2017 NEW YORK CITY
Welcome and Orientation Guide
New York Experience/LA Transfer Students
CONTACTS
When mailing or contacting the AMDA New
York Student Services Team, please use the
information provided below:
211 W. 61st Street
New York, NY 10023
(800) 367-7908
SPRING 2017 - FALL 2017/2018
ACADEMIC
CALENDAR
Please refer to dates pertaining to your
enrollment semester.
SPRING 2017
THUR. FEB. 16 –
SUN. FEB. 19
Orientation
MON. FEB. 13
Classes begin (4th-semester students)
MON. FEB. 20
Classes begin (all other students)
Karen Burke, Director of Library Services
[email protected]
(212) 957-3326
FRI. MAY 26
Classes end (4th-semester students*)
SAT. MAY 27
Graduation
Stephanie Haring, Assistant Registrar
[email protected]
(212) 957-3308
MON. MAY 29
Memorial Day: no classes
FRI. JUN 2
Classes end
Helpdesk, IT Questions and Support
[email protected]
SUMMER 2017
Doina Lawit, Registrar
[email protected]
(212) 957-3319
THUR. JUN 22 –
SUN. JUN 25
Orientation
MON. JUN 19
Classes begin (4th-semester students)
Robert Manganaro, Director of Student Affairs
[email protected]
(212) 957-3351
MON. JUN 26
Classes begin (all other students)
TUES. JUL. 4
Independence Day: no classes
Karly Rodriguez, LMHC, Mental Health Counselor
[email protected]
(212) 957-3358
TUES. SEPT. 5
Labor Day: no classes
FRI. SEPT. 29
Classes end (4th-semester students*)
SAT. SEPT. 30
Graduation
Mark Brooks, International Student Affairs, PDSO
[email protected]
(212) 957-3005
Heather Sieracki, Director of Education Services
[email protected]
(212) 957-3318
Rachel Smiley, Librarian
[email protected]
(212) 957-3326
Thomas Towell, Education Services
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
(212) 957-3347
Lauren Trapido, Student Affairs Coordinator
[email protected]
(212) 957-3321
Tarah Blasi Watson,
Housing and Residential Life Manager
[email protected]
(212) 957-3389
Jordan Roberts,
Orientation and Student Events Coordinator
[email protected]
(212) 957-3366
FALL 2017/18
WED. OCT. 11 –
SUN. OCT. 15
Orientation
MON. OCT. 9
Classes begin (4th-semester students)
MON. OCT. 16
Classes begin (all other students)
THUR. NOV. 23
Thanksgiving Break
Thu. Nov. 23–Fri. Nov. 24
MON. DEC. 25
Winter Break
Mon. Dec. 25–Fri. Jan. 5, 2018
FRI. FEB. 2, 2018
Classes end (4th-semester students*)
SAT. FEB. 3, 2018
Graduation
FRI. FEB. 9, 2018
Classes end
* 4th semester end dates vary depending on production
schedule. Please contact Education for more information.
‡
Orientation start dates vary depending on program.
Please contact Admissions for more information.
CONTENTS
Contacts ii
Academic Calendar ii
Welcome to AMDA New York 2
Move-In and Housing 4
AMDA NEW YORK RESIDENCE LIFE
ABOUT OUR RESIDENCE HALLS
MOVE-IN DAY
Orientation 6
Placements 7
Attire for Placements 7
Required Dance Attire 8
Required Supplies 10
Textbooks 11
Frequently Asked Questions 12
Healthcare Services 13
Getting to AMDA 14
FROM REGIONAL AIRPORTS AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO AMDA NEW YORK CITY
HELPFUL HINTS WHEN DRIVING OR CABBING IN NEW YORK CITY
16
Area Hotels Visit every borough:
The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens,
Brooklyn and Staten Island!
Welcome to AMDA New York
We are eagerly awaiting your arrival on campus!
This will serve as your orientation guide for
the weekend as well as a guide to the city and
upcoming events.
