Themed Engagement Communities in Residential Life

New York City is home to every kind of theatre you can imagine. Broadway, off-Broadway, experimental theatre, Shakespeare in the Park, and everything in between. This makes NYC arguably the greatest theatre city in the world! Joining  this community will allow you to meet other theatre lovers, explore the diverse range of theatre opportunities in NYC, and learn about all things theatre-related. 3N Theater Arts Company (3NTAC) community members will see theatre productions together, learn about the process of making theatre, and even get the opportunity to produce performances in the residence hall. Activities will include public play readings, field trips to watch plays and musicals, a 24-hour original play festival, meetings with working artists, and original 3NTAC productions. This community is open to all students regardless of school or major, so join us and become part of the New York theatre scene!

The Black Violets community serves to uplift Black-identifying students by creating a safe space within the residence halls in order to foster a stronger Black community at NYU.  Residents committed to celebrating the diverse facets of Black culture through curated social and cultural programming are welcome to apply.  Events will include visits to museums, Black-owned restaurants, historical landmarks, and culturally related art shows.  While this community’s intent is to shine a light on the fruits of the Black diaspora, it will also explore the very real everyday implications of being Black in America with a spotlight on maintaining wellness while being socially aware.  Our hope is that this will be a space of celebration and connection for students in search of representation across campus.

Countless films have been set in New York City; whether it’s a classic like The Godfather or the recent Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Nomadland. Talented filmmakers like John Cassavetes and NYU alumni, Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee, are known for their work filming in the NYC streets. Big Apple, Big Screen seeks to capture this cinematic spirit of NYC by building a community among first-year film lovers through unique film related outings around the city. You will be encouraged to actively learn about, engage, in, and discuss cinema. You will visit famous locations in films such as Sleepy Hollow, and various cinemas and studios like the Little Airplane animation studio. Other activities include outings to see the newest film releases, film and documentary screenings, film seminars and workshops, and discussions. 

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time.  What can you do to contribute to a healthier, greener, more just world?  As a member of this community, you will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss how innovative ideas and impassioned activism lead to sustainable solutions in New York City and beyond.  Activities may include environmental stewardship opportunities, guest speakers, plant-forward community dinners, and more.  At NYU, there are many ways to learn more about and get involved in supporting sustainability on campus and in NYC; this is just the start.  This community will allow you to meet like-minded individuals, and will encourage you to work together to step up, speak up, and act up to build a sustainable future!

Ever wonder what the Eagles meant by in a “New York Minute” or why the Beastie Boys crooned “No Sleep ‘till Brooklyn?” From rock to classical, New York City is the center for emerging musical talent. Come and learn about musical movements, examine emerging trends, and share your appreciation of music with others. F.A.M.E. will explore music through concerts, performance art, documentary screenings, and other events around NYC, including active discussion and collaboration. Whether it’s a classical concert from the NY Philharmonic or seeing The Weeknd at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, this community has a place for every kind of music lover. Emphasis will be placed not only on external sources of musical influence, but also on student expression through opportunities like playlist making, open mic nights, and songwriting seminars. No formal musical training is necessary to participate in this community, but residents should have an active interest in musical expression and appreciation.

Geeks in the City calls forth those who have what some people call "geek interests" but what we personally think of as "awesome interests!" Be prepared to enter an epic community of residents and bond over your shared interests. We are looking for those who are passionate about everything from TV shows about Time Lords and Targaryens, to books and movies set in sci-fi and fantasy realms, to everything that art and entertainment has to offer in between. New York City is a hub of activity for this subculture, and we will take advantage of it by exploring the city for its own hidden geek hubs. Examples of past community adventures include attending midnight screenings and premieres, hosting TV marathons and book clubs, attending Comic Con, video game nights, Dungeons & Dragons game night, zombie laser tag, trips to comic book stores, and more. Geeks in the City, assemble!

Have you ever wondered why something works the way it does? Or maybe you’re just interested in learning about the next BIG thing? As a part of this community, you will explore the science of New York City and experience this as your living laboratory. From museums and exhibitions to the streets themselves, there are countless opportunities to observe science in the city. Examples include exhibits at Discovery Times Square, documentary screenings, visits to the Museum of the City of New York, guest speakers, an Eco-Cruise in the New York Harbor, the New York Transit Museum, a STEM career panel, a hiking trip, and more. Come explore the scientific wonderland that is New York City!

