Brooklyn is recognized throughout the world as an iconic place. Settled some 400 years ago by the Dutch, Brooklyn is currently in the midst of an exciting renaissance, its thriving neighborhoods bursting with artistic, cultural, economic and social interaction.
The most populous of New York City’s boroughs, Brooklyn’s 2.5 million residents are only a short subway ride to Manhattan’s attractions, but Brooklyn itself has plenty of appealing offerings right here. Music lovers make a beeline to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, while historians frequent the Brooklyn Historical Society. For outdoor diversions, Brooklynites head to Coney Island or the New York Aquarium. Prospect Park is a popular option for outdoor concerts and just about every athletic endeavor. The massive new Brooklyn Bridge Park, the first part of which is scheduled to open this year, will create a green ribbon along the shoreline with unbeatable views of the Brooklyn Bridge, lower Manhattan, and New York Harbor.
Perhaps best of all, two of the borough’s brightest attractions—the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—grant members of the Brooklyn College community free admission.
Brooklyn has one of the most vibrant social and entertainment scenes in the city. You’ll find shops carrying everything from the creations of young fashion and home designers to exquisite couture and antiques; from artisanal cheeses to Caribbean spices. With almost all of the world’s cuisines represented here, it’s possible to find restaurants featuring the finest European, Latin, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. For entertainment, there are clubs highlighting new bands, performing art, poetry and book readings; concert halls presenting world-class orchestras, theater and dance companies; and galleries and festivals showcasing established and emerging artists.
Most of our students live in Brooklyn, where extensive mass transit makes it easy for them to reach and enjoy all that the borough has to offer. The college’s first residence hall, only two blocks from campus, is scheduled to open in 2010. Until then, students who require housing will find a wide variety of options available around campus, from high-rise apartment buildings to private Victorian homes. For information about finding housing in Brooklyn, visit the Personal Counseling Program.
Useful Links
Bookstores
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Borough President
Brooklyn Tourism
Cinema
Museums
Music
Parks
