Columbia University
Reviews

Personal Safety

In general, students at Columbia University are very well sheltered within the university and in the surrounding area especially on Broadway street. There has been news of some thefts within campus and off-campus but it is not frequent. Students just need to be careful of their belongings, that is all. Other than that, walking alone back to dormitory late at night is still safe on Broadway street.

You Get What You Came for

Columbia is intense, though diverse. We all came here for a good education that is challenging and demanding, you defintely get that. Depending on the class, teachers grade hard or easy. Its nearly impossible to fail a core class but very easy with other classes. Your peers are who fuel the competition of grades. Everyone is out for their own.

Everything!

The Ivy League experience! Core curriculum! New York connections! Everything!

DON't LISTEN TO THE MYTH

So many people avoid Columbia because they have the illogical thought process of: Columbia is in New York. Furthermore, it is in Harlem. Harlem is poor. If I go to Columbia I will get stabbed.

New York has improved by leaps and bounds, especially under Bloomberg's tenure, and crime is really not an issue at Columbia. I've never felt unsafe, even at 3 or 4 am around campus. There are a few isolated incidents, a mugging here or there, but these are usually confined to people being unwise with their possessions.

For most people, as long as they aren't idiots about showing off their latest iPod or swinging around their laptop with a big sign saying "Look at me, I'm rich!", crime isn't an issue at all.

Also, campus police are big guys and quick to react for the most part.

Varied, Lots of Options

This varies whether you are Greek, rich or friends with a lot of upperclassmen. If you are not Greek, there are a few open parties available, with usually at least one open party during non-exam season (though this might decrease now that Pike and AEPi are shut, no one went to Psi U anyway).

For those who know people in upperclass dorms, East Campus is a common destination though the parties there tend to be a little cramped at times.

If you are rich and have a good fake ID (and I mean, really good, scannable and blacklight compatible) then you can venture downtown to the clubs which obviously are incredible, if a little pretentious at times. However, this requires people who are similarly wealthy/ID holding. The latter is obviously irrelevant when you turn 21.

There are several bars around campus that are relatively easy on ID (though you will still need one, it just means they don't have to be very good, photocopies sometimes work). These include Mels, 1020, the Heights (bouncer here stricter than most), and Cannons to name a few, each attracting their own kind of crowd.

Finally, if you are Greek, if you're a guy you often hold things (mixers, informal gatherings) at the house, and then usually end up at a bar afterwards.

So, overall you have a lot of choices, and often you'll have to pick whether to go to EC, frats, Mels etc etc in one night. Fake ID is a must though.

What Athletics

The main field is far off-campus. It's hard to generate school spirit for games.

Dining Halls

The food really is not that bad, but having a mandatory meal plan as a freshman makes it seem awful by the end of the year. I was very content with the dining halls for the first semester, but after not wanting to waste the 15 meals Columbia makes me have a week, I eat there way more than I would like to. Can't wait until next year when don't have a meal plan though!

Diverse - but Busy Busy

A nice range to choose from - ethnically and economic status... you name it. Just everyone is very busy, and being NYC .. you need to make an effort to meet people. But very rewarding if you do make the attempt! :D

Cold and Snowy

I am from southern california, so I dont deal well with the snow

Apples and Mangoes and Lychee, Oh My!

In terms of diversity, you can't really have much more than Columbia -there's a whole staff devoted to making sure diversity ain't just a word around here! The HUGE amount of international students definitely helps (my best friend is from Transylvania and lives within walking distance of Dracula's castle!), but Columbia isn't just diverse in terms of where everybody is from. There's also representatives from every religion you can imagine and people of every political viewpoint, social standing, and sexual identity you've ever (and never) heard of.

And Never the Twain Shall Meet (Part 1)

Can't decide between big city or tight-knit campus? I couldn't either until I visited Columbia for the first time for Days on Campus. I touched down in LaGuardia and was immediately thrown head first into the NYC hustle and bustle - the sweet sounds of honking taxis complete with drivers flipping you off for walking in front of them and hot dog sellers on every street corner. In terms of city life- what city can really claim to rival "The Big Apple"?

Needless to say, Broadway is amazing, but there's also Soho, Hell's Kitchen, Chinatown, and Lincoln Center. (Lincoln Center is awesome if you have an unexpected night free- show up an hour before the show and get a student rush ticket for $15!)

Plus, with a Columbia ID you get free admission into almost every museum in NYC, and if you want to party- NYU is just a subway ride away.

Subway Is Best Option

New York's MTA offers cheap public transportation and Columbia has their own subway stop for the local 1 Train located near the center of campus (116th/Broadway). For a fare of $2.25, a student can travel anywhere in Manhattan on the subway. MTA buses run frequently and usually on-time as well, for the same fare. Taxis are relatively expensive but very convenient and easy to catch.

Plenty of Change

The weather in NY is rough in the winter, but it's easy to dress accordingly. Th echange in seasons provides a new and different experience (and wardrobe) every few months. I like that.

Public Transportation Is the Best

You can get anywhere really easily-- subways, buses, taxis. Gotta take traffic into account though.

Everything Within a Few Blocks of Campus

There're a lot of restaurants located around Columbia University. Go uptown or downtown to find amazing food.

Highly Tolerant About Underage Drinking and Drug Use

A ton of people smoke and have parties in their rooms all the time, and the school's pretty chill about it.

Safe

You don't hear of campus crime often, and there're safety personals to walk you around campus when it's late at night, if you want it.

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.

Computers

While much of the campus was wifi, most Columbia housing does not. Students are stuck to ethernet chords or must install their own router, but even this doesn't work too well because of overlapping frequencies. Printers are sometimes broken down, but are usually dependable.

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.

Skyscrapers Hide a Lot

Sunlight is a rare thing and the winters are very cold. When it snows, puddles one foot deep collect on street corners! And sometimes when it rains! You'll need some good rain boots and an umbrella for all the walking you'll have to do.

So Many Options

You're in New york City! Clearly, the local atmosphere is going to be exciting. There is almost something to do every night of the week.

A Cultural Hub

Columbia is in Manhattan. It is a good school. Therefore the smartest and most diverse students tend to congregate. If you're looking for an EXTREMELY open-minded and diverse crowd, Columbia's for you!

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.