During orientation you will move-in, register,
participate in placements, be introduced to
AMDA’s campus and student life, and take
your first steps as a New Yorker on the Upper
West Side. We encourage you to bring this
guide with you during orientation and to share
this information with your parent, guardian or
support team. If you have questions regarding
orientation or any information contained in this
guide, do not hesitate to contact and member
of the AMDA NY Student Personnel team.
For additional orientation schedule information, visit:
amda.edu/orientation
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AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
GOOD TO KNOW
Your housing assignment will follow in a
separate mailing and will include:
The type of room you
have been assigned to
The name of your
roommate
(if applicable)
AMDA Housing
License
AMDA NY Residence
Hall Flyer
INFORMATION
Please refer to the following sources
for more information regarding
AMDA policies and student life.
WHAT TO BRING?
We recommend bringing the following items:
LINENS: Standard twin-size bedding,
pillows and towels
TOILETRIES
ALARM CLOCKS: � electric,
� battery-operated
HANGERS
EXTENSION CORDS and
POWER STRIPS
Additional items, such as kitchen supplies,
should be purchased after you’ve seen your
room. Remember that space is limited. It
is best that you pack lightly and acquire
additional items as needed after your arrival.
Basic furniture is provided in student housing;
you do not need to bring any with you.
HOUSING LICENSE
Complete policies for those residing
in AMDA housing, including those
regarding guests, roommates, keys,
security, maintenance, and conduct.
AMDA CATALOG
The Catalog is the primary source
of information on academic life
at AMDA: academic policies,
financial aid and student accounts,
program information, and course
descriptions.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
The essential guide for student life
at AMDA, the handbook contains
information on living in the city,
transportation, AMDA departments
and resources, and our Code of
Conduct.
You will either receive copies of
these publications or can download
them from amda.edu.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
3
MOVE-IN AND HOUSING
AMDA residence halls are located on the prestigious Upper West Side of Manhattan. Nestled between
Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side offers tree-lined residential streets, city markets
(including Zabar’s, Fairway, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s), the American Museum of Natural History and the
Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Within a short walk are the famed Lincoln Center—home of the Metropolitan
Opera and New York Philharmonic—and of course the Broadway Theatre District.
AMDA New York Residence Life
We’re excited you’ve chosen to live on campus!
Residence life is the experience of a lifetime, a rewarding
opportunity to meet lifelong friends and share incredible
experiences. As you encounter each new challenge,
AMDA offers a supportive, caring group of Residence
Advisors to guide you every step of the way.
While preparing for Orientation, take a few moments
to review the following information. As always,
don’t hesitate to contact your Admissions advisor at
800.367.7908 with any questions or concerns!
About Our Residence Halls
Each residence hall come fully furnished and offers 24hour security, common areas, laundry, WiFi, computer
stations, and dining areas.
Move-In Day
THE STRATFORD ARMS: Once a famed hotel, the
“Strat” offers studio housing a block from Central
Park. Located a short stroll from campus, this
10-story building offers a spacious outdoor patio
and rehearsal spaces, with each unit boasting large
windows, built-in vanities, and custom closets.
We want to make your move as exciting (and stress-free)
as possible! Move-in takes place either the Wednesday
or Thursday before the first day of class.
Upon your arrival, Resident Advisors will help
unload cars. Please move your car as quickly as
possible after unloading; do not double park
or block traffic. The residence halls are on quiet
residential streets; we strive to minimize disruption
to our neighbors. Nearby parking garages are listed
on upperwest.com/parking-garages.
You’ll be given a move-in form and two keys (for
the front door and your room). Students will drop off
their belongings in their room and head directly to
Orientation check-in. Don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of
time to unpack later!
Double-check your room, note anything that needs
attention on the move-in form, and immediately bring
it to the front desk. This form helps us document who’s
moved in and any maintenance the room might need.
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AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
THE AMSTERDAM is a short walk from Riverside
Park, an expanse of walking paths and restaurants
running along the Hudson River. Along with
an equipped kitchen, the Amsterdam offers
fully-furnished studio spaces complete with a
refrigerator, built-in vanity, and a large window.