The USA has one of the most unequal national distributions of wealth in the world.  Manhattan has the highest degree of wealth inequality in the US.  So, the juxtaposition of extreme wealth and extreme poverty is going to be such a defining feature of your life in NYC that it might start to seem like a normal state of affairs.  However, students who join this community choose not to normalize this strange situation, but rather to examine it more closely.  Through participation in cultural events and compelling conversations with professionals, activists, and each other, you will create opportunities to learn and to educate.  We will think about how the distribution of resources is determined not only by the dynamics of the market, but also by the gendered and racialized status-structures we have inherited.  We'll think about the immediate material consequences of economic inequality on poorer New Yorkers and its longer-term impact on the social cohesion, peace, and health of the entire community.  Above all, you'll think about how things could be different and might be changed.

Get ready to laugh out loud with a group of students who enjoy all things comedy. New York City is brimming with every kind of comedy you can imagine including stand-up, improvisation, Broadway shows, and more. Countless comedians have graced the NYC comedy scene from NYU alum Aziz Ansari to Tina Fey. Laughing Matters will explore comedy across NYC to learn about the craft of comedy and how it plays into the life of a student at NYU. There is no better way to learn about comedy than experiencing it first-hand! Previous events have included Sarah Silverman, Demetri Martin, Avenue Q, Matilda on Broadway, a fully improvised musical, improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre, Kimberly Akimbo off-broadway, and a live taping of The Daily Show. Students are not required to be funny; they just need to love to laugh. So what are you waiting for? Say “Yes, And” to this community and see what happens next!

L'Étage Français gives residents the opportunity to live with others who share a common passion for the French language and the vast array of Francophone cultures found worldwide, almost all of which have representative communities here in New York City. This community is open to all levels of French speakers, from beginning to advanced, and it will take advantage of the wide-range of French-language activities and events in the city. This includes cinema, theatre, poetry slams, concerts, exhibits, festivals, restaurants, New York University’s own cultural showcase - La Maison Française, Brooklyn’s Little Haiti, and more. Some examples of past programs include outings to Les Misérables and An American in Paris on Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera House to see the famous French opera Les Contes d'Hoffman, French cheese tastings, and dinner at a local crêperie.

The transition to college can be tough when it comes to personal wellness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Luckily, the LIving Well community is here to help you stay physically active, stress-free, and healthy!  Within this community, you will learn ways in which you can practice self-care in New York City through programs and activities themed around mindfulness, fitness, nutrition, and more.  No specific fitness level or experience with nutrition and health is necessary - All you need to have is an interest in self-care! Get ready for an exciting year of fitness classes, healthy snack workshops, mindfulness exercises, and fun excursions to trendy wellness spots in the city!

As you sit in front of your TV do you ever wonder about the work behind the screen? NYU Show is the perfect community for residents who are passionate about television and want to learn more about the industry. New York City is home to all different genres of television from talk shows like The Daily Show and the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to shows like Gossip Girl, Betty, and Broad City. With so many possibilities in New York City, you’re bound to discover something new and exciting in the world of TV. NYU Show will explore everything NYC has to offer including talk show tapings, the Museum of the Moving Image, and more! You will also have the chance to shape the NYU community by working with NYU TV to film movie trailers and work on various TV related projects. Join our crew and discover the many channels of New York City!

Representation matters. Art matters. Representation in the arts matter. As a member of this community you will explore how various forms of art and media (theatre, music, film, and dance) represent diverse identities, communities and experiences. Using New York City as a playground, we will engage with media in its various forms with a focus on how artistic representation can prompt us to become more critical, informed and active citizens of the world. As a member of this community you will be introduced to the vibrant art world of New York City through trips to theater shows, performances, screenings, and museums.

Vivir en Español is being offered as an exciting partnership between Residential Life and the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Literatures. Participants are given the opportunity to live with a group of friends who share a common passion for the languages and cultures of Spain and Latin America and related cultures, which have representative communities here in New York City. The group, which is open to speakers of all levels of Spanish, from beginning to advanced, will take advantage of the wide-range of Spanish-language activities and events in the city, from cinema, theatre, poetry slams and concerts to conferences, exhibits, festivals, and restaurants. From New York University’s own Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and its King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center to a number of unique New York City resources, such as the Instituto Cervantes, the Hispanic Society of America, the Museo del Barrio, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and the Repertorio Español, community members will have ample opportunity to connect with Spanish and Latin American culture and language. Additionally, this Explorations community will place a focus on Spanish language by organizing sessions conducted in Spanish that will help the community prepare, expand and reflect on the activities in which it engages in the City.

Women at Tandon offers students, who self-identify as women, a strong supportive community where you can engage in STEM-related academic programs and explore potential career opportunities. You will have the chance to visit exhibitions, workshops, and listen to speakers across New York City. Some examples include visiting the Museum of Math and Discovery Times Square. You will also have the opportunity to build relationships with other women in STEM through networking with successful alumnae, participating in social functions, watching films and reading related literature, and getting involved in community service such as tutoring in STEM subjects at local schools. The goal of this community is to reinforce positive experiences as a woman in STEM and help foster community around this shared interest.

