When you select an MBA program, you are not just choosing your learning environment, but are also committing to becoming part of a community. Each Thursday, we offer a window into life “beyond the MBA classroom” at a top business school.

Beer Blast—a weekly party that takes place every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at New York University’s (NYU’s) Stern School of Business—is held in the basement of the school’s Henry Kaufman Management Center (in a recently renovated lounge area) and the adjacent Sosnoff Lounge. The gathering provides an opportunity for students to relax, interact and get to know one another. A second year told mbaMission that Beer Blast allows students “to mingle once a week,” noting that “business school is about networking more than anything else.” Asserting that Beer Blast “is one of the best things about Stern,” a first year with whom we spoke explained, “It’s an opportunity for students to unwind at the end of the week and hang out with their classmates in a social setting. Fun fact: Beirut and flip cup are played.” After Beer Blast ends at 10:00 p.m., Sternies typically head to a local bar to continue the party.

For in-depth descriptions of social and community activities at NYU Stern and 15 other top MBA programs, check out the mbaMission Insider’s Guides.