Typical Room Configurations
Both buildings offer single and double rooms which include a twin-size bed (or bunk bed) with
storage, a dresser, desk and chair (on request), sink, refrigerator, air conditioner and closet. If
you have a roommate. pack accordingly and leave drawer space if you arrive first. Do not bring
personal furniture until after move-in and confirming with the housing manager.
THE
STRATFORD ARMS
117 West 70th Street, New York, NY, 10023
THE
AMSTERDAM
207 West 85th Street, New York, NY, 10024
7'–2" dresser
sink
7'–0" desk
shared
toilet and
shower
bed
mini
fridge
13'–6" sink
11'–7" bed
desk
mini
fridge
chest
closet
closet
Stratford Arms Single Room (suite)
83 sq. ft.
Amsterdam Single Room
94.5 sq. ft.
9'–10" bunk bed
dresser
bunk bed
10'–4" refrigerator
desk
desk
11'–7" dresser
refrigerator
sink
sink
9'–2" closet
closet
Amsterdam Double Room
101.6 sq. ft.
Stratford Arms Double Room (no bathroom)
106 sq. ft.
Location of furniture, closets, and other details may vary from sample floorplans above.
Some single rooms feature a loft bed to maximize space and storage.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
5
ORIENTATION
Welcome Table/Check-In
International Students
You’ll receive your Orientation packet, weekend
International student check-in is a chance for AMDA’s
schedule, welcome bag, and group assignment. Refer
International Student Advisors to meet with international
to your weekend schedule to see when you’ll receive
students individually prior to the start of classes.
your class schedule.
Financial Aid & Student Accounts
NOTE: You will need to bring your I-20, passport and
visa with you to the international student check-in.
You’ll check in with each department during the first
week of school—NY Experience/LA Transfer students
The International Student Registration table will retrieve
don’t need to visit these tables at Orientation.
and print your I-94 number. If you would like to retrieve
Health Services
Student Affairs will discuss your pre-existing health
concerns and options for local health care providers. You
your I-94 number before registration, you may do so at
https://is.gd/i94request. Your number will be available
24 hours after your arrival in the United States.
can also discuss with them any questions you have about
Broadway Up Close
the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
A walking tour started by AMDA alumnus Tim Dolan, BUC
Student Store
explores Broadway’s 40 theatres like never before. You’ll
hear the history, ghost stories, legends and famous stories
Orientation offers a temporary student store so students
that happened in each place, including why the buildings
can purchase textbooks, dancewear and school
were built where they were and who built them!
merchandise as well as receive their AMDA Student ID.
Cash and all major credit cards are accepted. Textbooks
AMDA Craft Services
are required for your first day of class.
Take advantage of a pre-paid card options that offer 10%
off of campus dining at 61st Street.
FOR THE PARENTS: AMDA ADMINISTRATION Q&A
Parents, family and guests are invited to a Q&A reviewing what to expect and introducing some important
members of the AMDA Administration. An informal reception follows. This session is not mandatory.
6
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
PLACEMENTS
During Orientation, each student in the Integrated,
Dance Theatre Conservatory, Music Theatre BFA,
Performing Arts BFA, and Dance Theatre BFA programs
present private demonstrations for a panel of faculty
and administration. These are not auditions, but rather
demonstrations for us to assign you appropriate
instructors and courses. You’ll attend a detailed
meeting about Placements after registration. Here are
some details about what you need to prepare.
ATTIRE FOR
PLACEMENTS
Voice Placement
Integrated, Dance Theatre Conservatory, Music
Theatre BFA, Performing Arts BFA (Music Theatre
Concentration), Dance Theatre BFA
You will sing a memorized 16-bar/one-minute selection
from musical theatre or classical repertoire. We
recommend choosing a song you have performed at
AMDA. You must bring sheet music in your key in a threering binder for the provided professional accompanist.
A stage manager will bring you backstage. When it
is your turn, you will walk onstage, announce your
name and song, and present your piece. When you’ve
AMDA reflects a professional environment. For
Placements and all classes, students must prepare
themselves — both in terms of work preparation
and personal appearance — at the level required
of a professional audition or rehearsal. Remember
that you are presenting yourself for the first time to
AMDA New York faculty and administration.
finished, say “Thank you,” exit the stage, and return to
Appearance
the waiting area. You’ll receive further instructions at the
Clothing should be age-appropriate and professional.
