Click on the image above to see more pictures of Lafayette Street residence hall.

Lafayette residence hall is roomy.

That’s possibly the one true benefit of living at Lafayette, rather than any other residence closer to campus. Some of the rooms at Lafayette boast the best views in the city, the largest closets and, most importantly, there’s no chance of claustrophobia with high ceilings. As an added bonus, Lafayette also has hardwood floors.

Colloquially it’s known as “Laf.” It is the place that is close to cheap Chinese food, oddly quiet after 5 p.m. and where most things close — including the deli next door — by 6 or 7 p.m.

Lafayette has the largest RA staff of all the NYU residence halls, and the team works hard to create a sense of community for the dorm. NYU Greek Life occupies some floors of the residence hall, lending the building a collegiate feel.

A favorite Faculty Fellow in Residence event is “PJs and PB&Js” with SCPS professor Fred Mayo on Tuesday evenings. Mayo usually hosts over 150 students in his apartment and serves free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Lafayette also offers parties in the lounge for events like the Oscars, and holds trips to places like vegetarian markets.

With six elevators — although up to two of them could be out of service at any given time — getting up to your room is usually a breeze. There are also two stairwells for residents who prefer to walk.

Some say that the distance from campus is an inconvenience. Those who live here try to make the best of it, which isn’t hard considering the cheap food nearby, Lafayette’s many events and with luck, a room with a grand view.

— Waleed Ovase