Top 5 Reasons to Join Arches
The Arches program is the premiere living-learning community for first-year students at Manhattan College. Here’s why you should join.
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1. You get to move in a day early
Living away from home for the first time can be stressful, but the Arches program gives you an extra week to settle in and adjust to campus life. You’ll have plenty of time before classes start to meet your neighbors, review your schedule and decorate your dorm. By the time the rest of campus returns, you’ll already know a group of people — and you’ll have figured out how to get from your room to class without having to stop and ask an upperclassman for directions!
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2. You get to live in the newest residence hall on campus
Arches students get preferred placement on the upper floors of Lee Hall, the College’s newest suite-style residence hall. A suite-style set-up means you’ll have one roommate and two suitemates with whom you share a bathroom. There are common areas with TVs and comfy couches on each floor — the perfect place to study or hang out. Living on campus is convenient for when you have an early class or need a late-night snack at Locke’s — everything’s within a minute or two walk, and you always have an Arches friend to tag along.
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3. You get to know New York City up close and personal
Whether you’re local to New York or living here for the first time, the Arches is a great way to explore the city through organized trips to different neighborhoods. Go ice skating in Bryant Park, ride the Cyclone at Coney Island, or see the ballet at Lincoln Center! You’ll also have the chance to make a lasting impact through community service projects that might include tutoring at a local school, cleaning up a park or volunteering at a soup kitchen.
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4. You get to take hands-on classes with your friends
During the fall and spring semesters of freshman year, you’ll take an intro-level class with your Arches peers. Class sizes are small, so you’ll get to know your professors personally, and explore interesting topics each week. Typically, there’s also a hands-on component included. In the past, Arches students studying religion visited a mosque to learn about the Islamic culture, and psychology students volunteered in a senior home during a section on aging and dementia.
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5. You get a built-in community for the next four years (and for life!)
Arches students often say the awesome friendships they form freshman year last throughout their college careers — and beyond. Many also stay in touch with their Arches professors, building relationships that sometimes lead to unique research and job opportunities. The Arches support system is one that stands the test of time and makes your Manhattan College experience truly memorable!