Sean Kross
How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
It's clear why everyone loves living in Hayden. Even if you're stuck in a low cost triple, there's plenty of "personal space" in each room. Most rooms have two to three sizable closets, with an occasional fourth closet. This particularly large space can easily be converted into a makeshift kitchen, using a shelf, microwave and a refrigerator, or an extra room, depending on your level of claustrophobia.
The rooms are carpeted (so invest in a vacuum) and all contain individual heating and air-conditioning units.
The corner rooms generally have the most space and the best views of Washington Square Park and the Empire State Building. Hayden is also home to the famous Jude Law sightings in 2009, and though he has since moved out, the checkered tile of his old kitchen is still within view.
Hayden's close locale to Washington Square Park puts you in the heart of the Village and NYU. The Silver Center, Kimmel Center and Bobst Library are all within five minutes or less from the dorm. And as long as you don't get stuck in the traffic of students exiting the building, being late for class is rarely an issue.
The building's basement holds a practice room, piano room and laundry facilities. Also the study lounge on the second floor is convenient for 2 a.m. Biology cramming — and the perfect hideout if you've been sexiled by your roommate. There's free Wi-Fi too, so if you don't mind the drafty windows it's an easy place to kill a few hours.
Hayden's dining hall offers fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches and a variety of organic and vegan options. Enjoy your Saturday omelet or French toast while catching up on "Maury." However, get ready to relocate elsewhere on Sundays and Friday nights when the hall's shining jewel is closed.
Address: 33 Washington Square West
Price: shared single bedroom ($13,862.00); 1-2 room suites, 2-5 students ($11,720.00); low-cost triples ($8,416.00)
Laundry: $1 per wash/dry
Subway: ACE/FVS/NR
Walk to campus: less than two minutes
*Prices based on 2009-10 academic year room rates per student
