<p>My son has an internship in NYC this summer. Five weeks ago he applied for housing at NYU and listed his preference of 5 dorms (all with A/C and kitchen facilities) and paid a $500 deposit. He finally heard today that they didn’t have space in any of the dorms of his choice and he has to decide by Friday if he wants housing in one of their traditional dorms (not suite style) and with no A/C. How miserable do you think it would be with no A/C? They did not handle this well to let him know this late. :(</p>
<p>Does he have any other option? Personally, I wouldn’t recommend anyone take a dorm with no A/C. Summer in the city can be brutal with no A/C, obviously because of the heat and humidity, but also because the city is always noisy and with your windows open, sleep will be difficult. Having said that, kids live in those hot, noisy rooms every summer and probably survive but I still wouldn’t recommend it. </p>
<p>It’s not unusual for non-NYU students not to get any of their stated dorm choices. NYU students get first choice and are assigned before any non-NYU students.</p>
<p>Can he install his own window unit?</p>
<p>Thanks. You confirmed what I thought. And, no, they can’t install their own window unit. They’re only allowed to bring one fan! We’ll have to scramble now to find another option. I just wish NYU didn’t take his deposit and then wait 5 weeks to let him no there was no availability!</p>
<p>I used to live in Hoboken, right across the river, and never had A/C. I found that a box fan in the bedroom window cooled the room well at night. And the “white noise” it provides drowns out any street noise and is great for sleeping.</p>
<p>It is essential that the fan fit in the window and be strong enough. I prefer a box fan to one of those actually designed for windows, because the box versions are usually stronger. But if it is a casement window, you’ll need the other kind. And probably some duct tape to hold it in!</p>
<p>NYU sinks even lower in my estimation. On the other hand, it is very difficult to find housing in NYC for the summer. Unless you have unlimited funds, I’d buy a fan when he gets there.</p>
<p>In case anyone else is in the same situation, I wanted to follow-up that The New School still has some availability in one of their dorms (with a/c) for interns. And they were a pleasure to deal with – unlike NYU they have someone who answers phone calls and can let you know immediately if there is availability.</p>
<p>All I can say is NYU needs a better system. My son had applied for summer housing 2 days after they opened their application process, and it took them 5 weeks to let him know that housing wasn’t available. And for the poster who mentioned that it’s difficult for non-NYU students to get summer housing because NYU students have priority, note that there were a number of dorms open only to NYU students, so there should have been some availability for others. Live and learn. Don’t bother with NYU housing.</p>
<p>I second the New School. Speak with Heidi.</p>