Placement Preparation Meeting.
Long hair must be worn up or pulled away from your
Musicianship Placement
Music Theatre BFA, Performing Arts BFA (Music Theatre
face. All jewelry (including body piercings) must be
removed, and unnatural hair coloring is not appropriate.
Concentration)
Voice Placement Attire
You will take a sight-singing/musicianship test to assist
Women
us in placing you.
Women must wear dress pants, skirts or dresses at
Dance Placement*
least knee length. You may wear long or short-sleeved
blouses. While we recommend character shoes (2-
Integrated, Musical Theatre BFA, Performing Arts BFA
inch heel with either a single strap or a T-strap that
You will demonstrate basic steps and techniques in a
buckles over the instep) flats and traditional heels are
series of combinations. No preparation is necessary.
acceptable. Flip-flops, mules, open-toe/heel shoes and
AMDA offers beginner, intermediate and advanced
sneakers are not acceptable.
classes in all dance disciplines. Appropriate clothing
and shoes are required. See Required Dance Attire
Men
section on next page for details.
Men must wear long-sleeved dress shirts, slacks and
*Depending on the schedule, dance placements may
dress shoes (tie/jacket optional). Jeans, sweatpants,
occur during Week 1 of the regular term.
T-shirts, flip-flops and sneakers are not acceptable.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
7
REQUIRED
DANCE ATTIRE
All students are required to have the appropriate
dance attire.
These tables list the items required for Dance
Theatre classes. On the first day of class, please
follow the guidelines on the “Day One” sheet. Your
teacher will announce in class if he or she will permit
you to wear other colors or items. You may already
own some of the items listed, so be sure to bring
them with you.
Some items may be available at the
AMDA Student Store.
MEN
REQUIRED ITEM
Black or white fitted tank top/T-shirt
Dance belt (a supportive
undergarment required for men in
dance)
Full-length black jazz pants (or similar
form-fitting pants)
Black character shoes (optional).
Bottom sole must have rubber (can be
done at any shoe repair shop).
Black jazz Oxfords (lace-up or slip-on)
Black ballet slippers
Full-length black dance theatre tights.
Must be worn inside shoe or slipper
and must be men’s tights, which are
thicker than women’s. We recommend
an elastic waistband with suspenders
to keep tights in place.
Black tap shoes with regular, solid taps
(no jingle)
8
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
Dance and
Movement
Theatre
Dance
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
WOMEN
REQUIRED ITEM
Dance and
Movement
Theatre
Dance
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Black leotard
Black, pink or tan convertible/
transition tights (tights that can be
worn as full foot or footless). Must
be the same color as the shoes or
slippers you’re wearing.
Proper bra or supportive
undergarment. Multiple straps
should not be visible.
Black or tan character shoes: Should
have a single strap or T-strap that
buckles over the instep. Heels must
be minimum 2”. Bottom sole must
have rubber (can be done at any
shoe repair shop). Bracing heels for
additional support recommended.
Black rehearsal/character skirt: Must
be knee-length and circular.
24” length recommended for Dance
and Movement III.
Black, tan or pink ballet slippers
Black or tan jazz Oxfords, either
lace-up or slip-on
Black tap shoes with regular, solid taps
(no jingle)
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
9
REQUIRED SUPPLIES
You are required to have specific items for your first day of classes, including textbooks, dancewear, dance
shoes, and basic classroom supplies.
Please budget accordingly for these materials. You may already own some materials, such as dancewear, so be sure to
bring them with you to school. Other materials will be requested per specific class/instructor throughout the term.
