Frequently Asked Questions

As an incoming student, can I get housing?
As long as all payment and application deadlines are met, housing is virtually guaranteed for all entering students (see below for family housing limitations). Applications are automatically sent to students who have been admitted to New York University School of Law. We encourage you to apply online by going to the Admitted Students Web site.

Is there family housing?
Yes! Please be advised, however, that our housing for couples is limited, especially those with children. While we have reserved family housing spaces for incoming students, the demand may exceed available spaces. We will provide you with off-campus housing information and advisement if we anticipate an inability to meet the demand for on-campus family housing.

What type of housing is available?
Studio, one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments are available within our residences. Our Web site contains information detailing options and rates for the apartment types available in our two high-rises (Mercer Residence and D'Agostino Hall).

What are my chances of getting a studio?
You will notice in your housing options information that a small number of studios are available. A portion of those available are reserved for family housing (all the type "A" and half the type "D" studios are reserved for family housing). D’Agostino Hall has very few available studios. Understandably, current students eligible to reserve a space during the Lottery* will deplete the supply of available studios. So, based on the information provided above, it is very difficult (but, not impossible) for an entering student to get a studio.

* Occurring in late January and early February, the Office of Residential Life conducts a lottery for current students in order to determine eligibility for and selection of apartments and apartmentmates for the following academic year.

What percentage of entering entering students live in School of Law residences?
Approximately two-thirds.

Is smoking allowed in the residence halls?
With the start of the 2006-07 academic year, the University issued a ban on smoking in all undergraduate and graduate residence hall apartments and facilities. Accordingly, smoking is prohibited in all School of Law residence halls (apartments, common areas, terraces, balconies, etc.).  Any resident or guest wishing to smoke must exit the building to do so.

Which building do the majority of first year students live in?
First year students live in both Mercer Residence and D'Agostino Hall.. 

What furnishings are provided?
You are provided with a bed, desk, dresser (drawer space), table, and chairs. Kitchens include a refrigerator, oven, 4-burner stove, sink, and cabinets. Microwaves are not provided.  Bathrooms have both tub and shower. All apartments have air conditioning. Bedrooms in Mercer Residence do not have overhead lighting. Halogen lamps are prohibited in all University residence halls.

University furniture may not be removed from the apartments.

Can I stay in School of Law housing during the summer?
School of Law residences remain open during the summer. Summer housing applications are available in early February.

Is Mercer Residence far away?
No! Maps may deceptively indicate that the Mercer Residence is a far distance from Vanderbilt. However, even at a slow pace, Mercer Residence is less than a 10 minute walk from Vanderbilt Hall.

What happens if I am assigned with an apartmentmate I don’t like?
You or your friends may have experienced undergraduate apartment-mate conflicts far more frequently than you will ever experience them at this stage of your life. You and your classmates have decided to dedicate the next years of your life to the study of law and to achieving a law degree. Each of you is focused and committed. Our experience shows us that this level of commitment and maturity results in remarkably few situations of apartmentmate incompatibility. However, when apartmentmates have finally concluded that their living situation is detrimental, the Office of Residential Life will make every effort to move a willing apartmentmate to an available space.

Is housing coed?
Yes, our residences are coed. Additionally, residents may choose to designate an individual apartment coed; however, all residents of the apartment must agree in writing to this designation.

Does housing remain open during the Winter Break?
All School of Law residences remain open over the University Winter Break and between semesters.

Are pets allowed?
No. As stated in the Housing License, which all residents are required to abide by, pets are not allowed in student apartments.

How safe is the neighborhood?
Our neighborhood, as with any other, is as safe as you make it. Urban living requires that you use your common sense and follow basic safety tips. Our high-rise buildings have 24-hour Door Attendants, our low-rises are locked 24 hours a day, and NYU Public Safety provides 24-hour security services. At check-in, you will receive helpful information about safety in the Village and University areas.

What are the housing rates?
Rates vary according to apartment type and location. Price variations may reflect view, location in the building, amenities, and square footage. Our Web site contains all the necessary information on rates. Your lease is for the full academic year; billing is by semester.

What is the phone service?
NYU Net is the required telephone service for all residents in D’Agostino Hall and Mercer Residence. There is no installation charge or required security deposit. Features include touch-tone, unlimited local usage, voice-mail, and call-waiting services. Internet and on-line services are also available.

How do I arrange/pay for utilities?
Electric and/or gas service for all NYU School of Law residences is included in the housing rate.

What other services are provided?
Mercer Residence and D'Agostino Hall provide laundry facilities, study space, terraces, computer labs, online and data capability, game rooms, local phone service, and University cable TV.  

Is there a meal plan?
Meal Plan options available to NYU School of Law students are available through the University Campus Dining Service. Information and applications are distributed in late August.  The Law School does have student cafes located in Vanderbilt Hall and Furman Hall.