Mixed-sex housing goes beyond Water

Nail polish, mascara and tampons usually don't surface in a boy's bathroom, but that may change next year as NYU plans to roll out mixed-sex housing to more residence halls.

Created five years ago in response to the growing demands of the student body, the mixed-gender option has grown rapidly within the residential education department. Four students (two males and two females) may choose to live together in one two-bedroom, four-person suite. A quick and easy application process is the only thing standing between you and your cohabitation experience.

The housing department envisions an expanded program within the next few years, and, consequentially, makes every attempt to accept all applicants. Although suites must meet the basic requirement of an even gender divide, don't let that deter you from applying. NYU's Department of Housing said on its website, "Whether you are one, two or three students in a group, we do our absolute best to place all students who apply."

For the first few years of its existence, the program was housed exclusively in Water Street residence hall. With the building's lease expiring at the end of the spring semester this year, mixed-gender housing has expanded to various residence halls across campus. Any upperclassmen residence hall is eligible to become home to a mixed-sex suite, so long as two main criteria are met by student applicants to the program: They are upperclassmen and in possession of a valid housing agreement.

NYU is one of several universities to offer such a unique program. Other universities with similar programs include Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth and Brown. Cornell University will begin a pilot mixed-gender program this fall to follow the recent increase in similar programs nationwide.

This option is popular for many reasons, though the freedom to live with whomever you like, regardless of gender, is probably the biggest draw. Students can room with a friend of the opposite gender, which many applicants find appealing for its simplicity. Some students find co-ed cohabitation more fitting to their living style. Some may simply prefer the company of the opposite gender and find it to be a more comfortable situation.

Steinhardt sophomore Joey Kopriva, an avid fan of the program, discovered mixed-sex housing last year from upperclassmen friends.

"I was very close with two girls, and we decided to get into the program," Kopriva said.

Mixed-sex housing does have its faults.

"I have found that girls get grossed out easily!" Kopriva said with a smirk.

While some might find mixed-sex housing to be a little too out there, NYU students fight for even more freedom and an expanded program. A Facebook group that began over a year ago demands further options within the mixed-sex housing program, including the ability to apply to it as a first-year student.

CAS freshman Arielle Moskow said that she would "be very interested in pursuing the mixed-sex housing option next year."

"I love my new floormates, even the guys," she said. "Especially the guys."

Those interested in becoming involved in mixed-sex housing next year should attend the information session on Feb. 18 at the Commons in University residence hall.

Alison Christensen is a contributing writer.