Review of Columbia University in the City of New York
from Baldwin, NY
Do you feel you’re learning a lot?
The amount of learning that takes place in one semester at Columbia is truly amazing. I have learned more in such a short period of time than I would have ever thought possible. As much as we may all complain about how extensive the Core Curriculum is, it really is one of the aspects that makes a Columbia education so unique. I love sitting in my Lit Hum class, surrounded by students majoring in literature, physics, anthropology, math, and even the engineering students, discussing the literary merits of Lysistrata and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Aside from learning about the great literary works of the ancient world, Columbia has taught me so many other valuable lessons that have nothing to do with academia. Living in Morningside Heights has taught me how to live and function in one of the most urban places in the entire world. I have become an expert at navigating the NYC subway system. I have learned how to walk the streets of NY with the confidence of someone who has lived in the city their entire life. I have learned the location of some of the best places to grab a slice of real NY pizza. Columbia's status as an Ivy League institution is well deserved, in that it provides an excellent education in regards to not only academia, but to life as well.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
As happy as I am to be home for winter break, I cannot deny how much I miss my life at Columbia. Everything about the college experience at Columbia is amazing. There is something about the atmosphere of Columbia that is indescribable. It's hard to feel angry or upset while there. It's impossible to feel irritated when you walk outside and you see Butler Library, or when you look at all the students congregated on the steps of Low, or when you see all the trees lit up along College Walk. Columbia’s enclosed campus in Morningside Heights truly allows for the development of a sense of community and the creation of a family with your peers. This connection that is felt to the school extends to NYC as well. There are so many things to do on campus, but there is literally an entire world outside the Columbia gates filled with so many things to do. Making midnight runs to Tom’s diner after watching an episode of Seinfeld or grabbing a jumbo slice of Koronet’s pizza are two events that make the Columbia experience unique. Columbia’s incredible atmosphere, in combination with the tremendous amount of freedom and excitement that comes with living in NYC, makes Columbia an amazing place to learn, socialize, and experience life and all its changes.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
Everyone always talks about how expensive living in New York City is, but in reality, it doesn't have to be! Columbia is great in the sense that it allows for students to take full advantage of all the cultural opportunities available, whether it comes in the form of free tickets to the best art museums in the world, access to amazing concerts, and more. I was lucky enough to receive a free ticket to see the NYC Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Not many people can say they had that chance! While Columbia is expensive in regards to tuition and the expenses that come with living in NY, all the opportunities that Columbia provides definitely make up for it!
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't be afraid to take chances. If you're thinking of applying to Columbia, but are hesitant because you don't think you'll have what it takes, apply anyway. You may just surprise yourself. Taking chances is one of the most important actions that has to be taken at a university like Columbia. The work is hard, but you need to be able to take risks and challenge yourself, because it is the only way in which you’ll succeed at Columbia. In connection to taking chances, remember where you are, and take advantage of every opportunity that Columbia has to offer. Columbia has so many different resources for jobs, internships, and research opportunities, and it is so important to put yourself out there and try to make a name for yourself. While a Columbia degree can get you many places, it will only go so far; the career placement opportunities that Columbia has can definitely help you go so much further.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Columbia is the perfect school for any student that has an interest in diversity. So many different types of people attend Columbia, and they all have their own unique interests and talents, and it is great to see how we can all come together in one classroom. Columbia is the perfect school for anyone who thrives in an urban setting, because no other city can compare to New York. Columbia is great for anyone that is passionate about learning and knowledge. There is nothing better than knowing that you are surrounded by people who love to learn and work hard to achieve their goals, because this only helps make your own goals seem more feasible.
The amount of learning that takes place in one semester at Columbia is truly amazing. I have learned more in such a short period of time than I would have ever thought possible. As much as we may all complain about how extensive the Core Curriculum is, it really is one of the aspects that makes a Columbia education so unique. I love sitting in my Lit Hum class, surrounded by students majoring in literature, physics, anthropology, math, and even the engineering students, discussing the literary merits of Lysistrata and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Aside from learning about the great literary works of the ancient world, Columbia has taught me so many other valuable lessons that have nothing to do with academia. Living in Morningside Heights has taught me how to live and function in one of the most urban places in the entire world. I have become an expert at navigating the NYC subway system. I have learned how to walk the streets of NY with the confidence of someone who has lived in the city their entire life. I have learned the location of some of the best places to grab a slice of real NY pizza. Columbia's status as an Ivy League institution is well deserved, in that it provides an excellent education in regards to not only academia, but to life as well.
As happy as I am to be home for winter break, I cannot deny how much I miss my life at Columbia. Everything about the college experience at Columbia is amazing. There is something about the atmosphere of Columbia that is indescribable. It's hard to feel angry or upset while there. It's impossible to feel irritated when you walk outside and you see Butler Library, or when you look at all the students congregated on the steps of Low, or when you see all the trees lit up along College Walk. Columbia’s enclosed campus in Morningside Heights truly allows for the development of a sense of community and the creation of a family with your peers. This connection that is felt to the school extends to NYC as well. There are so many things to do on campus, but there is literally an entire world outside the Columbia gates filled with so many things to do. Making midnight runs to Tom’s diner after watching an episode of Seinfeld or grabbing a jumbo slice of Koronet’s pizza are two events that make the Columbia experience unique. Columbia’s incredible atmosphere, in combination with the tremendous amount of freedom and excitement that comes with living in NYC, makes Columbia an amazing place to learn, socialize, and experience life and all its changes.
Everyone always talks about how expensive living in New York City is, but in reality, it doesn't have to be! Columbia is great in the sense that it allows for students to take full advantage of all the cultural opportunities available, whether it comes in the form of free tickets to the best art museums in the world, access to amazing concerts, and more. I was lucky enough to receive a free ticket to see the NYC Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Not many people can say they had that chance! While Columbia is expensive in regards to tuition and the expenses that come with living in NY, all the opportunities that Columbia provides definitely make up for it!
Don't be afraid to take chances. If you're thinking of applying to Columbia, but are hesitant because you don't think you'll have what it takes, apply anyway. You may just surprise yourself. Taking chances is one of the most important actions that has to be taken at a university like Columbia. The work is hard, but you need to be able to take risks and challenge yourself, because it is the only way in which you’ll succeed at Columbia. In connection to taking chances, remember where you are, and take advantage of every opportunity that Columbia has to offer. Columbia has so many different resources for jobs, internships, and research opportunities, and it is so important to put yourself out there and try to make a name for yourself. While a Columbia degree can get you many places, it will only go so far; the career placement opportunities that Columbia has can definitely help you go so much further.
Columbia is the perfect school for any student that has an interest in diversity. So many different types of people attend Columbia, and they all have their own unique interests and talents, and it is great to see how we can all come together in one classroom. Columbia is the perfect school for anyone who thrives in an urban setting, because no other city can compare to New York. Columbia is great for anyone that is passionate about learning and knowledge. There is nothing better than knowing that you are surrounded by people who love to learn and work hard to achieve their goals, because this only helps make your own goals seem more feasible.