Welcome to NYU, Class of 2021. Come August, you are going to embark on one of the most memorable years of your life-- your first year of college. I hope you're getting excited for NYU's Welcome Week because every year our upperclassmen dedicate their time and energy to make sure your first week at NYU is full of friends and fun instead of confused glances and homesickness. In preparation for this exciting time in your life, here are 10 words you need to know to succeed at NYU. Of course, there are much more than 10, but you'll learn along the way.
1. Palladium Brunch
#1 on this list, #1 in our hearts. Palladium Brunch is something I did not discover until late in my first semester, and now I almost cry thinking about all the delicious food I missed out on. When the semester begins and you've started meeting people, gather a few of them and go to Palladium Brunch together. The milkshakes, the paella, the chocolate fountain-- it's bound to cement your friendship.
2. Washington Square Park
This one is easy, especially if you're familiar with New York City or went on a tour of NYU before you made your decision. Washington Square Park is what our NYU Ambassadors call our "unofficial quad," and while the rest of us roll our eyes, we do hang out here often. Take advantage of the nice fall weather while it lasts and spread out a blanket on the grass and read a book. It's nice to be outside when the weather is beautiful, and you'll be dreaming of these moments when winter comes.
3. GCasl
I guess many people are not familiar with GCasl, but to me, it is definitely a need-to-know term. With Peet's Coffee across the way in Kimmel and GCasl's beautiful bathrooms, you're bound to spend some time in here. Also, you may have a class or want to take advantage of some of the amazing sights you can see from the GCasl lounges.
4. Bobst
Whether you like to study in the library or not, Bobst is a place that you will become familiar with by the end of your first semester. The many floors and student resources provide a great place to study or to escape from the roommate you're not getting along with. Also, the Starbucks where you can use dining dollars is right across the street.
5. Dining Dollars
Dining Dollars, your best friend. I don't understand how people can reach the end of the year and still have dining dollars left over on their account, but I do know those are the people you want to be friends with. Dining Dollars are part of your meal plan but can be used on anything that NYU sells at the dining halls. Want to buy some groceries from Sidestein but don't have any cash? Dining Dollars. Want to buy a Starbucks without your parents knowing you've bought three that day? Dining Dollars. Ah, Dining Dollars. Way better than Campus Cash.
6. Violets
We are the Violets. I wish I could explain this more, but I don't understand it myself. I was under the impression that we were the Bobcats and our school color was violet, but I've been told that I am wrong and we are the NYU Violets. #VioletPride
Live it.
Learn it.
Love it.
7. Upstein/Downstein/Sidestein
Either your favorite dining hall or the bane of your existence, it will be fun to see which label Weinstein is going to be for you. Personally, I love Upstein and Sidestein for their quick food options when I'm on the go, but I could do without Downstein's all-you-can eat buffet. However, I have friends that prefer Downstein dinner to Lipton or Palladium any day, so it really is up to the person.
8. Sternies
Even if you are a Sternie, you should know the Sternies. Sternies are the business school students that can be cool, annoying, interesting, or strange. Just kidding, that's all of us at NYU, so it isn't that big of a deal, but you should get used to the Sternies telling you that they have their own printing service and that they're practically not a part of NYU but are their own school. For similar examples, see Tisch students.
9. Webster Hall
I managed to escape my first year at NYU without ever going to Webster Hall, but it is supposedly the place to be during Welcome Week. Be prepared to get random messages on Facebook and Instagram from some guy inviting you to parties around the city to welcome the incoming classes for universities in New York City. You're bound to meet some fellow Class of 2021-ers attending the New School, Columbia, and other colleges in New York, so it doesn't hurt to try out Webster Hall.
10. The Arch
This is part of Washington Square Park, but The Arch is iconic in its own right. From now on, you'll recognize the Washington Square Arch and be reminded of all the great people and fun memories you made during your four years at NYU. Alumni love it, students walk around it (google that), and other New Yorkers know they've entered NYU territory when they see it.
Don't worry, you'll figure this all out one day. For now, just relax and have fun during your last summer before college because come fall, you'll be taken in by the extraordinary experience of being a student at NYU.
