Living On Campus: Fordham University's Student Life

Fordham University is a private Jesuit research university in New York City, United States. It has approximately 15,300 students, 44% of whom live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, and 55% live off campus. The university has three campuses in southern New York State: the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, the Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan's Upper West Side, and the Westchester campus in West Harrison, New York. The Rose Hill campus has eleven residence halls and 2,482 students living on campus, while the Lincoln Center campus has 1,337 students in university housing.

44% of students live in college-owned housing

Fordham University, a Jesuit institution, offers on-campus housing to its students. In fact, 44% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. This means that almost half of the student body enjoys the benefits of living on campus, which can include convenience, community-building, and access to amenities.

The university has three main campuses, all located in and around New York City: Rose Hill in the Bronx, Lincoln Center in Manhattan, and Westchester in West Harrison, New York. Each campus offers unique features and advantages, providing students with a variety of housing options.

The Rose Hill campus, established in 1841, is the original and largest of the three campuses. It spans 85 acres in the central Bronx and is home to Fordham College at Rose Hill, the Gabelli School of Business, and a division of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. With its nineteenth-century architecture and expansive lawns, Rose Hill offers a traditional college experience. There are eleven residence halls on this campus, providing housing for 2,482 undergraduate and graduate students.

The Lincoln Center campus, established in 1961, is located in the cultural heart of Manhattan. It is home to Fordham College at Lincoln Center, the School of Law, and divisions of several graduate schools. This campus offers a more urban experience, with easy access to the city's artistic and cultural scene. There are two grassy plazas, including one known as "St. Peter's Garden," which contains a memorial to those who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks. The Lincoln Center campus provides housing for 1,337 students in its residence halls.

The Westchester campus, located in West Harrison, is home to divisions of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Martino Graduate School of Business Administration, and the Education and Social Service graduate schools. This campus offers a more intimate setting, with a three-story, 62,500-square-foot building on 32 acres of landscaped grounds. While there is no on-campus housing available at the Westchester campus, students can easily commute from nearby areas.

In total, Fordham University accommodates 4,639 undergraduates and 100 graduate and professional students in its on-campus housing across the three campuses. The university guarantees housing for any student who is promised it upon admittance, ensuring a consistent supply of on-campus housing for those who desire it.

55% of students live off campus

Fordham University, a Jesuit institution, offers its students a unique experience with campuses spread throughout New York City. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,307 as of Fall 2023, the university boasts a diverse and vibrant community. Interestingly, 55% of students choose to live off-campus, adding to the dynamic nature of student life at Fordham.

The decision to live off-campus offers several advantages that cater to different student preferences. Firstly, it provides students with greater independence and freedom to explore the vibrant city of New York. With campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan's Upper West Side, and West Harrison, students have easy access to a plethora of cultural, social, and recreational opportunities that the city has to offer. Living off-campus allows students to immerse themselves in the urban fabric of the city, fostering a sense of autonomy and maturity.

Moreover, living off-campus can be a more cost-effective option for students, especially in a city like New York where the cost of living is relatively high. Students can explore a variety of housing options, including shared apartments, which can help reduce living expenses. Additionally, living off-campus often means having access to a wider range of amenities and facilities that may not be available on-campus, such as larger living spaces, private gyms, or proximity to public transportation.

While 55% of students opt for off-campus living, it is important to note that a significant portion, 44% to be precise, still chooses to reside in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing. This indicates a balance in the preferences of the student body. On-campus housing offers convenience and a strong sense of community, allowing students to be closer to their classes, libraries, and other academic resources. It also provides a built-in support system, especially for freshmen transitioning to college life, as they can easily connect with peers and access campus services.

The variety of housing options available to Fordham University students showcases the university's commitment to accommodating diverse needs and preferences. The decision to live on or off-campus is a significant aspect of the overall college experience, impacting students' daily routines, social lives, and academic pursuits. For those who choose off-campus accommodations, the opportunity to explore New York City as their extended campus adds a unique dimension to their college years.

Freshers don't have to live on campus

Fordham University in New York City is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,307 as of Fall 2023. The university has three campuses: the original Bronx campus, Rose Hill; Lincoln Center, close to Central Park; and Westchester, in West Harrison, New York.

Freshers at Fordham University do not have to live on campus. However, if a student is promised housing upon admittance, the university guarantees them a room for four consecutive years. Housing is available for all unmarried students, regardless of the year of study.

Forty-four per cent of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 55% live off-campus. On-campus housing at Rose Hill is only available to undergraduates, but a limited number of graduate student housing options are available in nearby apartments. On-campus housing at Lincoln Center is available to both undergraduates and graduates, while off-campus housing is also an option for graduate students.

The sense of community that shapes the college experience often starts with moving into residence halls, meeting roommates, and getting involved in campus life. Living on campus can help students develop relationships with a diverse range of people and improve their interpersonal and communication skills. It also provides more opportunities for campus leadership and involvement in organisations and activities, as well as increased contact with faculty and staff members.

Students can travel between campuses via the Ram Van

Fordham University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,307 students as of Fall 2023, with 44% of students living in college-owned housing and 55% living off-campus. The university has three campuses throughout New York City: the original Bronx campus, Rose Hill, and two newer campuses, Lincoln Center and Westchester.

Students can travel between the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses via the Ram Van, a free shuttle service provided by the university's Department of Transportation. The Ram Van is a convenient and safe way to get between campuses, especially as they are located about 9 miles apart. The shuttle typically runs from early morning until midnight or later, with departure points at the Ram Van office at Rose Hill and the corner of 60th and Columbus (9th) Avenue at Lincoln Center. It is important to note that the schedule varies depending on the time of year and day of the week.

The Ram Van service is a popular choice for students, covering a distance equivalent to travelling around the world 18.5 times a year, according to the university's calculations. Tickets for the shuttle cost $3.50 for a one-way trip and can be purchased at the Ram Van office or ticket machines in the lobby of the Lowenstein building at Lincoln Center. Students who meet certain requirements may even be eligible for free passes. Due to the popularity of the Ram Van, it is recommended that students reserve their seats in advance through the online sign-up system.

The Ram Van is a valuable resource for students at Fordham University, facilitating easy travel between the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. With its frequent departures and late-night service, it provides a flexible and safe transportation option for students navigating campus life in New York City.

There are 11 residence halls on the Rose Hill campus

Fordham University, a private Jesuit research university in New York City, has 11 residence halls on its Rose Hill campus. The campus is located in the Bronx, adjacent to Bronx Park, and is one of the largest privately owned green spaces in the city. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 10,307 (as of Fall 2023), 44% of students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 55% live off-campus.

The Rose Hill campus, established in 1841, is the original campus of Fordham University. It spans 85 acres and features a mix of nineteenth-century and contemporary architecture. The campus includes several structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, such as the University Church, which was built in 1845 and houses the old altar from the current St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The 11 residence halls on campus cater to the needs of the student population. One notable residence hall is Queen's Court, which aims to assist first-year students in integrating into university life. In addition, there are nine Integrated Learning Communities that cater to specific years of study or areas of interest, such as science or leadership.

The campus also offers a variety of housing options for students with specific needs, including apartments for single students, married students, and special housing for disabled students. The university guarantees housing for any student who is promised accommodation upon admittance for four consecutive years.

The Rose Hill campus provides a vibrant and diverse living environment for its resident students, contributing to the overall student life experience at Fordham University.

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