REQUIRED CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
•
spiral notebook
•
daily planner (can be electronic)
•
1.5” 3-ring binder
•
•
recording device (a cell phone may be used at
the discretion of the instructor)
rolling carry-on suitcase or duffle bag (to carry
dancewear and/or props)
•
locker rental (available at the 61st St. location
via the Student Store; $15 per term, free for
commuter students)
•
pens and pencils
•
highlighters
•
small hand mirror (for Voice Production and
Speech class)
•
Yoga mat
Sheet Music and Play Scripts
Throughout the semester, you will be required to
read plays and/or acquire sheet music. The AMDA
Performing Arts Library has a wide selection of sheet
music, plays, and various additional collections available
for in-house reading, copying or borrowing, depending
upon the item. Copies of material can be made for
classroom or personal use at $.05/page in black and
white and $.10/page in color. 3 Student copy machines
are located in the Library. Other resources for locating
material include NYPL, the Drama Bookshop, Inc.
(dramabookshop.com) or Amazon.
Costumes and Props
For scene and musical theatre work, you will need to bring
or purchase costume and prop materials. Materials will
vary depending on the scene or song chosen. These are
suggested standard costume guidelines:
Women: An elegant dress outfit such as a skirt and
top or dress, and high-heeled shoes.
Men: Sport coat or blazer, dress slacks, and black
hard-soled shoes such as loafers or dress shoes.
10
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
TEXTBOOKS
You must have all required textbooks before the first day of classes. Books are available for purchase at the
AMDA Student Store during Orientation Week and via Amazon or other major booksellers. At the instructor’s
discretion, you may need to purchase additional materials.
You’re only required to purchase books listed for your program. Performing Arts BFA students should
purchase the books for their concentration (Acting, Dance Theatre or Music Theatre).
TITLE
AUTHOR(S)
AMDA ISBN NUMBER
PRICE
PROGRAM(S)
The Real Little Ultimate
Broadway Fakebook
(5th Ed.)
Hal Leonard
$35.00 978-0-7935-8246-4
BFA Music Theatre
Pocket Music Dictionary
Hal Leonard
$8.00 978-0-7935-1654-4
BFA Music Theatre
The AMDA Musicianship, Peter M. Susser, DMA
Sight Singing, and Theory
Workbook (7th Ed.)
$15.00 Available on
campus only
BFA Music Theatre
Speak with Distinction
$25.00 978-1-55783-047-0
Studio, Integrated, BFA
Acting, BFA Music Theatre
$18.00 978-0-87779-047-1
Studio, Integrated, BFA
Acting, BFA Music Theatre
Edith Skinner
A Pronouncing Dictionary John S. Kenyon &
of American English
Thomas A. Knott
Technical Manual and
Dictionary of Classical
Ballet
Gail Grant
ACTIONS: The Actors
Thesaurus
Marina Caldarone &
Maggie Lloud-Williams
Hamlet
William Shakespeare
$5.95 0-486-21843-0
$16.00 978-0-7935-1654-4
$5.99 978-0-7434-7712-3
Dance Theatre
(recommended)
All Students
(recommended)
BFA Acting, BFA Performing
Arts — Acting, Studio and
Acting Transfer Students*
*Students may not be required to buy both Shakespeare textbooks. Please wait until after the first meeting of the Acting 3 class
before purchasing. ????
AMDA
ONLINE STORE
amda.edu/store
The AMDA Online Store provides you with most things necessary to be
successful at AMDA. Whether you need a memorable gift or something
for yourself, the AMDA Online Store will provide you with a diversified
collection of apparel and a variety of dance wear. The AMDA Online Store
also offers all of the textbooks required your classes.
Make friends outside of AMDA!
You won’t believe how many
interesting people you’ll meet.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
11
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is AMDA New York located?
How do I open a bank account in New York City?
The main AMDA facility is located at 211 West 61st
A representative from an area bank will be available at
St. between Amsterdam and West End avenues. The
registration to discuss personal banking options. If you
61st Street location houses classrooms, performance
decide to set up a checking or savings account, you will
spaces, Administrative offices, the AMDA Performing
have an opportunity to arrange for this service during
Arts Library and the AMDA School Store. Additionally,
check-in. In New York, you must be at least 18 years old
we have performance spaces and classrooms at
and have two valid forms of ID to have a personal bank
the historic beaux arts Ansonia building located
account. Students under the age of 18 should consider
at 73rd and Broadway. The New York City campus
using an account (with an ATM/Debit card) in their
is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan,
hometown until they are able to set up an account in
one of the most favored and safest neighborhoods
New York City.
in the city. Students have easy access to Central
Park, the American Museum of Natural History, the
When can my non-AMDA friends and family see
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, the
me perform?
