Traditions and community at NYU?

Hello all!

I am really happy to have gotten into NYU–it has an excellent program in exactly what I want, and it’s been my dream to live in New York City since I was 8. However, I do have some concerns.

Right now, I’m deciding between NYU and a small LAC, and the things I love about the LAC are…exactly what it seems NYU lacks.

So, can anyone speak to any sort of strong traditions or sense of community at NYU? Does the fact that the campus is so open and doesn’t really have a central quad area take away from the feeling of being at a university and part of a community?

I know this is all kind of vague, but any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!