Columbia University Reviews

New Admit

I start my studies in the Fall of 2010 at Columbia University. I can only rate their academics based on their reputation at this point. I'll be taking science classes and just found out that they grade on a curve which tells me that it will be very competitive.

Variable

The weather here is very nice in the fall and Spring, and bitter cold in the winter. It rains a lot, and when it does, it rains all day. The wind chill is awful. Buy a GOOD coat.

General Campus

The campus architecture is amazing. The classical architecture of the school fits in well with the classical core curriculum that all Columbia College students take. The campus is lovely and is a nice oasis away from the busy city life around it.

A Decent Athletic Program

Columbia's overall athletic program is decent in that it is clear that the individual teams are striving to become better and there is a very strong sense of camaraderie and bonding that translates to the teams overall performance. Where the athletic program is lacking is in both the confidence in the legitimacy of the program and in the support of the athletic staff. Many student athletes feel that compared to other athletes they are not as talented and that Columbia athletics in general are sub par. This lack of confidence also translates in overall performance. This coupled with many athletes feeling neglected by staff in cases of hardships like injury and the like seems overwhelming as well. Fan support and school spirit have been increasing and has become better and better over the years which is very exciting. Hopefully this move towards student support will help boost the confidence of the athletes and the program overall.

John Jay Is Good for What It Is: a Dining Hall

With a variety of options, John Jay Dining Hall is adequate and a popular hangout amongst students. Despite really awkward hours and sketchy food from time to time, John Jay is very reliable. It is noted that students from other schools marvel at hos much better Columbia food is. A meal plan is a good idea. You do, however have NYC at your fingertips. Just keep in mind that it can get pricey.

What Parking?

This is New York City, what are you doing with a car?

If You Can, Get Off the Plan

Food around Columbia is actually cheaper than at Columbia. $5 sandwiches abound, along with cheap Chinese food. Of course, it's not dirt cheap, this is New York, but the dining plan is $14 per meal, which is crazy

Diversity

Columbia University is THE MOST DIVERSE UNIVERSITY IN THE IVY LEAGUE. Our school has great diversity on all levels: socioeconomic, racial, religious, and sexual orientation. We even have age diversity with our School of General Studies and all of our Graduate Schools as well as political diversity. Our campus strives for open discussion. No student ever has to hide who they truly are!

Parties Are a Blast but Don't Forget About the Nightlife!

At Columbia, you will find plenty of parties whether on campus or off. Even special events at a local gallery...with free food is an easy and fun night off. You'll love the easy access the subways allow. Even underage party goers will have the time of their lives!

The Campus Is Beautifully Immaculate

Columbia University's campus sits in the middle of the bustling streets of Broadway and Amsterdam Ave. The beauty of the campus is a surprising gem amidst the concrete of the city. The emerald lawns are perfectly manicured and always invites students to read and play frisbee on its grounds. The steps are always full on sunny days and is a hangout where students can hang out with friends, catch up on the latest, or just soak up some sun.

People do not come to Columbia for...

People do not come to Columbia for varsity sports. Dodge Gym is pretty nice with a great facility, and IM and club sports do thrive as those niches do.

As a cheerleader, I think our...

As a cheerleader, I think our sports are really good. There are tons of intramural sports, and everyone here is really active.

I love Columbia. I can’t believe...

I love Columbia. I can’t believe I’ve been here for two years, and I wish I could stay here for longer. It’s an excellent school in an excellent city. They have these ‘Urban NY’ events, in which you get free tickets to Broadway shows and theater and stuff; it’s just cool.

For me, Columbia was the perfect...

For me, Columbia was the perfect choice, as I wanted to get away from home and live life in the real world. New York City is the place to be.

You don’t need a car, just a...

You don’t need a car, just a Metrocard.

No. Don’t bring a car. Bad idea.

It’s pretty impossible to have a...

It’s pretty impossible to have a car in the first place. The subway, buses, and cabs are the best way to go. Living in New York City really makes you appreciate the convenience of public transportation.

There is no parking scene on...

There is no parking scene on campus. There’s only really expensive parking garages and street parking, which can be pretty hard to get. I don’t know a single student who owns a car in the city. Even most professors ride the subway, or they find some other form of transportation.

New York weather is pretty...

New York weather is pretty unpredictable. It tends to stay pretty cool for the most part, but it didn’t snow as much as I would’ve liked. I find cooler weather incredibly wonderful.

Both the men and women of Columbia...

Both the men and women of Columbia tend to fall into one of two categories regarding personal style: fashionistas or it-looks/smells-ok-so-I’ll-just-wear-my-jeans mode. Each type is easy to spot. Men tend to wear more hair products than the women do, and it is rare to find girls who wear a lot of makeup. Low maintenance appearance seems to rule the day.

Columbia’s not known for its...

Columbia’s not known for its good-looking people, but it gets better every year! I find that since there are so few really hot guys, and the ones that are hot are complete jerks. I know this from plenty of experience with the type. Oh, and for hot girls, guys generally seek the company of Barnard.

Well, as a Columbia guy, I have to...

Well, as a Columbia guy, I have to say that coming to Columbia might not be the best thing for a woman. Because Barnard (an all-girls college) is right across the street, guys are outnumbered. I don’t have a problem with this ratio, but my female friends often do.

It’s embarrassing, but they try so...

It’s embarrassing, but they try so hard.

Many people are surprised to learn...

Many people are surprised to learn that Columbia even has football, basketball, baseball, and soccer teams. They are there for those who enjoy watching and competing in collegiate sports, but not many people attend these events. This is due in part to the fact that the fields and stadiums are nowhere near campus, and the activities are not widely publicized.

I really don’t think there are...

I really don’t think there are that many attractive girls on campus. A lot of guys tend to date girls from Barnard. Between Barnard and Columbia, there are many more girls than guys; Columbia girls kind of resent Barnard because of this. I don’t think that most guys on campus would be considered good looking either. Overall, I feel like most of the smart schools I’ve been don’t have people who are that good looking.