New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera and the
All Conservatory students will have a showcase in
Broadway Theatre District.
their fourth term. This is the time for any outside
guest to see you perform. The only other opportunity
I am a Conservatory student. Do I have to move out
for others to see you perform would be if you were
of my assigned room at the end of the term?
involved in Dance Workshop or the Café Series, which
Not necessarily. Students living in AMDA housing will
are auditioned-based extracurricular courses that
be required to sign a Housing License every term.
rehearse outside of the regular class schedule. Other
Students may elect to stay in their rooms between
extracurricular opportunities are available in other
breaks, but occasionally, the housing department may
disciplines, but do not necessarily have a performance
need to move students to an alternate room.
component. A full list of what is available every term
will be emailed to students at the beginning of the
Are Orientation Weekend events required?
term. All extracurricular courses are free of charge.
Yes. All orientation events are mandatory for incoming
NY Experience/LA Transfer students. The agenda has
been carefully planned to orient our new students to
AMDA and their new home of Manhattan. If you have
any conflicts, please email [email protected].
When will I receive my class schedule?
You’ll receive your printed class schedule at the end of
Orientation Weekend. It will also be available on the
Student Portal. You will receive an email stating when
schedules are finalized and available via the portal.
12
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
The Weekender
app shows you
maps of every
subway line (even
with no cell signal).
HEALTHCARE
SERVICES
Health insurance is recommended for all students.
Medical diagnosis and treatment must be found
outside of AMDA; we do not provide onsite health care.
Most health plans will allow dependent children to
continue coverage unti age 25, sometimes longer.
Dependent coverage may be more affordable than
participating in a plan as a primary member. We
recommend selecting a doctor in your network prior to
the start of school. Most medical needs are time-sensitive
and class attendance is of paramount importance.
Suggested area resources for physical and mental health
needs of students without health insurance:
Northwell HealthGoHealth Urgent Care
www.gohealthuc.com/nyc
NY Counseling Center
160 West End Avenue,
Suite 1N, New York City
(212) 362-1086
www.nycgs.com
Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care is located a
few blocks from AMDA’s Stratford Arms and Ansonia
buildings. AMDA has a relationship with their primary
doctors. This facility — open 7 days a week — is ideal for
common illnesses, injuries and minor emergencies. It is
fully equipped with x-ray machines and other equipment
necessary for immediate evaluation. Services are
affordable without insurance but they also accept most
major providers.
AMDA also has a relationship with the NY
Counseling Center, which charges those without
insurance on a sliding scale.
The Ryan Center is another great medical resource
for those without insurance. This is a community clinic so
waits tend to be long, but this is an affordable alternative
for those with non-emergency needs. Ryan Center has
multiple locations; for info, see ryancenter.org.
For emergencies requiring more than a primary care
physician or an urgent care center, Mt. Sinai Roosevelt
Hospital is located two blocks from our main campus at
58th Street and Amsterdam Ave.
Please speak with Student Affairs during Orientation
Get proper health
coverage! Find a
primary health care
provider in New York
before something
happens.
for additional resources for preexisting medical, mental
health, and specialist needs or concerns.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
13
GETTING TO AMDA
FROM REGIONAL AIRPORTS AND
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
From LaGuardia and JFK Airports
From Penn Station
TAXI OR YELLOW CAB: A cab should cost approximately
TAXI OR YELLOW CAB: A cab should cost
$45–$60 plus tip and tolls to get to AMDA. All cabs
approximately $25 plus tip to get to AMDA. A standard
originating from JFK to Manhattan have a set flat rate of
tip for cab drivers is 15-20% of the fare.
$52 plus tolls and tip. Cabs originating from LaGuardia
SUBWAY: Take the “A” train Uptown. Exit at 59th
will run on the meter and should cost approximately $45.
