Columbia University
- Local Atmosphere

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New York City has something for everyone, and it does not take much for the staunchest suburbanite to find their niche somewhere in Manhattan. Some students consider it to be their home, and they rarely leave the Morningside Heights campus. The immediate area is full of restaurants, shops, bars and cafés, so those who stay close to Columbia do have access to a slice of New York’s offerings, though it’s clear that the rest of the city offers many more diversions for the more adventurous souls.

The urban locale is part of the draw for many Columbia students, but those who prefer the quiet life can find comfort in some of the other geographic regions within the city. The trendy hipsters flock to Soho or Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Art lovers have the galleries in Chelsea, and those wishing to catch the newest play have Broadway and off-Broadway and off-off Broadway at their disposal. There’s always the Village, Central Park and midnight walks across the Brooklyn Bridge. After a little exploring, it is possible for anyone to find their happy place somewhere in New York. Sometimes, students feel like the city is going to eat them alive, but after making some friends and getting to know the environment, New York City becomes more inviting and less scary for those unfamiliar with the über-urban life.

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Local Atmosphere at Columbia University

LikeAPrayer15

Anthropology and Archaeology '15

5.0

A+

It's New York

What else is there to say? Places to eat, places to drink, places to do everything you could imagine and then some. Around Morningside Heights, there's fancy food (Community, Il Cibreo), good old standards (Koronet's, Absolut Bagels), parks (Central Park, Morningside Park, and Riverside Park) and amazing neighborhoods like Harlem and the Upper West Side. New York is a fabulous place to go to college--except whatever you do, draw up a budget before you go, because having a good time is EXPENSIVE.

Mar 20, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Columbia University

dursus

Electrical and Electronics Engineering '15

4.6

A

Columbia's Atmosphere at a Glance

Columbia University is a rigorous institution with numerous opportunities for intellectual, social, personal and professional growth. The combination of an Ivy League education and its location in the greatest metropolis on the east coast make for a truly fantastic college experience. Everything from your interaction with Columbia peers to events hosting world-renowned leaders will make your four years here very special.

Mar 15, 2012

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Local Atmosphere at Columbia University

gsanchez14

Economics '14

4.6

A

Lots to Do

The great thing about studying and living in New York is your access to everything. There are lots of cultural attractions, great restaurants, and places to shop. If one neighborhood doesn't interest you, another definitely will.

Mar 05, 2012

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Photos of Columbia University's Local Atmosphere

Reading on Low Plaza

Photo by nathuan329

Reading on Low Plaza On sunny days, students enjoy lounging on the steps of Low Plaza to get work done and relax.

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Photo by nathuan329

South Lawn

Photo by nathuan329

South Lawn In honor of the 10th anniversary since the 9/11 attacks, Columbia University held a memorial service to honor the victims of the attacks as part of the Young America's Foundation Never Forget Project. There are 2,997 flags planted on campus, each representing a person tragically killed in the terrorist attacks.

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Photo by nathuan329

Westside Market

Photo by nathuan329

Westside Market Open 24/7, Westside Market is a popular location among Columbia students.

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate the local atmosphere on the following topics

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