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ColumbiaUniversityReview
Columbia University '14
Majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Member since 5/3/2011
A-
Safety
Morningside heights has become such a college town, the blocks from 106-120 are essentially a private neighborhood and it has become so gentrified. I was really worried about Harlem being nearby before I came, but I have not felt afraid about anything since arriving here. (except when homeless people follow you screaming for money, but not really near campus usually).
Health services are pretty good, but it is very annoying in my opinion to have to give your key to a person at the front desk in all the dorms, but I guess in NYC you need that...
May 03, 2011
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B-
Greek Life at Columbia
There are a few better and "normal"ish frats here, but 3 of them are losing their houses because of the drug bust. With all the bars nearby though, greek like never really played too much of a role in the partying. During NSOP week the frats are really fun though, but as the year continues they definitely decline.
The sororities seem pretty chill, little to no hazing, good friendships made and really really fun open bar formals at clubs downtown. they don't throw parties too much though, but with all of the city you don't really need it
May 03, 2011
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A+
Overall Columbia
I absolutely love it here, but it might just be because I also am loving my classes/major as much as I am loving the social aspects of the city. Most of the professors are great, its easy to find a good group of friends (assuming you live in Carman or John Jay!), and overall the atmosphere is really vibrant, active and exciting. Some of the core classes are absolutely awful though, ie. Frontiers of science and some of the global cores, and especially UNIVERSITY WRITING. but some of them are great as well.
May 03, 2011
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B+
Strictness at Columbia
I personally am biased against this question about campus strictness because of a few bad experiences I have had with the judicial affairs office. Most of the RAs are really chill and do not mind drinking at all, even noise is excused. However, there are the occasional strict as shit RAs, such as the 5th floor carman RA this year.... The judicial affairs office is run by a few people that just hate kids apparently, they constantly have meetings for small offenses, such as drinking in dorms. They hate when rooms get written up with beer pong tables and hate kegs so much, so maybe thats why they were extra douche-y to me when I got written up. They usually start with a warning only, but weed they take pretty seriously, which is unfortunate when you come from california where it is essentially legal... The police don't do s*** though, its just the RAs that you have to worry about, so its not that bad if you are smart about parties.
May 03, 2011
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A+
Inside Scoop Columbia
Just the name brand education of Columbia university opens up so many doors, even after just one year. The city just makes it unrivaled for the ivys, NYC is just amazing, especially when you aren't from here and its your first time in a big city with a whole bunch of other college kids.
I hear CO-OP was one of the funnest experiences for many people who did it, and I really wish that I did it as a freshman.
The opportunities that appear after attending Columbia are just endless, and if you can afford it, it will likely be worth it in the long run.
May 03, 2011
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B+
Financial Aid Columbia
It is strictly need based, so there are no athletic scholarships at all. This keeps the prestige up and the students competitive.
It is a hassle to go through, and is a very administrative/unfriendly process, but they do give decent amounts in the end.
May 03, 2011
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