How Much Does It Cost to Join the University Club of New York

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As one of the world's premier cities, New York is home to a variety of private clubs catering to those seeking an exclusive environment for networking and socializing. Each club boasts a unique history and membership requirements, as well as corresponding membership fees. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular private clubs in NYC and what you need to know to become a member:

University Club of New York
Soho House
Doubles Club
New York Athletic Club
Harvard Club of New York City
Union Club NYC
Tips for Membership

University Club of New York

The University Club has been an iconic institution for more than 150 years. With an expansive clubhouse in the heart of Manhattan, the club offers members access to meeting rooms, dining facilities, athletic spaces, and multiple sleeping rooms. Membership at the University Club is limited to alumni of select universities and colleges, as well as those affiliated with the military, the judiciary, and certain corporations. To become a member, you must be nominated by an existing member and undergo a rigorous vetting process. Membership fees at the University Club range from $1,000 to $5,000 a year.

Soho House

Soho House is a one-of-a-kind members' club with locations around the world. This exclusive club is open to creative professionals in industries such as art, design, and media. Soho House bills itself as a place "where people come to work, relax, and socialize," with amenities including restaurants, lounges, cinema screens, rooftop pools, and spas. The cost of membership at Soho House is $2,800 a year.

Doubles Club

Doubles Club, founded in 1976, is a private social club with a reputation for excellent dining experiences and exclusive events. Members of the Doubles Club enjoy dining rooms, bars, and lounges, as well as access to unique events such as fashion shows and charity galas. Membership at Doubles Club requires an initiation fee of $400 to $7,000, with annual fees ranging from $325 to $1,250 depending on the selected membership category.

New York Athletic Club

As the name suggests, the New York Athletic Club is primarily focused on sports and fitness. Located in midtown Manhattan, the club offers its members access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and more. The club has strict membership requirements, with admission by invitation only. Members of the New York Athletic Club adhere to a strict dress code, with gentlemen required to wear slacks, a collared shirt, and dress shoes, and ladies expected to wear business suits, tailored pant or skirt ensembles, and dresses.

Harvard Club of New York City

The Harvard Club of New York City is a social club and residential club located in midtown Manhattan. Its members are primarily alumni of Harvard University, as well as former faculty members, officers, and University appointment holders. Membership at the club gives members access to a wide array of amenities, including athletic facilities, restaurants, lounges, and sleeping rooms. Prospective members of the Harvard Club of New York must meet one of three requirements, including having earned a degree from Harvard University or Radcliffe College.

Union Club NYC

The Union Club is a private social club in New York City established in 1836. The club is exclusive, with membership limited to those with distinguished achievements in their respective fields. The clubhouse contains five floors of private dining rooms, lounges, and sleeping rooms. The dress code at the Union Club is formal, with male guests required to wear jackets and ties, and female guests required to wear clothing that meets similar standards.

Tips for Membership

Be prepared to pay both initiation fees and annual membership dues.
Membership is limited and competitive at most clubs, so having personal connections or being an alum of a certain university or member of a certain professional organization can help.
Plan to attend events and engage with other members to fully experience the benefits of club membership.
Be aware of and adhere to the club's rules and dress code to maintain your membership status.

Overall, joining a private club in NYC is not for everyone, but for those who can afford the fees and meet the criteria, it can provide access to a unique social network of like-minded individuals and exclusive amenities. Clubs cater to a variety of interests, from fitness and athletics to dining and entertainment, so there is truly something for everyone.

Joining the University Club of New York can be quite expensive, with fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. Compared to other prestigious clubs, like Soho House which charges $2,800 annually, the University Club is on the higher side. For those interested in joining Doubles, there is an initiation fee of $400 to $7,000 depending on the membership category and annual fees thereafter ranging from $325 to $1,250. While the cost may seem high for some, the benefits of membership at these clubs can include access to exclusive events and networking opportunities. For those who are able to afford it, membership at one of these clubs can be well worth the investment. However, for those who cannot justify the expense, there are many other accessible ways to engage with the community and make valuable connections.