Barnard college is one of the most unique college experiences that exist- partly because of it's location in NYC, partly because of the affiliation with Columbia, and partly because of its existence as a women's college. Being a part of Columbia is fantastic, but by also being part of a close knit liberal arts college, Barnard offers a much more supportive environment for it's students. Also, as a women's college, Barnard surrounds you with an amazing, driven group of extremely successful women- yet, because of the Columbia affiliation, you have the opportunity to have an entirely co-ed social life.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Going to Barnard, I think it is very important to learn how to find a balance between work and play. Academics are demanding, and you are surrounded by what tends to be a very motivated and driven student body. Because of this, students at Barnard sometimes get stressed out, and you need to learn how to handle this stress. Definitely make sure you find time to enjoy yourself and see New York!
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Academics at Barnard (and at Columbia, where you will most likely take at least a few courses) are definitely rigorous. Classes tend to be small, which requires a high level of participation- and consequently, you need to be able to keep up with the readings and assignments in order to contribute in class. Classes tend to have a lot of assignments; science lab courses in particular are very demanding. It can be frustrating living in NYC when you don't always have loads of free time, so it's really important to learn how to manage your time and find a balance between work and all the amazing opportunities NYC has. However, despite the sizable work load, the atmosphere is generally non-competitive. Most students are more than willing to help each other, and professors tend to be really helpful (most of my professors have more than enough office hours). Therefore, even though the work can be difficult, you do get a lot of help in learning how to handle it. Additionally, most of the classes (even if they are challenging) have been extremely interesting- overall, I'd say the homework load is worth it.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
During your first year, you are required to live in the Quad with the other freshmen. After that, you can live off campus, but because of how expensive that can be, very few people do. The dorms are decent- most are pretty big, and if you're lucky you can get one with air conditioning. The RA's are usually available and really try to make sure they're there to help you out.
Describe the food and dining at your college.
The food is decent at Barnard. Dorm food can get kind of monotonous, but although there is only one dining hall at Barnard (Hewitt), there are also two at Columbia that Barnard students can eat at, so you can find some variety. All first year students are required to be on the Unlimited meal plan, but after that you can choose. There are a lot of vegetarian and vegan options available, and a decent amount of Kosher options. Overall, I would say the food is pretty good.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Barnard is located right on Broadway- you are literally in the midst of New York City. As such, there are a million things to do for fun, on and off campus. Most people go off campus at least once every weekend. New York has fantastic restaurants and shopping, all of which is just a subway ride away. There are also great deals in the city for Barnard students. With your ID, you get free admission to a lot of museums like the Metropolitan. Also, the New York City Ballet, the NY Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and most Broadway shows have seriously discounted tickets for Barnard students. There are also a lot of concerts and clubs throughout the entire city to take advantage of. On campus, the frat scene isn't very big, but it does exist at Columbia. Also, the arts and cultural clubs often hold events, so there is always something going on if you want to stay at Barnard for the night.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Barnard is very expensive; however, a lot of students are offered financial aid. The education is fantastic though, so I do think you are paying for something worthwhile.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Midnight Breakfast is the most famous Barnard tradition- the Deans and the President of the college serve a giant breakfast the night before finals start. Also, the same night is Orgo Night- a Columbia wide tradition where the marching band takes over the library to perform a comedy show, and then marches throughout the Barnard and Columbia campuses. Everyone throws their old notes and papers out the windows as they pass by.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Barnard is great for students who are very motivated and ambitious, as well as hard working. Sometimes women's colleges are stereotyped as being liberal and feminist to a fault; while I do think more liberal minded students will fit in more at Barnard, by no means are all crazy feminists. Most of the women are simply secure in their ability to succeed. Also, I think Barnard is good for the independent person. Because of NYC, most people go out into the city a lot- you have to accept that campus life is not as close knit as it would be at a school where it is more of a hassle to leave campus.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are a lot of clubs to join at Barnard! Also, besides just joining Barnard clubs, a lot of Columbia clubs are open to Barnard students, too. There are a lot of dance groups, in particular. Theatre is also big. Athletics are not as popular, but there are intramural sports to join if you want to. Also, there are also a lot of cultural clubs to join.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Greek Life isn't big. Actually, it doesn't even technically exist at Barnard, but you can rush for a Columbia sorority if you wish. Being or not being in a sorority isn't considered a big deal, either way. The frat houses are actually brownstones, just to give you an idea of how small they are.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Barnard is very safe. Although New York is a major city, Manhattan in general tends to be pretty safe. The neighborhood where Barnard is located- Morningside Heights- is very quiet, as mostly only students or professors live there. Something that a lot of students find a little excessive is that Barnard and Columbia students cannot enter each other's dorm unless they give their ID and are signed in personally by whomever is with them; however, I think this does show that security does take their job quite seriously.
