New Students

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Dear Incoming Students,

WELCOME to the General Theological Seminary!

We know that moving to NYC and starting seminary are big changes and that there are probably a million questions running through your mind, so we thought we’d offer a few answers to help alleviate some of the pressure.

Moving In:

It may seem expensive to hire movers but people often wish they had. If you’re moving into 422, you’ve got direct street access and elevators, so this won’t be nearly as much an issue for you.

For the rest of you moving onto the Close, there are only two access points to the Close: the Chapel Gate on 20th Street and Seabury Gate on 21st Street. There are flatbed dollies available for use which are usually located by the West Building (ask at the front desk).

The rooms are generally painted off-white w/a beige trim and a black floor. And 422 apartments are off-white w/parquet floors. Generally you can paint in your new home, but be sure to check for regulations in the housing policy.

It is hot and very humid in NYC in August. You can have an air conditioner installed in your place by the ever-so-kind maintenance folks for $50. If you want to schedule that installation for your move-in date, contact Helen Alladin or Godfrey Johnson in the maintenance department. They are busy people who have to take care of ALL of the Close maintenance concerns. So call to schedule and call to confirm!

New York City has Ikea, Target and Kmart all within subway or delivery distance. There is also Bed, Bath and Beyond and the Container Store on Sixth Avenue. So you will be able to do additional furnishing when you arrive if you don’t want to bring everything from home right away.

When you move in, it’s IMPERATIVE that someone be supervising the gates (and the doors of 422!) so that strangers don’t come in. People walk by and are curious about the Close all the time and an open gate looks like an invitation--you’d be amazed at the amount of people that just walk in! Unfortunately, all of our safety is put at risk when strangers are on the Close. People who try to enter the gates when you’re using them can be redirected to the 21st Street entrance to sign in and tour the grounds. Please don’t let them in the gates.

Lastly, we can’t guarantee that anyone will be around to help you out with your moving. If you can bring a friend or family member to help out, you’ll be a lot better off! If not, email your welcoming committee chair people and maybe they’ll be able to help find someone. Plan ahead.

Chapel:
 

The bells indicate that a chapel service is about to begin. They will ring 10 minutes before services and just as the service is starting as well.

Everyone is welcome in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd all the time.  This includes you, whenever it is you arrive at GTS. During the school year, we have 21 services in the Chapel. The summer is less busy with fewer services. Please feel free to volunteer to read scripture at the summer services. A sacristan may also invite you to do so but there is no pressure. Participate as you feel comfortable.

The Rev. Ellen Sloan is the Dean of the Chapel.  Anyone wishing to plan or hold a special service (outside of the planned services of the year) should contact Ellen for her approval.

 

 

Food:

Food service won’t begin until classes begin, so know that there is a Gristede’s Grocery Store on 9th Avenue and 24th Street. Corner stores like HaHa Fresh (22nd & 9th Ave) or Frank’s Deli (20th & 9th Ave) have many basics and are within a block of campus. Chelsea Market, located on 9th Avenue at 14th Street, has a wonderful collection of specialty food stores, bakeries and a fresh fruit and vegetable market that has a terrific selection of produce at a great price. Otherwise you can go to www.freshdirect.com for delivered groceries which makes things a bit easier. There are also restaurant menus in the front lobby who deliver and if you want to go out, there are at least 20 restaurants within 5 minutes.


Computer access:

At GTS, the IT Dept. maintains 2 computing labs with direct connections to GTS' high speed T1 line for Internet access and e-mail. The main Computer Lab located on the Third Floor of Seabury Hall and the Commuter Student lab is located on the ground floor of the West Building. Students automatically receive wireless internet access (in campus public areas) and e-mail accounts.  Information on these accounts is made available during Orientation week.  For more in For more information on computing resources available to students, please see "An Overview of GTS Computing"  (all new students should have a look at this pdf).

Retreat:

On the weekend of November 7-9, 2008 all new Juniors, Anglican Studies, and STM students, go on retreat with the Dean and the Chaplain to the Trinity Conference Center in West Cornwall, CT. The Center is a gorgeous place with delicious food, lots of walking and hiking paths. A bus is provided for this trip and there is no cost to students. The Chaplain will be in touch with you about all the specifics. You may want to start thinking about childcare or pet care - we leave on Friday (Nov. 7) at 1pm and return to the city on Sunday, (Nov. 9) around 4pm.

Pets:

If you brought your pet to the Close, know that you’ll need to register your dog and get a special tag so that they have identification if they get lost. To find out where, call 311 (NYC info line) when you get here.

You’ll get a booklet with information about pet care, pet stores, vets, etc. when you arrive. There is a great vet two blocks from campus. Please be sure to walk your pets OFF the Close or at the West Building dog run. 

When you arrive, you’ll receive a booklet of great information about Chelsea, New York and more…so this is just stuff to start you off. It’s a lot to remember and a lot to deal with, but you will indeed survive and before you know it, you’ll be right at home here. We look forward to having you here and if there’s anything anyone can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Blessings,

The GTS Community

Orientation Schedule
Forms & Requirements
Community Life Handbook
Computing Information
The Matriculation Ceremony
On Campus Housing
Recommended Reading
Chapel Vestments