The (Seven) Essentials Tips
As a senior now at Yeshiva University, I look back at my time here and wish I had known about all the resources the school offers when I first got here. For this reason, I find myself giving advice that I’ve picked up over the years to new students. I’ve complied a list of what I’ve coined “The Seven Essentials”—helpful resources that will raise your incoming friend requests on Facebook, help keep your grades up, and will keep your resume looking snazzy.
Make Use of the Belfer Tunnel
Not many people know about this inconspicuous pedestrian path between Rubin Residence Hall and Belfer Hall. Known to veterans of YU as “the Belfer tunnel,” this corridor is a must if you live in Rubin. However, even if you live in Morgenstern or Muss Residences, chances are you’re still eating in the café or traveling to Belfer sometime during the day. Accessible through the basement of Belfer, the tunnel ends in the back of the cafeteria. Though the food services staff won’t be happy about you using the tunnel, you’ll be glad to skip the infamous “Belfer wind tunnel” and the snow and rain during these cold months. This passageway will be especially convenient for students from Los Angeles who still won’t own a winter jacket come February.
Write a Resume Within Your First Year
The newly revamped Career Center works with students on essential job skills such as interviewing and resume building. They are conveniently located behind Morgenstern Residence Hall and it’s probably your best free resource at YU. They offer many ten-minute drop-in appointments throughout the week. However, your best option is setting up an appointment through their page on the YU website. If you plan on getting a job that doesn’t involve Jewish camps, NCSY or Bnei Akiva, you’ll need a resume. The best way to put a resume together or polish an old one is through the Career Center.
Go to Stern for Shabbos
When you’re tired of staying on the Wilf Campus for Shabbos, Stern College downtown can be the perfect getaway. Stern plays host to a different club Shabbaton twice a month where students can enjoy the comforts of hotel living, great food, and a Shabbos in the heart of New Yor City, all for around $30. To sign up, just go to the student affairs office in the first floor of Rubin. Shabbatonim are big social scenes so it’s best to bring a friend, especially if you went to MTA for high school.
Eat Lunch in the Sky Café
If Homer Simpson went to YU, he’d probably eat lunch at the Sky Café every day. Located on the 12th floor of Belfer, the Sky Café plays host to the best selection of food that Yeshiva University has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh pizza, hot pretzels, soft served ice cream, sushi, sandwiches, or a make-your-own salad bar with more toppings and options than you could think of, there’s no better place to be when your hungry. Once you’ve got your food, stay and eat with friends or do your homework all while enjoying the Sky Café’s sweeping views of Washington Heights. However, faculty members, administrators, and support staff usually eat here, so be prepared to see that professor you really wanted to avoid.
Use the Writing Center
Whether it takes you two hours to write a paper or two hours to come up with the title, the Writing Center is the perfect place to have your written work reviewed by the best writers at YU. Located on the second floor of Furst Hall, the center has drop-in hours but, like the Career Center, you’re better off scheduling a 45-minute appointment online. They’ll gladly look over your papers, help you draft an outline, and answer any English related questions you have. Unfortunately, they won’t be much help when it comes to Biology.
Free Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring is a free YU service for students who need a little extra help in their courses. A select number of successful YU students are selected as tutors, many of whom are experts in the field they are instructing. Whether you’re majoring in Biology, Accounting, English, or Finance, or are just trying to get by your Jewish History requirements, there is a database of bright students who have mastered their subjects and are a resource not to be overlooked. The tutors will meet up with you in the Heights Lounge or the library and coach you through those tough Hebrew declensions or Statistics problem sets. Because it’s a free and always available, you’ll now have an easier time deciding between studying for a midterm and watching back-to-back episodes of Homeland in your dorm room.
Get Involved with the CJF
Oh the places you’ll go! The Center for the Jewish Future’s Department of Service Learning and Experiential Education sends groups of YU and Stern students on amazing trips across the world. Whether, winter break humanitarian missions to Nicaragua, Mexico, Israel or summer learning experiences to Kansas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, these trips are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you make it through their rigorous application process, you’ll travel to incredible places, meet new and interesting people, and engage in Tikkun Olam. These trips are only open to students and your time here is limited, so make sure to take advantage and apply.
