1) Pigeon Man
Pigeon man. He’s a spectacle in his own right. And a lot of people are quick to call him gross or creepy. But in my humble opinion…to each his own. If he wants pigeons as his besties, then so be it. But the second one of his pigeon friends poops on my head, he’s got another thing coming. Regardless, I think he is a huge factor in the freshman year/Washington Square Park experience. You have to see him once before the end of freshman year, and if you so please, maybe even have a conversation with him.
2) Dorm Room Views
One of the most surprising things about dorm life has been the views! I’m lucky enough to have a fantastic view (shown at sunset in the photo), but mine isn’t even the best I’ve seen! I encourage any freshman reading this to explore as many views as you can, especially if you don’t have a good view yourself. And definitely try out different dorms and rooms. The best I’ve seen are in Hayden, but I may be partial because that just so happens to be where I reside!
3) Ticket Central
Ticket Central was one of the things that I was most excited about after being accepted into NYU. I always thought it was just for discounted Broadway tickets but it is somuch more than that. It’s finally an opportunity for me to get something cheaper in Manhattan than it would be back home—a rarity I will never stop appreciating. Six bucks for a movie ticket? You mean I only have to pay sixdollars to see two hours of Brad Pitt’s eyes in Moneyball? Three words: Sign. Me. Up.
4) Chick-fil-A
NYU having the only Chick-fil-A in Manhattan was more of a selling point than it should have been when deciding to apply here. Being from the South, Chick-fil-A was more than just a drive-thru, it was a religion. And it certainly is mine. It is, without a doubt, the best fried chicken you will ever taste in your life. It’s like a little taste of heaven is in every bite of their peanut-oil-fried chicken and their salty waffle fries. Go now to the Upstein dining hall in Weinstein, you won’t regret it. (P.S. They don’t display the sauces, but you can get it from one of the employees—ask for the “Chick-fil-A sauce.” It’s to die for).
5) Freshmen Year Bucket Lists
It’s a trend I had not heard of until Welcome Week, but it’s a trend that I fully approve of. Some people go for the more productive theme like “become residence hall president” or “join and participate in five clubs.” And other’s are more goofy like “swim in the Washington Square Park fountain” or “become friends with the residence hall security guard.” I think it’s a great idea to do because whether it’s goofy or productive you’ll get a fulfilling experience out of it. So why the heck not? That’s why I decided to start one (check it out in the photo).
Website for Chick-fil-A photo:
http://franchise.business-opportunities.biz/2009/03/03/chick-fil-a-opens-newest-stand-alone-store-in-estero/
Website for NYU ticket central photo: https://www.nyu.edu/student.affairs/conference/payment.html