Street/Columbus Circle. Walk west on 60th Street to
Depending on the best available route your driver might
Amsterdam Ave. Turn right on Amsterdam Ave., head
have to go over a toll bridge or through a tunnel, which
north one block, then turn left onto 61st Street. AMDA
should cost approximately an additional $8.00–$13.00.
is on the right/north side on 61st Street. Cost and
A standard tip for cab drivers is 15-20% of the fare. Cabs
instructions of subway use can be found on the NYC
should only be picked up at designated cabstands. Do
Public Transportation Information section of this guide
not accept a ride from a driver who solicits you outside of a
or at mta.info.
cabstand or is not a NYC Yellow cab driver.
PRIVATE CAR COMPANY OR LIMO SERVICE: There are
From Port Authority Bus Terminal:
many private companies through which you can arrange
TAXI OR YELLOW CAB: A cab should cost
a curbside or baggage claim area pickup. It is advisable
approximately $20 plus tip to get to AMDA. A standard
to ask for a rate in advance when scheduling the pick-
tip for cab drivers is 15-20% of the fare.
up. Two companies you might contact are High Bridge
SUBWAY: Take the “A” train headed Uptown. Exit at
at 212.927.4600 or Dial-7 Car Service at 212.777.7777.
59th Street/Columbus Circle. Walk west on 60th Street
Many others are available and can be found online.
to Amsterdam Ave. Turn right on Amsterdam Ave.,
SHARED BUS OR VAN: These services must be arranged
head north one block, then turn left onto 61st Street.
in advance. They pick up from the baggage claim area
AMDA is on the right/north side on 61st Street. Cost and
and deliver to major hotels and tourist sites in Manhattan.
instructions of subway use can be found on the NYC
These services start at approximately $25 one way.
Public Transportation Information section of this guide
SUBWAY OR PUBLIC BUS: Cost and instructions of
or at mta.info.
use can be found on the NYC Public Transportation
14
Information section of this guide or at mta.info.
From Grand Central Terminal:
FROM LAGUARDIA: Take the M60 Bus and ask the
TAXI OR YELLOW CAB: A cab should cost
driver for a transfer to the “A” train at 125th Street.
approximately $30 plus tip to get to AMDA. A standard
Take the “A” train Downtown and exit at 59th Street/
tip for cab drivers is 15-20% of the fare.
Columbus Circle. Walk west on 60th Street to
SUBWAY: Take the “S” (Shuttle) train to 42nd Street/Port
Amsterdam Ave. Turn right on Amsterdam Ave., head
Authority. Then transfer to the “A” train headed Uptown.
north one block, then turn left onto 61st Street. AMDA is
Exit at 59th Street/Columbus Circle. Walk west on 60th
on the right/north side on 61st Street.
Street to Amsterdam Ave. Turn right on Amsterdam
FROM JFK: Take the “A” train to Manhattan. Exit the
Ave., head north one block, then turn left onto 61st
train at 59th Street/Columbus Circle. Walk west on 60th
Street. AMDA is on the right/north side on 61st Street.
Street to Amsterdam Ave. Turn right on Amsterdam
Cost and instructions of subway use can be found on
Ave., head north one block, then turn left onto 61st
the NYC Public Transportation Information section of
Street. AMDA is on the right/north side on 61st Street.
this guide or at mta.info.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO
AMDA NEW YORK CITY
Approaching from the South or West
1. Take I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike) to the Lincoln Tunnel
(Exit 16E)
2. Go thru the Lincoln Tunnel (toll)
3. Exit to the left 40th Street/ West Side Highway (Joe
DiMaggio Hwy)
4. Follow signs to West Side Highway North (follow Dyer
Ave and turn left onto 42nd Street)
5. Follow 42nd Street to the entrance of the West Side
Highway North.
