Columbia University - Facilities

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

The city provides plenty of alternatives for those who wish to study or socialize off campus (with the Hungarian Pastry Shop being a favorite). That said, sooner or later you will need to visit one or more of the campus libraries. The 20 or so libraries are usually full, especially Butler, but even during finals, it is possible to find a quiet corner to do some studying, and the staff is generally knowledgeable and helpful. Students have been critical of the media centers located within the libraries, but with a little planning, you can get what you need from these facilities. Many course books are held on reserve at the library, but they are not allowed to leave the building for more than a few hours, so good planning is essential to getting your hands on the materials you require.

Lerner Hall has cafés, computer labs, a bank, a copy center, mailboxes, club meeting spaces, music rooms, and theaters to serve the student populace. Although the modern architecture does not match the rest of the campus, the building itself is useful, and the people there are accommodating. Many students consider the gym as one of the best things about the campus. Even though it is often crowded, it is well maintained and also serves as a good place to people watch. It even boasts an indoor pool and track. Lockers are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the demand always exceeds the supply. Under generous weather conditions, the Low steps and the fields in the center of campus are always a nice place to read, study, or just relax.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

There’s a pretty good-sized gym... There’s a pretty good-sized gym with lots of weights, cardio machines, basketball courts, and pretty much everything else you can think of. The gym can be kind of crowded, though, and you usually have to sign up in advance for a cardio machine. At peak times, the weight room can be quite crowded, too. The student center has lots of stuff in it, like student mail services, restaurants, computer labs, auditoriums, and a movie theater. Overall, I’d say the facilities on campus are pretty decent, although some of the classrooms are still kind of old. 12345 Facilities Report

Anonymous says:

The facilities are good, and they... The facilities are good, and they are making improvements constantly. Classrooms are well-equipped, and libraries are nice spots to meet with teachers and classmates. The libraries are well lit, comfortable, and plentiful! 12345 Facilities Report

Anonymous says:

The gym is on campus, and it’s... The gym is on campus, and it’s very active; depending on when you go, it can be very crowded or empty. We could use some more facilities, though. The computers are always kept up-to-date, and they’re are all over the place. 12345 Facilities Report

Anonymous says:

Lerner Hall, the student center on... Lerner Hall, the student center on campus, is the only building that does not look like it belongs here. In a community of brick and ivy stands this awkward glass structure that houses cafes, computer rooms, theaters and general meeting space. Once you get past the offbeat design of this place, you can enjoy the social atmosphere. 12345 Facilities Report

Anonymous says:

An area that receives constant... An area that receives constant complaints at Butler Library (the main library on campus) is the digital editing equipment. There are only two stations for the entire undergraduate population, and there is a two-hour limit per session. This makes it very difficult to finish film projects. 12345 Facilities Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Columbia’s main campus on Morningside Heights used to be the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum. Still remaining are an intricate network of tunnels under campus that were used to transfer patients—they are now off-limits and used by maintenance.

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