NYU: Big City, Big $'s; A Parent's Perspective
Written: Jun 25 '00 (Updated Jun 30 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Great Academics, NYC is an exciting atmosphere
Cons: No campus, no athletics
|
|
|
| netKat's Full Review: New York University |
I was very happy when my son Ben was accepted into New York University. He wanted to go to a large University in New York City, and although Columbia was his first choice, I was happier for him to be in the environment of Greenwich Village rather than so far uptown. Ben has very successfully completed his freshman year, and here is an overview of NYU from a parent's perspective.
• New York City
Known simply as "The City" by its inhabitants, there is truly something for everyone and then some. Living in one of the biggest and baddest cities in the world definitely overshadows any experience to be had at NYU. I lived in the City for over 10 years and nothing can compare to the incredible array of culturally diverse and academically enlightening experiences to be had here. An awesome network of public transportation puts the entire City at your feet. If your son/daughter is gregarious, adventurous, and loves the big city lifestyle, it doesn't get much better than NYC.
On the other side of the coin, best to be aware that some street smarts are in order. Though NYU provides a lot of security within their "campus" area, this is the Big Apple. Neighborhoods can change within a block from good to really bad, and your son/daughter needs to use common sense and caution when out and about in the City.
• The NYU Vicinity
NYU is in the heart of Greenwich Village. The Village is located downtown, close in proximity to SoHo, Chinatown, and Little Italy. I would describe the village as sort of a throw back to the 60's. It's trendy, friendly, and very unique. It's kind of like a smaller townish city within the big city. It is truly a wonderful environment and a whole lot of fun.
• NYU is a great school.
No doubt about it, I can see already that NYU is giving my son a great intellectual run for our money. His academic world has broadened tremendously. Living in NYC, especially Greenwich Village is a fantastic experience. Since his Dad and grandparents live in NYC, it was not a huge culture shock to him. He is accustomed to the diversity and "weirdness" of the city.
I would caution parents of more cloistered kids to tour the area and think very strongly about the pros and cons of this big city environment for their son or daughter. I know that certain types of young adults will thrive and grow in it, but others may not be ready for this kind of culture shock and incredible independence in one of the biggest cities in the world.
• NYU is not Cheap.
This is no joke. Expect to spend upwards of $32,000 to attend this school, including room and rudimentary (and, I'm told, flatulence inducing) board. Watch out for add-ons, especially those you don't need, want, or request.
A big problem we had was the medical insurance. Presented as a service for college kids, NYU will automatically enroll your son or daughter unless you take some action to stop it. You don't need this insurance if you already have a family policy. Kids are normally covered under their parents' health insurance as long as they are full time students until the age of 23 or 25 depending on the carrier. I sent in opt out form 3 times, but they claimed to have never received it and I had to fight for months to get this $300+ charge off my bill. The final time I sent it certified. They managed to receive that one. Things that make you go hmmm.
• NYU has no campus.
I went to high school in the Village, and I loved it. It's a magical part of the city. If your son/daughter is the type that loves the city, this is the place to be. Everything is everywhere and it's 24 hours a day. If your son/daughter is looking for a college campus experience, look elsewhere. There is no campus, unless you consider Washington Square Park (a small public park in the middle of the Village) a campus (not).
• NYU has no intercollegiate sports programs to speak of.
Huh? What are sports? My son's biggest disappointment was his inability to become involved in sports at a collegiate level. There seem to be no teams to cheer on. No chances to chant "go big purple" (the school color). He feels he is missing some important college moments because of this. On the other hand, would you want to play on a team called "The Violets"?
• NYU Housing is not the greatest.
The housing for NYU are not really your traditional dorms that you might find in a more rural campus. Housing is spread out over the City and is located in large apartment buildings. NYU has traditionally had some challenges with student housing and is working hard on improvements. There are various new buildings going up in the area that will be home to more students, but until then, housing is tight. But, that's just like everyone else who wants to live in NYC!
Ben's first semester was spent ensconced in Hayden Hall. Wow, what a gorgeous view overlooking Washington Square Park, in the heart of the Village. It was centrally located to all his classes as well as being very convenient to exploring the Village. His room? About the size of your average hallway, which was shared with a roommate. It was wall to wall stuff. And that view... virtually blocked by the necessity of having one of the computer desks in front of the window. There was one very old bathroom shared by two adjoining rooms (that's 4 teenage boys to one bathroom). There are no cleaning services provided by the University. Did I ever use that bathroom? NO! :)
Be prepared for the worst in the sophomore year. The freshmen get the dorms nearest the school, while the juniors and seniors are higher in the dorm lottery pecking order. Kiss the view and convenience goodbye. It is nearing the end of June and I just had to pay the $1,000 housing deposit and we have yet to know where Ben will be living this coming semester, but I know his digs will not be nearly as convenient. Hopefully, he'll have more breathing room.
