Barnard is a jewel in the best city in the world. Barnard students are passionate, highly motivated, and unique individuals who are hungry to learn. With the world-class professors, resources on both Barnard and Columbia's campuses, and the magic of the city, I could not love it more.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
If you can, come visit! It can be really helpful to have a feel for campus and the students that go here. If not, reach out to a current student via Facebook or the Admissions Office. When thinking if you are a fit for Barnard: do you value learning? Do you want to be in an intense academic environment that values women? What excites you most about coming to Barnard?
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
Intense and challenging, but manageable if you are interested in what you study, have good time management, and reach out for support when necessary. The work is hard, but it's work you want to be doing!
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Freshman dorms are in the Quad, so it's a close-knit community and very bonding. Upperclassman have the option to live in a various Barnard housing that is off-campus within a 10 block radius. So lucky to be in the city!
Describe the food and dining at your college.
Barnard has two solid options: Hewitt for breakfast, lunch & dinner and the Diana Cafe for breakfast & lunch. Hewitt is regular dining food, Diana is delicious but accepts points not meal swipes. However, Barnard students have access to all of Columbia's dining halls - so they have between approx. 5 available to them at all times! This is wonderful, because even the best dining hall food becomes terrible if you don't have options. Also, if you're sick of eating on campus, there are so many inexpensive food options in the city!
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
Options are really limitless. Even with the entire city at our fingertips, there seem to be a never-ending supply of campus events, lectures, and parties! It's sometimes hard to leave the Morningside Heights bubble, but it's so worth it when you do. I try to leave campus once a week, even if it's just walking through Central Park or stopping by the Met for an hour. There are lots of list servs that put out free/cheap events in the city weekly, so whatever you enjoy doing, there is something for you!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Over 50% of the student body receives financial aid. Financial aid is generally good, but don't be afraid to talk to anyone in the Financial Aid Office - they are really kind and knowledgeable. It is expensive, but for the world-class education and connections you make, I think it's a wonderful investment.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Hungarian Pastry Shop is an institution and popular student study/snack hub. Barnard also has great traditions: Midnight Breakfast (professors serve students breakfast during finals week), Orgo night (marching band plays all over campus to celebrate), Big sub (an 800 foot sub on Barnard's campus - disappears in approx. 5 minutes), and the Big Scream (great way to release finals stress!).
Which types of students will excel at your college?
What I love about Barnard is that there is no typical student here. You walk on campus and there is not a Barnard look, which I think speaks to how diverse and amazing we are. What does bring us together is our passion and intelligence. We unapologetically want to be who we are. If that sounds like you, no matter where you come from or what you want to study, you'll find a place here.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
500+ clubs on Barnard and Columbia's campuses combined. If there is something you are passionate about, there is a club for it.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
Barnard students can join sororities, but definitely easy to have an active social life without Greek life.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
Always feel incredibly safe here. The Barnard Shuttle is also awesome!
Barnard is a jewel in the best city in the world. Barnard students are passionate, highly motivated, and unique individuals who are hungry to learn. With the world-class professors, resources on both Barnard and Columbia's campuses, and the magic of the city, I could not love it more.
If you can, come visit! It can be really helpful to have a feel for campus and the students that go here. If not, reach out to a current student via Facebook or the Admissions Office. When thinking if you are a fit for Barnard: do you value learning? Do you want to be in an intense academic environment that values women? What excites you most about coming to Barnard?
Intense and challenging, but manageable if you are interested in what you study, have good time management, and reach out for support when necessary. The work is hard, but it's work you want to be doing!
Freshman dorms are in the Quad, so it's a close-knit community and very bonding. Upperclassman have the option to live in a various Barnard housing that is off-campus within a 10 block radius. So lucky to be in the city!
Barnard has two solid options: Hewitt for breakfast, lunch & dinner and the Diana Cafe for breakfast & lunch. Hewitt is regular dining food, Diana is delicious but accepts points not meal swipes. However, Barnard students have access to all of Columbia's dining halls - so they have between approx. 5 available to them at all times! This is wonderful, because even the best dining hall food becomes terrible if you don't have options. Also, if you're sick of eating on campus, there are so many inexpensive food options in the city!
Options are really limitless. Even with the entire city at our fingertips, there seem to be a never-ending supply of campus events, lectures, and parties! It's sometimes hard to leave the Morningside Heights bubble, but it's so worth it when you do. I try to leave campus once a week, even if it's just walking through Central Park or stopping by the Met for an hour. There are lots of list servs that put out free/cheap events in the city weekly, so whatever you enjoy doing, there is something for you!
Over 50% of the student body receives financial aid. Financial aid is generally good, but don't be afraid to talk to anyone in the Financial Aid Office - they are really kind and knowledgeable. It is expensive, but for the world-class education and connections you make, I think it's a wonderful investment.
The Hungarian Pastry Shop is an institution and popular student study/snack hub. Barnard also has great traditions: Midnight Breakfast (professors serve students breakfast during finals week), Orgo night (marching band plays all over campus to celebrate), Big sub (an 800 foot sub on Barnard's campus - disappears in approx. 5 minutes), and the Big Scream (great way to release finals stress!).
What I love about Barnard is that there is no typical student here. You walk on campus and there is not a Barnard look, which I think speaks to how diverse and amazing we are. What does bring us together is our passion and intelligence. We unapologetically want to be who we are. If that sounds like you, no matter where you come from or what you want to study, you'll find a place here.
500+ clubs on Barnard and Columbia's campuses combined. If there is something you are passionate about, there is a club for it.
Barnard students can join sororities, but definitely easy to have an active social life without Greek life.
Always feel incredibly safe here. The Barnard Shuttle is also awesome!