In every resident hall, each student is provided with the following:
- An extra-long twin bed and mattress (39″x80″)
- A desk and chair
- Drawer space (either under bed or dresser)
- Either a closet or wardrobe cabinet
Still, not all spaces are created equal and when it comes to college dorms, size matters. Metropolis Moving has included only the most spacious NYU dorms, ensuring you have plenty of room to decorate, move in all your favorite furniture, and truly make the space your own.
About The NYU Student Experience
- NYU has the 7th largest university housing system in the United States and the largest among private schools.
- New York University operates its own transit system to transport students by bus or trolley to campus.
- Many NYU residence halls are remodeled hotels or speakeasies. For example, Brittany Hall was once an apartment building and a speakeasy during Prohibition, later becoming a hotel that hosted celebrities like Adam Sandler and Al Pacino.
1. George Clark Hall (55 Clark Street, Brooklyn Heights)
Dorms: Each George Clark Hall suite is decked out with a refrigerator, microwave, and TV. Students enjoy air conditioning for those humid September afternoons and can choose suites with sleek, carpet-free floors.
Facilities: As one of two accommodation options in Brooklyn Heights, residents have access to an 8,300-square-foot student community center which includes a communal kitchen, library, game room, and screening room. Originally this residency hall was Hotel St. George, one of the world’s largest hotels in the 1930s!
Downside: Clark is a traditional hall, which means there are no kitchens in the suites.
2. Lafayette Hall (80 Lafayette Street, Chinatown)
Dorms: Lafayette “Laf” Hall is the largest residence hall at NYU, housing over 1,000 students. Many of NYU’s Greek Life organizations have houses on the penthouse floors. Lafayette dorm rooms are also larger than those in other NYU halls, though you might share the suite with more people.
Facilities: There are three music practice rooms (one with an upright piano), a dance room, and a laundry room on every floor.
Downside: It’s quite far from Washington Square (20 min walk) and Union Square (35+ min), making it less convenient for dining halls.
3. Gramercy Green (310 3rd Avenue, Gramercy Park)
Dorms: Primarily housing sophomore students, Gramercy Green dorms are spacious and modern, with C rooms being particularly large and B rooms slightly smaller.
Facilities: Various study spaces on different floors, a game room with a piano, a gym, and a computer room.
Downside: Transportation can be inconvenient, though a shuttle bus provides access to campuses.
4. John A. Paulson Center (181 Mercer Street, Greenwich Village)
Dorms: This newly constructed residence hall boasts large rooms with lots of windows, natural light plus modern and spacious bathrooms.
Facilities: This center serves the widest range of uses at NYU. Despite its size, the Paulson gym on the first floor is fully equipped for a great workout. Lower floors provide classrooms, a gym, and eateries, while upper floors house students and faculty.
Downside: The interior lacks character and can feel like an airport hangar, though it suits those who like minimalist aesthetics.
5. Seventh Street (40 East Seventh Street, East Village)
Dorms: The Seventh Street dorm rooms and suites are huge – even the smallest suites have larger rooms compared to other NYU dorms. Most accommodation options consist of quads where four residents share large apartments that have plenty of closet space and areas to study in your room.
Facilities: Recently renovated lounges, including a communal TV lounge with a beautiful kitchen, a study lounge, and a game room with table tennis and foosball.
Downside: There’s no AC or elevators.
Famous NYU Residence Hall Alumni
- Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta): Third Avenue North
- Adam Sandler: Brittany Hall
- Rick Rubin and Philip Seymour Hoffman: Weinstein Hall
- Sarah Silverman: Rubin Hall
- Donald Glover: Goddard Hall
Fun fact: 40 years ago, Rick Rubin started Def Jam Recordings, a major label for hip hop, R&B, soul, and pop, out of room 712 of NYU’s Weinstein Hall. While the party days have mellowed, Weinstein Hall still rocks with music practice rooms and pianos to nurture tomorrow’s music legends. Check out the Rolling Stones video here.
Furnish Your NYU Dorm: Top Second-Hand and Vintage Furniture Shops
- Vintage Thrift Shop (286 Third Avenue, Gramercy) – Experience the charm of estate sale finds at this nonprofit vintage store. Vintage Thrift isn’t about cheap, disposable items but statement pieces that will last a lifetime. While you might spend a bit more, the durability and unique character of the items make them a worthwhile investment. Vintage Thrift on Instagram
- White Trash (304 E 5th St, East Village) – Step into this cozy East Village shop for a rotating inventory of midcentury modern furniture, quirky vases, whimsical gifts, and more. White Trash offers a curated selection that’s perfect for students looking to add a little something extra to an otherwise drab dorm. White Trash on Instagram
- Time Galleries (562 5th Ave, Brooklyn) – As New York’s top spot for antique furniture, Time Galleries is a treasure trove for students looking to add some vintage flair to their dorm. Browse through a grand selection of vintage electronics, glassware, lighting, and wall art. While the prices reflect the quality, they’re open to haggling, so you can score sturdy, classic pieces without breaking the bank.
- Reuse America Vintage Warehouse (393 Bushwick Ave, Brooklyn) – For the seasoned thrifter, this warehouse is a treasure trove of unique, obscure, and divine vintage bric-a-brac. If you’re in search of something truly special, Reuse America is a must-visit destination for any student embracing Brooklyn life.