• NYU Academics & Books
I am impressed. My son has really grown and matured academically. He's working his butt off. He's damn near smarter than me and he's only been in college for a year! He is anticipating completing his sophomore year in Florence Italy under a foreign study program. Not bad, huh? I guess you get what you pay for.
He has the most comprehensive book lists I have ever seen. Right now (summer) he's got 7 novels on his nightstand. Be prepared for shelling out another fortune in tomes.
• Financial Aid and Work Study
Make sure you fill out the FAFSFA and have it sent to NYU. Then call up and beg for more help. You may be mildly successful.
Thankfully, Ben received a nice scholarship offer with his acceptance letter. But we're still all going into debt to cover the uncovered tuition.
My son was hooked up with an excellent work-study job. He helps teach students in an elementary school conveniently located near his dorm. He receives much more than minimum wage and finds the work valuable. I'm very grateful that he was able to get this job. He has been able to pay for all his books and incidental expenses, which is a big help to his parents.
• The Ugly side of NYU
The NYU bursars office, housing office, and any office you have the misfortune of having to deal with are typically rude, abusive, decidedly unhelpful, and for the most part, uncaring.
I have not spoken to as many rude people working for one company as I have contacting various NYU departments and offices. It's unbelievable! In fact, I was so frustrated and upset in one of my conversations that I asked the person if I needed to get in my car right now and drive the 3 hour trip so I could stand there in person to solve this problem, because I was at the point where it actually seemed that it would be the only way to bring the issue to a conclusion. Plus I was so frustrated I wanted to personally have it out with someone!
Be prepared to spend an inordinate amount of time on hold listening to the same stupid musical loop over and over and over. Know that someone will pick up the phone, and say "hold on" and stick you right back to the music. When you speak to someone, they will invariably transfer you somewhere else, and, well, you know the drill. When you question being put on hold for the umpteenth time, you will get a rude defensive answer such as: "look, do you know how many other people are waiting? I decided to do you a favor and help you." (yes, this is an actual quote).
One might argue that this is just a New York state of mind, but I lived in the City for over 10 years a while back and I can attest that not all New Yorkers behave this way.
Folks, these people are just not doing their jobs. Here are some hints to save yourself some grief:
- I have learned to call at least twice for every issue and if the answers don't match I call again and take best two out of three.
- Make sure you get everything in writing.
- Make sure you double-check all bills and credits. I have found errors on almost every statement I have received. Make sure you know all the deadlines.
- Don't expect to receive mail or other prompts from NYU to meet those deadlines, often you will inexplicably not receive what you should have.
- If you need to send important documents to the school, Fax them repeatedly if that option is available or mail them certified, return receipt requested. Trust me on this one.
• The NYU Website & Wiredness
The NYU website, located at www.nyu.edu, is fairly comprehensive and intuitive to navigate. An important thing to print out is the school calendar and list of various deadlines.
NYU always ranks highly in the Yahoo most wired colleges issue. Students can access tons of information online and the plethora of peripheral electronica in the dorms is very impressive. Ben had an Ethernet connection in his room in addition to a normal phone line. Coming back home for the summer to a 32,000 connection on a clear day is quite an eye opener for him.
NYU also has an automated voice response telephone system from which various information can be obtained called "Torch Tone". I affectionately refer to it as "Torture Tone". Stick to the website whenever possible. :)
• Am I glad my son is attending NYU?
Yes and no. I think it's a great life experience. I know he's getting a fantastic education, both in the University and in real life. I feel bad that he's missing out on a more campusy type of environment, but I believe he would probably get bored with that lifestyle after a while. NYU is a very highly rated University and I'm proud that he got in and is doing well. I wish it was cheaper, but, oh well! :)
If your kid is looking for a great academic experience, is reasonably independent, enjoys real diversity, and has a strong desire for a big city environment, I would definitely recommend NYU. If your son or daughter is predominantly interested in athletics, or wants a more cloistered campus environment, forget it!
• A great resource when you're comparing different colleges is the News and World Report site:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/cohome.htm
You may also be interested in reading my review of the Empty Nest Syndrome (warning: get a hankie) entitled:
• Goodnight Moon or Why I Left a Trail of Tears Down the New Jersey Turnpike
http://creditexpert.epinions.com/kifm-review-42B2-1F907A0-38C2ED41-prod7
And be sure your teen is prepared for all the credit card offers that come with collegiate life:
• Start Now or Pay Later: Teach Your Children Well
http://creditexpert.epinions.com/finc-review-3878-1604C854-38BDB5E9-bd1
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
netKat
|
 - Top 200 |
|
Member: Kat
Location: Maryland
Reviews written: 166
Trusted by: 885 members
About Me:
Analytically inclined mom, bank officer, freelance writer, and internet addict.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.