Columbia Campus Visits

Roger_Dooley · 11-25-2006, 10:32 AM

Columbia is at the top of the most viewed list on CC's Campus Visits page, but we have a mere half-dozen reports right now. Check out Columbia University Visits.

If you have done a CU visit, please feel free to post your experiences as a visit report. Clearly, lots of people are wondering about the Upper West Side, Morningside Heights, and the students and atmosphere on the Columbia campus - your impressions will help build a composite picture of the school.

My first visit to Columbia is too old to post ('96), but it was a real eye-opener. I had expected a typical urban campus, but passing through the big gate on Broadway seemed to take one into a separate world. The students and staff we encountered were the opposite of the sharp-elbowed New Yorkers we expected, too - all went out of their way to be helpful.

Thanks for taking the time to share your impressions - if you want to describe your visit, be sure you are logged into the forum and click the "post report" link.

SueInTheCity · 04-01-2007, 04:37 PM

Columbia was not my top choice last spring when deciding which college to attend, but my campus visit definitely blew all the other options out of the water. I had been considering Duke, but New York City and Columbia trumped trees and the expansive campus there. New Yorkers certainly have a reputation for their slightly biting attitudes, however, you stroll into a cozy, welcoming, friendly, beautiful, and really inspiring environment when you step inside Columbia's gates. I remember that I just loved how students were hanging out on the famous Low steps, some reading, some discussing various issues, and others simply basking in the sun and enjoying a lunch with friends. The grassy knolls were full of students lounging about and partaking in various recreational activities. There were even little kids and what I presume to be neighborhood residents enjoying an afternoon on the Columbia greens. The visit definitely had me sold. I submitted my registration that afternoon when I returned to the hotel.

nogardder · 04-01-2007, 08:53 PM

Wow, I didn't know you can post in this thread. Amazing.

Nathansub · 07-29-2007, 03:04 PM

I'll be in NYC this Wednes, Aug 1st. Do you think I can just walk into the admissions office and get a tour or orientation?

karen61990 · 07-29-2007, 03:28 PM

yep, no appointment necessary.

MSHP · 08-02-2007, 02:59 AM

It's definitely not as green or as spacious as some of your other schools that are out in the middle of nowhere, but I still liked the campus (not saying that it's all concrete and stuffy -- it's compact with enough green and space to loll around). I visited last summer and I really loved the school & the surrounding area. The buildings are also quite pretty and the fountains, statues, and sculptures all add to campus aesthetics.

I thought the tour was pretty decent too. My only regret is that I didnt get a chance to visit during the actual school year.

Noober · 08-04-2007, 12:38 PM

I liked the bulldozers and Mexicans in the middle of the campus.

So Authentic · 08-04-2007, 01:24 PM

^^haha thats why I said way back that they're doing some stupid construction on the campus. Worst time to take a tour because that will put off visitors

ccmom09 · 08-25-2007, 10:34 PM

mexicans on campus??? What does that mean?

fairlyconfident · 01-14-2008, 07:11 PM

^^^ haha. I know I wouldn't send my kid to a school with Mexicans.

Godfatherbob · 01-14-2008, 08:43 PM

^^About 20 million of them here already, better get used to it, bud. If you'd like to meet some, I'd be glad to translate for you. Start by introducing yourself, say, "Soy un pinche racista." <------ Look it up, as54ole

fairlyconfident · 01-14-2008, 08:55 PM

I hope we're all kidding here.

I was laughing at ccmom's reaction of shock to the mexicans on campus comment. ha. ha. fue un chiste.

oh, well. now I'm a racist.
blahhhh..

Like my grandfather always told me, never put anything in writing.
Damn forums.

redknight · 04-13-2008, 09:02 AM

Godfatherbob is my new hero.

luzbrillante · 05-19-2008, 06:43 PM

Er...getting back..on..topic...

Anyone who's visited/attended Columbia,
What did you think of the commute from the heart of campus to the heart of NYC?
Were the campus and buildings more modern or classic, Goth, etc.? I haven't yet visited but from the pictures & brochures it looks beautiful.

Any estimate of dorm sizes relative to other top-tier schools? I've heard Upenn's are not spectacular, Duke's are only a step above...

Thank you for any responses!

meadows23 · 05-21-2008, 10:30 PM

I loved the architecture at Columbia. The campus is extraordinarily gorgeous and wasn't quite as depressing as the Yale campus. I know, I know, Yale is beautiful too, but Columbia's campus is simply invigorating. I love the classical aspect.
Loved the neighborhood surrounding campus, and the fact that the campus is so small (I am lazy - would not want to trek miles each day to class!!!) But do people ever get sick of the fact that Columbia is so condensed?

I also went on a beautiful, sunny, brilliant day, so that probably contributed to the great impression I got. Everyone was out on the stairs and the lawn, and I just got a great vibe.