Grad Alley

Welcome to Grad Alley, the commencement eve celebration (Wednesday evening) of New York University - the world's largest private university with 40,000 students. A carnival type atmosphere is created along West 4th Street, La Guardia Place and the NYU plazas. There is free food, entertainment, a live D.J. and their own fireworks display. As I write this on Thursday morning the commencement ceremonies are taking place in Washington Square Park - the "campus" for NYU. Grad Alley was absolutely packed - NYU is for the student who wants to attend a large school, be in an urban environment and take advantage of everything a city like New York has to offer. This is a factor in the strong standing of many of their departments/schools which can draw from its NYC environment - e.g. law, film & business. NYU is the polar opposite of the small school in the country where a bucolic setting, small student body and intimate contacts are the hallmarks. At times NYU can feel like a bit overwhelming and impersonal. Personally, I like it, but it's not for the faint of heart - there is no hand holding here ...