6. Exit West Side Highway at 79th Street (exit is to the
right)
7. Turn right onto West End Avenue to 61st Street
8. Turn left onto 61st Street
Approaching from the Northwest
1. Take I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike) south to the George
Washington Bridge
2. Go over the George Washington Bridge (toll)
3. Exit onto Rt. 9A/ Henry Hudson Parkway/ 178th Street
4. Merge onto Henry Hudson Parkway/ Rt. 9A South
5. Take the West 79th Street exit
6. Go around rotary to West 79th Street
7. Turn right onto West End Avenue
Helpful Hints When Driving
or Cabbing in New York City
Most streets in Manhattan (at least the ones on
the Upper West Side) are set up as a grid. Most
avenues run north or south. Broadway is an
avenue that runs both north and south. Streets
run east to west. Generally, even numbered
streets run west to east; odd numbered streets
run east to west. They are numbered sequentially
south to north from 1 to 214 (in Manhattan). For
example 42nd Street is 30 blocks south of 72nd
Street. AMDA is located at 211 West 61st Street
between West End Avenue and Amsterdam. West
End Avenue runs north and south; Amsterdam
runs only north.
AMDA is located on the Upper West Side.
Manhattan is divided into two halves or sides by
8. Turn left onto 61st Street
5th Avenue (below 59th Street) and Central Park
Approaching from the Northeast
and the West Side. Addresses therefore read as
(Above 59th Street). This creates the East Side
1. Take I-95 South/ I-678 South
112 West 72nd Street or 222 East 59th Street.
2. Take Exit 6A (towards the George Washington/
These two locations are on opposite sides of
Whitestone Bridge)
town. The lower the building number, the closer
3. Merge left onto I-95/ Cross Bronx Expressway
to the center dividing line the location will be.
4. Exit at the Rt. 9A/ Henry Hudson Parkway (towards
Building addresses increase as they get further
181st Street)
5. Take Rt. 9A/ Henry Hudson Parkway South
from the east/west divide.
When looking for any location (e.g. a
6. Take the West 79th Street exit
restaurant or hotel) make sure to ask for cross
7. Go around rotary to West 79th Street
streets. Finding a location is simple when you
8. Turn right onto West End Avenue
know the cross streets involved. Two examples:
9. Turn left onto 61st Street
AMDA is located on 61st Street between
Parking
Street parking is at your own risk. Please read parking signs
Amsterdam and West End Avenue. The Stratford
Residence is located on 70th Street between
Broadway and Columbus Ave. The Amsterdam
carefully! NYC tows illegally parked cars frequently and
Residence is located on 85th Street between
parking/towing fines are considerable. Garages are located
Broadway and Amsterdam.
near AMDA housing and main campus.
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
15
Read the AMDA
e-blast every week
for important
information and
discount ticket offers.
AREA HOTELS
The following is a list of some hotels near AMDA. You are encouraged to make
reservations as soon as possible. You may also visit websites that list availability of hotels
and room rates, such as: hotels.com, expedia.com, and roomkey.com.
Comfort Inn Central Park West
Hotel Belleclaire
Holiday Inn Midtown
31 West 71st Street
250 West 77th Street
440 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10023
New York, NY 10024
New York, NY 10019
(212) 721-4770
(212) 362-7700
(212) 581-8100
comfortinn.com
Hotelbellclaire.com
ihg.com
Mandarin Oriental New York
Salisbury Hotel New York City
New York Inn
80 Columbus Circle
123 W57th Street
765 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10023
New York, NY 10019
New York, NY 10036
(212) 805-8800
(888) 692-5757
(212) 247-5400
mandarinoriental.com
Nycslaisbury.com
newyorkinn.com
Hudson Hotel
The Lucerne Hotel
Hotel Beacon
356 W 58th Street
201 West 79th Street
2130 Broadway
New York, NY 10029
New York, NY 10024
New York, NY 10023
(866) 539-8430
(800) 492-8122
(212) 787-1100
hudsonhotel.com
Thelucernehotel.com
beaconhotel.com
You may also want to consider short term rentals such as private rooms, studios, or even entire
apartments. You can find rentals on these sites: airbnb.com, 9flats.com, and roomorama.com
16
AMDA NY | 2016 TRANSFER ORIENTATION
VISIT: 211 West 61st Street, New York, NY, 10023
CALL: 800.367.7908 /// LEARN MORE: amda.edu
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