building services, and study slams for every subject imaginable. There are great support services for diverse student groups at NYU, such as resources for LGBTQ+ students and the Moses Center for Disabilities. NYU has a center for physical and mental health, as well as a 24-hour Wellness Center helpline. They offer regular checkups for various health concerns as well as flu shots and the like. There’s also so many resources for mental health at NYU, including meditation and yoga classes.
How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges?
Casey: NYU’s library is beautiful. It’s a gigantic building, and I’ve always found a place to study (even during finals). There are student lounges in almost every classroom, in the student center, and every dorm that provide a great space to hang out or get work done.
Describe the surrounding town.
Casey: NYU’s surrounding town is New York City. There’s always stuff to do — from a Broadway show, to sports games, to awesome food and nightlife options. You’ll never be bored!
How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes?
Casey: NYU’s student body is around 20,000 students, but it feels a lot smaller. My class sizes ranged from lecture halls to 10 person seminars. As it is at most colleges, class size gets smaller as you get past the introductory classes.
Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most.
Casey: One of my favorite classes was my freshman year seminar. The professor, Eddy, taught me and ten other freshman for the semester and we all became so close. The class was on film and television in the U.S., and it ranged from the 40s to the present. This class encouraged me to follow my passions and study the subjects that interest me. I am still in contact with the professor to this day.
Check out Casey’s tutoring profile.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.
