Greenwich Hotel now offering rooms for commuters

Beginning this week, commuter students can reserve a room at Greenwich Hotel residence hall for $15 a night. Guests can stay up to two consecutive nights.

Students can reserve a room by sending an e-mail to Greenwich Hotel by noon of the day they plan to check-in and will be notified by 2:30 p.m. that same day if a room is available.

According to vice president of student affairs Marc Wais, this will allow commuters to "crash comfortably on campus."

"There are a lot of kids here that are involved in clubs and different organizations, including myself," CAS freshman Chamar Griffith said. "Some of these events run pretty late and they won't have to travel late at nights on trains."

Commuters can check-in at the residence hall's resource desk between 5 and 11 p.m. and the university will provide them with linens.

Rooms are on the first floor of the residence hall and have the same configurations as other rooms.

Previously, the rooms were used exclusively for traveling staff and faculty and were opened to commuters during finals week.

Associate vice president for student affairs Tom Ellett hopes the rooms will provide commuters more access to the university.

"This will allow them to participate in student life activities," Ellett said.

Though Ellett is uncertain how many students will take advantage of the opportunity, Wais said commuters have embraced the idea.

"With the snowstorm and stuff, commuters staying on campus is really convenient to have," said LSP sophomore Kamille Deowdhat, who is also president of the Off-Campus Student Council. "I think it's a good program that commuters will utilize a lot."

Others are uncertain.

"I would not [use it] because it's too far away," CAS senior Mayya Glushankov said. "Although it is a good idea for those who commute from New Jersey; it's more convenient."

Rooms will be made available next year as well, except during the first few weeks of each semester. Reserve a room by e-mailing greenwich.commuter@nyu.edu.