Barnard college is one of the most unique college experiences that exist- partly because of it's location in NYC, partly because of the affiliation with Columbia, and partly because of its existence as a women's college. Being a part of Columbia is fantastic, but by also being part of a close knit liberal arts college, Barnard offers a much more supportive environment for it's students. Also, as a women's college, Barnard surrounds you with an amazing, driven group of extremely successful women- yet, because of the Columbia affiliation, you have the opportunity to have an entirely co-ed social life.
Going to Barnard, I think it is very important to learn how to find a balance between work and play. Academics are demanding, and you are surrounded by what tends to be a very motivated and driven student body. Because of this, students at Barnard sometimes get stressed out, and you need to learn how to handle this stress. Definitely make sure you find time to enjoy yourself and see New York!
Academics at Barnard (and at Columbia, where you will most likely take at least a few courses) are definitely rigorous. Classes tend to be small, which requires a high level of participation- and consequently, you need to be able to keep up with the readings and assignments in order to contribute in class. Classes tend to have a lot of assignments; science lab courses in particular are very demanding. It can be frustrating living in NYC when you don't always have loads of free time, so it's really important to learn how to manage your time and find a balance between work and all the amazing opportunities NYC has. However, despite the sizable work load, the atmosphere is generally non-competitive. Most students are more than willing to help each other, and professors tend to be really helpful (most of my professors have more than enough office hours). Therefore, even though the work can be difficult, you do get a lot of help in learning how to handle it. Additionally, most of the classes (even if they are challenging) have been extremely interesting- overall, I'd say the homework load is worth it.
During your first year, you are required to live in the Quad with the other freshmen. After that, you can live off campus, but because of how expensive that can be, very few people do. The dorms are decent- most are pretty big, and if you're lucky you can get one with air conditioning. The RA's are usually available and really try to make sure they're there to help you out.
The food is decent at Barnard. Dorm food can get kind of monotonous, but although there is only one dining hall at Barnard (Hewitt), there are also two at Columbia that Barnard students can eat at, so you can find some variety. All first year students are required to be on the Unlimited meal plan, but after that you can choose. There are a lot of vegetarian and vegan options available, and a decent amount of Kosher options. Overall, I would say the food is pretty good.
Barnard is located right on Broadway- you are literally in the midst of New York City. As such, there are a million things to do for fun, on and off campus. Most people go off campus at least once every weekend. New York has fantastic restaurants and shopping, all of which is just a subway ride away. There are also great deals in the city for Barnard students. With your ID, you get free admission to a lot of museums like the Metropolitan. Also, the New York City Ballet, the NY Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and most Broadway shows have seriously discounted tickets for Barnard students. There are also a lot of concerts and clubs throughout the entire city to take advantage of. On campus, the frat scene isn't very big, but it does exist at Columbia. Also, the arts and cultural clubs often hold events, so there is always something going on if you want to stay at Barnard for the night.
Barnard is very expensive; however, a lot of students are offered financial aid. The education is fantastic though, so I do think you are paying for something worthwhile.
Midnight Breakfast is the most famous Barnard tradition- the Deans and the President of the college serve a giant breakfast the night before finals start. Also, the same night is Orgo Night- a Columbia wide tradition where the marching band takes over the library to perform a comedy show, and then marches throughout the Barnard and Columbia campuses. Everyone throws their old notes and papers out the windows as they pass by.
Barnard is great for students who are very motivated and ambitious, as well as hard working. Sometimes women's colleges are stereotyped as being liberal and feminist to a fault; while I do think more liberal minded students will fit in more at Barnard, by no means are all crazy feminists. Most of the women are simply secure in their ability to succeed. Also, I think Barnard is good for the independent person. Because of NYC, most people go out into the city a lot- you have to accept that campus life is not as close knit as it would be at a school where it is more of a hassle to leave campus.
There are a lot of clubs to join at Barnard! Also, besides just joining Barnard clubs, a lot of Columbia clubs are open to Barnard students, too. There are a lot of dance groups, in particular. Theatre is also big. Athletics are not as popular, but there are intramural sports to join if you want to. Also, there are also a lot of cultural clubs to join.
Greek Life isn't big. Actually, it doesn't even technically exist at Barnard, but you can rush for a Columbia sorority if you wish. Being or not being in a sorority isn't considered a big deal, either way. The frat houses are actually brownstones, just to give you an idea of how small they are.
Barnard is very safe. Although New York is a major city, Manhattan in general tends to be pretty safe. The neighborhood where Barnard is located- Morningside Heights- is very quiet, as mostly only students or professors live there. Something that a lot of students find a little excessive is that Barnard and Columbia students cannot enter each other's dorm unless they give their ID and are signed in personally by whomever is with them; however, I think this does show that security does take their job quite seriously.