New York City is the creative epicenter of some of the greatest artistic industries in our world. Home to thousands of art galleries, dozens of museums, hundreds of theaters, and beauty around every corner, New York is an artist’s paradise. This community will explore the creative and artistic world through the city’s eye. Events may include: conversations with artists, theater & music performances, experiencing art through museums, artisan markets, walking tours, and more.

The Black Violets community serves to uplift Black-identifying students by creating a safe space within the residence halls in order to foster a stronger Black community at NYU.  Residents committed to celebrating the diverse facets of Black culture through curated social and cultural programming are welcome to apply.  Events will include visits to museums, Black-owned restaurants, historical landmarks, and culturally related art shows.  While this community’s intent is to shine a light on the fruits of the Black diaspora, it will also explore the very real everyday implications of being Black in America with a spotlight on maintaining wellness while being socially aware.  Our hope is that this will be a space of celebration and connection for students in search of representation across campus.

The Food for Thought community is an exploration of culture through food. What we consume, how we acquire it, who prepares it, who’s at the table, and who eats first are forms of communication rich with meaning. Beyond merely nourishing the body, food can inspire and strengthen the bonds between individuals, communities, and even countries. This explorations community will introduce students to diverse cultures utilizing food and restaurants across New York City. Past restaurant outings have included trips to places like Smorgasburg in Brooklyn and Little Italy. In addition to exploring restaurants in NYC, residents will watch documentary films, read common literature, participate in cooking classes, share recipes, and learn about social justice in relation to food.. As a part of this community, residents will be able to discover attitudes, practices and rituals surrounding food.

Looking for a community that celebrates your inner geek? Geek NYC is a community that celebrates people with all sorts of "nerdy" interests, particularly those in science fiction and fantasy. We will discover this often-underrated side of New York City, and explore all it has to offer. This may include programs such as signings, movie screenings, and perhaps a day or two at New York Comic Con. All humans welcome, as well as Time Lords, Dothraki, Hobbits, and Jedi Knights, among many other fictional races and species.

Have you ever wondered why something works the way it does? Or maybe you’re just interested in learning about the next BIG thing? Come explore the science of New York City and experience this living laboratory. From museums and exhibitions to the streets themselves, there are countless opportunities to observe science in the city. Past events include the Body Worlds: Pulse Exhibit at Discovery Times Square, documentary screenings, Interstellar in IMAX, the Museum of the City of New York, a talk by Bill Nye, an Eco-Cruise in the New York Harbor, the New York Transit Museum, a STEM career panel, a hiking trip, and more. Come explore the scientific wonderland that is New York City!

What makes New York City the dynamic home to over 8.5 million people from around the world? Through the Global Impact community, you will have the opportunity to explore past the concrete jungle and bright lights. Digging deeply into NYC’s rich history, infrastructure, and global impact, we can understand how New York has evolved into a global city. Events may include: exploring local governments, exploring the history of NYC, walking tours of NYC neighborhoods, discovering local eateries, and learning about local history and its impact on the world.    

At face value, NYC seems to embody the idea that spaces of stillness and reflection are a rarity in this day and age.  Join University Chaplains Rabbi Yehuda Sarna and Imam Khalid Latif as they take you on an exploration to find spirituality in NYC by uncovering spaces of stillness and reflection both on and off campus.  This Explorations community will offer diverse spiritual communities, art institutions, parks, theaters, museums, and much more alongside regular discussions and group conversations to help participants build deeper self-awareness and mindfulness.  You do not have to be an active member of any religious or spiritual community to join - you just need to have a passion for understanding. 

Explore the idea of sustainability in a way you never imagined. This community will look well beyond reduce, reuse, recycle, and consider sustainability in terms of the environment, social and political movements, economic philosophies, and self-exploration. Potential opportunities for engagement include documentaries and discussions about sustainability, a sustainable food panel, an East Village community gardens tour, a trip to the farmer’s market, a bike repair workshop, and more. Join us in learning about sustainability and what it means to be a sustainable citizen in an urban environment and beyond.

This community is a place for students to connect with the global network in both social and educational ways. Participants will participate in programming that is directly related to both study abroad sites and the very act of travel and studying abroad. For example, the community may attend a performance of Argentine Tango Off-Broadway followed by a meal of empanadas prepared by a student who has recently returned from Buenos Aires. Or, the after-performance discussion may take place while enjoying the empanadas and hearing a lecture/ slide show from a returning student. Other activities may include connecting with the travel bookshop Idlewild Books or bringing in travel experts to discuss ways to stay connected while abroad or how to set up an account to store and organize all of your photos.  As a global network of campuses, this community will provide opportunities for students to connect with other students who are about to studay away and those who have recently returned.