Inside the world's tallest college dorm: 34-story tower block in New York includes a built-in gym and free laundry - but a room will set you back $17,000 a year

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For those who spent their college years living in dingy apartments furnished with stained carpets and covered with empty pizza boxes, this is going to come as something of a shock.

This to Pace University's newest student halls, the tallest dorm anywhere in America stretching up 34 stories into the Manhattan skyline, with views across the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge.

A far-cry from some poorly-equipped student digs, this building comes with 24 hours security, its own built-in gym, communal areas complete with flat screen TVs and even a free laundry.

Pace University has just opened 33 Beekman, it's new 340ft tall student apartment building in Manhattan which is the tallest college dorm in the world

The building features a gym, 24-hour security, a free laundry and communal rooms fitted with flat-screen TVs, but its $17,000-per-year price tag also makes it among the most expensive dorms in America

Capable to housing nearly 800 students, the new dorm, called 33 Beekman the cross street it is located on, was completed this year.

The towering building sits on Pace University's campus towards the lower end of Manhattan, a short walk from city hall and Battery Park.

'Our new residence hall at 33 Beekman Street is a transformative addition to our campus, a potent symbol of the new Pace University in New York and a reminder to all that Pace is a vibrant presence in lower Manhattan,' Pace University President Stephen J. Friedman said. 

However, all that luxury comes at a price, with double rooms costing a whopping $8,850 per semester, or more than $17,000 per year.

For that money students will get to enjoy all the building's features plus views out over Manhattan and the East River, including the Brooklyn Bridge (pictured right)

The towering building sits on Pace University's campus towards the lower end of Manhattan, a short walk from city hall and Battery Park

That hefty price tag makes it one of the most expensive residence halls anywhere in America.

According to a survey by U.S. News, the most expensive room and board for the 2014-2015 school year was at New School, in Greenwich Village, New York, with fees of $18,190 per year.

If rates were to stay the same into next year, Pace's new residence hall would come in at number two on that list, ahead of New York University, which charges students $16,782.

The addition of 33 Beekman means that all four of the top-charging residence halls in America are located in New York City.

The new building (pictured) aims to provide some of Pace's 13,000 students with more housing, especially for those who come from out of state