New York University

Their advising department does not advise. Most of the faculty is condescending and care only about their research, not about the students.

1st Year Male -- Class 2006

Surrounding City: A+, Innovation: F

THIS SCHOOL DEFINATLY SAPS YOU OF ALL YOUR MONEY. The administration is horrible, unhelpful, and extremely frustrating. You are often lucky to get into ANY of your required liberal arts classes, forget about trying to register for ones you might be remotely interested in. Also, this school is NOT a party school. People here tend to be depressed and cranky and if they "party" it consists of doing drugs and getting drunk. And don't even think about coming here if you aren't 100% in love with NYC. 6 freshman on my floor alone (out of about 25) have left NYU because they couldn't handle the environment. It is next to impossible to concentrate on schoolwork here. If you come here, you have to be able to get through hard times on your own because everyone is too absorbed in their own world to give a shit about you.

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Surrounding City: A+, Campus Aesthetics: F

NYU is a very deceiving school. It looks great before you go, but once you're in, you're likely to feel trapped for varying reasons. I guess it's that way with any college, but NYU is more disappointing to be like that, because it's the last place you'd expect to feel that way. There are so many things that I like about the University but much more that I hate or become easily frustrated with--simply because I am making my parents spend SO much money here it's ridiculous for the crap you end up dealing with. The only thing truly wonderful thing I can say about this school is my particular department, Dramatic Writing. It has been an extremely exciting major to pursue, and it's a place where I feel the most comfortable doing something I've always wanted to do. It may end up being the only reason I stay here. But on the same token, dramatic writing (screenplays/plays) is something I think you either have or don't have, and it's just a matter of finding the right people to buy your stuff. So I'm struggling quite a bit with figuring out if this is where I want to stay.

I definitely do not recommend this university for anyone who is not used to living in the city, or has no desire to. Save it for when you graduate college, have saved up lots of money, and are okay with spending countless nights alone with your television and bowl of ice cream, until you finally meet someone who actually has a quality personality in the city. The social life of NYU and indeed NYC is extremely cliqueish. Don't believe the diversity hype. It's rare to meet someone who wants to venture out of their own little clique.This place is perfect for some, but horrible for others, just like any college really. But it just, for me personally, has been an extreme disappointment. They make you believe you can fit in without fitting in and have a world of fun because you're in "the greatest city ever" and it's just a load of crap. You have to go out and get everything you want, and that requires a very aggressive personality. You'll love it here if you're that type of person. If you're not, and I don't think there's anything wrong with those types of people, then you will either learn it, or avoid this college.

1st Year Male -- Class 2006

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Social Life: F