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Columbia University Visit Report by fantastical

Visit to Columbia University in June 2008 by fantastical
(Student, HS Class of 2009)
(Member since May 02 2008 with 55 posts)
 
5 of 6 people found this visit report helpful

Visit Activities:


Information Session: Yes

Campus:


Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
I didn't meet many students as it was summertime, but the ones I did bump into were friendly and willing to answer any questions we had / point out directions.


Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Everyone we've encountered were pretty much always helpful and warm.


Appearance of Campus:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
The Columbia campus is just gorgeous. Lots of people having lunch/dinner on the library steps or around other areas, good and comforting atmosphere.


Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good



Dormitories:
2 - Fair
2 - Fair
I stayed in Carman Hall for a CSPA workshop week and had a suite consisting of two small-ish rooms for 2 and one bathroom. The room and bathroom were old, but the view (11th fl.) was lovely.


Security/Safety:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Overall Campus Impression:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Bottom line: Although the dorms weren't up to my standards, I'd gladly live in them without second thought because Columbia is totally worth it!

Off-Campus:


Area Immediately Around Campus:
3 - Good
3 - Good
Many convenient shops and restaurants right across the street, good atmosphere. Columbia is close to Harlem, so nighttime out of campus might seem sketchy to people not used to the city.


City/Town/Community:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
It's New York City, what else can I say? And contrast to popular opinion, New Yorkers are rather friendly. On my way to Columbia, numerous people helped me navigate the subways and carry my suitc

Campus Visit Notes for Columbia University


Visit Description:

As I've mentioned before, I was able to stay at Columbia for a week for the CSPA workshop week, and the experience was thoroughly enjoyable, despite the sub-par dormitories. If you visit, definitely take some time to just walk around the campus yourself or talk to some of the non-busy students milling about- they're generally very friendly and eager to talk about their school. (One student told us about the abstract bird-like statue and how we have to spin it around, and he even volunteered to take pictures of us turning it :D) Don't forget to explore outside the campus and eat at some of the many fine offerings. (Or get takeout and bring it back to the library steps to eat and enjoy the view!)

Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:

If you're into pan-asian cuisine, try Caffe Swish.

Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):

Subway is the most convenient as it stops right outside of columbia's gates, but it's $2 per ride (w/o student pass).