Our Community

Residents come from all over the United States and across the globe. Our dedicated team works to ensure a safe and welcoming student community, as well as an easy transition to life in New York. Our modern residence provides easy access to the entire City, while social programming and student activities help to build friendships and a real sense of community.

Dorm Life

As a resident at the Bard NYC dormitory, you’ll be connected with fellow students and young professionals from all around the world in a safe, friendly environment. Whether you’re prepping dinner in the kitchen, hanging out in common areas, or out and about exploring the city, there’s always someone or something new and exciting just around the corner. Our dedicated staff work to ensure that residents and students alike have the tools they need to stay safe, have fun, and thrive as they take on “The Big Apple”.

Social & Cultural Programming

From movie and game nights, to picnics, pizza parties and late-night study breaks, Bard NYC offers a variety of activities to help foster community and provide healthy social outlets for residents to relax, de-stress, and have fun together. Bard NYC sponsored activities are held both in the dorm and the local Williamsburg neighborhood, complementing our cultural programming held more broadly throughout the city. Residents are welcome and encouraged to organize their own events and clubs with the support of program staff.

What's Happening in Williamsburg?

The “Burg,” as it is affectionately known, is a neighborhood just across the East River from Manhattan, and clocks in at around two square miles. Within that border, it offers an abundance of great food, culture, diversity, nightlife, history, architecture, and park space. The neighborhood is served by five subway lines and ferry service, which makes for easy access to all of New York. A 10 minute walk from the dorm takes you to the East River and the iconic sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, a sight that has inspired generations.

The bounty of culture in Williamsburg cannot be overstated. The neighborhood has four independent bookstores, three cinemas, two comedy clubs, dozens of live music and performance venues, three contemporary art galleries, and one bone fide museum. Within a five-block radius of Bard NYC, there are more than 60 places to eat from 18 different nationalities. A short walk from campus is the beloved McCarren Park, a jewel of the neighborhood, and the largest park in North Brooklyn. The dormitory is also walking distance to several branches of the Brooklyn Public Library and two NYC recreation centers with gyms and an indoor pool. Williamsburg is perfectly suited for the best and brightest emerging young professionals, and truly offers something for all!

Meet our ResLife Manager, Destinee!

Our residence life manager is a professional live-in staff member responsible for overseeing student leaders (peer counselors), who together form a Residence Life team dedicated to cultivating a diverse living-learning community. The ResLife team fosters intentional connections among residents through weekly social programming, both in the dorm and with explorations of local attractions. ResLife staff work closely with students to help support them as they acclimate to life in New York City, providing guidance, insight, and helpful tips, from where to buy the best fruits and vegetables, to local events of interest, to accessing wellness resources.

Community Gallery

Tips + Resources for Living in NYC

Safety and Security

While New York City is one of the safest metropolitan areas in the United States, the following tips can help anyone navigate the city safely and confidently:

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: NYC is always bustling and fast-paced. Stay alert, especially when using your phone or navigating unfamiliar areas. In particular, students should stay aware of bike lanes and other street traffic in their surroundings. Pay attention to the people around you and avoid distractions that could make you a target for pickpockets or scams.
Use Trusted Transportation Options: Opt for well-known and reputable transportation methods. Use official subway and bus services, or ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft. If you’re hailing a cab, make sure it’s a licensed yellow cab. The official MTA app is a reliable source for real-time information about transit routes and safety concerns.
Stay in Well-Lit, Populated Areas: When walking around the city, stick to well-lit and busy streets. Avoid shortcuts through dark or deserted areas, particularly at night. NYC is generally safe, but staying in populated areas can help you avoid potential risks.
Keep Valuables Secure: Keep your belongings secure and avoid flaunting expensive items like jewelry or large amounts of cash. Always be cautious of your personal items in crowded places like subway stations or tourist spots.
Know Emergency Contacts and Procedures: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and procedures. In case of an emergency, call 911. Keep a list of emergency contacts and important information like program staff and internship supervisors.

Program staff provide tips and advice to students on staying safe and secure during program orientation and are available to assist students in need 24 hours a day. General information about staying safe in NYC from the NYPD can be found here.

Saving Money in an Expensive City

Living in NYC can be pricey, but there are several strategies students can use to save money while still enjoying their time in the city:

Ask Locals/Bard NYC Staff: Many of our staff have spent years or more in the NYC metropolitan area, and we are here to help students navigate all aspects of living in an expensive city. Ask us for recommendations on cheap eats, inexpensive activities, and more!
Use Student Discounts: Many stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues offer student discounts. Always ask if a discount is available and be sure to carry your student ID.
Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Activities: NYC offers numerous free or low-cost activities, such as free museum days, public events, and outdoor activities in parks. Program staff will provide local resources and guides students may choose to follow in addition to a weekly Bard NYC newsletter detailing local events and resources.
Cook at Home: Eating out can be expensive. We advise that students plan and prepare meals at the dormitory to save on food costs. This could include bringing lunches to class and/or internship days, sharing costs of meals with other students (meal-prep services, community cooking, etc.) and more. Apps such as Too Good To Go can help students access affordable meals.
Limit Expensive Habits: Be mindful of frequenting expensive coffee shops, stores, and restaurants. Look for budget-friendly alternatives or limit how often you indulge in pricey outings.