Parsons The New School for Design Visit Report by kalonity

Visit Activities:

Admissions Interview: Yes - This was a portfolio review session held for Summer Intensive students. My counselor was very helpful and great to talk to. She even looked over/commented on ALL the work I had (a lot) :)

Information Session: Yes - Quite informative, though most of it one can find on the website. I did get some very useful information regarding the 5year BABFA program, and I think in another session they even showed sample work.

Campus Tour: Yes - To put it bluntly- there is no campus, it's just a bunch of buildings spread throughout a few blocks. But if you love the city, it should be no problem as everything you need is right there.

Classroom Visit: Yes - My summer classroom was on the 11th floor and overlooked 5th avenue. It was beautiful and had nice desks that propped up to be easels. Only setbacks- flunctuating temp, and thunderstorms too close!

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Campus:

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Most students are lovely people and you'll likely make friends right away. However, there are also many standoffish ones who give off a "whatever" attitude. A bit too "high-school&

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My teacher for the summer program was downright FANTASTIC at what she did, and also extremely fun to be around- she went out to lunch with us and everything. RAs are also helpful and kind in general.

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It's New York City, so just go off of that. Parts are beautiful, parts not so much. The area around the main buildings is pretty clean and has many nice cafes/shops around.

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While the classrooms are wonderful places, the buildings as a whole are very old/ not 100% maintained. Elevators break down on a regular basis, and dorm bathrooms don't always come with toilet pa

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Wonderful spaces to bond (and gotta love the suites or private bathrooms in some), but having a gray wall as a window view or finding roaches on the stairs are very real possibilities.

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Security posted at every entrance and you have to swipe ID to enter each time, but it is the city after all. You have to be street smart, or you may find yourself in a compromising situation.

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Most people fell in love with the city instantly...it's a great place to live and you will never be sick of life at Parsons. On the other hand, you can easily be distracted by the city as well!

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Off-Campus:

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You're in walking distance of soooo many cheap yet delicious resturants, bookstores, drugstores, etc, and subway stations. No place more convenient. But definitely keep wits about you for safety.

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I personally love New York City, and most artists/designers who attend Parsons thrive on it.

Campus Visit Notes for Parsons The New School for Design

Visit Description:

I can't say it enough, New York City is so much love. After a month there, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. It may not be the best place to go to school if you're easily distracted, though. Also, Parsons is somewhat hands-off from what I've seen, so it's really up to you to keep up with schoolwork and not fall through. There are a lot of people who work hard, but also many who slack off and go out to clubs every night instead of making art (in the end it's what you put into it that matters). Faculty seems pretty amazing, and the classrooms are great workspaces once you bypass the long elevator wait.

Oh, and I visited the fashion campus briefly-- it seems pretty nice, though I wonder if it can actually fit all the students? On that note, the fashion departments seems to be getting HUGE these days, and it does raise the question of whether the quality is keeping up.

Anyway, I loved Parsons for the time that I was there, but am not sure if I want to really attend for four years. I will be returning to the city for sure, though, after I graduate.

I realize my visit description is rather different from the usual since I was there so long, but hopefully it gives you a good impression of how the school is, and maybe a sense of how it feels to be a student there.

Hotel/Lodging Recommendations or Comments:

Dorm comparisons: Marlton is cheap and home-y but somewhat inconvenient, 13th street is apparently where it's at (the laundry at least), Loeb has lovely suites, and Union Square = amazing locatio

Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:

EVA's if you live at Marlton for the best frozen yogurt and yummy healthy food! Cozi is always good.Joe's for the best coffee (near the cafe), Max Bruner if you're a chocolate freak lik

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

Parking is what it always is in busy cities. Subway is amazing and gets you everywhere (30 day or week passes are great). I never needed to take a bus. The best local place is probably Union Square!