Visit Report by livingtea (Member since May 31 2007 with 113 posts) Visit Date - August 2007
Visit to Columbia University in August 2007 by livingtea (Student, HS Class of 2008)
Visit Activities:
Information Session:
Yes - The session was informative but much of the information could be easily found elsewhere. The student input was far more useful as it gave me a more intimate view of CC that the school pamphlets lack. Campus Tour:
Yes - The tour was very thorough and helpful. The guide was fun and full of trivia about Columbia grounds, which was nice. Only neg. factor was that we didn't get to go inside many of the buildings.
Columbia University Campus:
Friendliness/Courtesy of Students: 5 - Excellent -
Excellent - The students were friendly and encouraged us to ask questions. They gave me an honest and realistic view of the CC and not just "The school is wonderful!" spiel so prevalent in
Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff: 5 - Excellent Appearance of Campus: 4 - Very Good -
Although the school is in NYC, the campus is full of trees and greenery. The only bad thing was that there was some construction going on near the gates, with bulldozers and fencing :(
Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness: 5 - Excellent -
Very clean, very nice looking. Interesting mix between classic and new-age architecture.
Dormitories: 4 - Very Good -
We never got to go inside the dorms, but they seemed very nice. The setup of the dorms varied (John Jay-all singles to Carman-suites) and all seemed to have their own positive and negative aspects
Security/Safety: 5 - Excellent -
Despite being in NYC, CC seemed very secure and hearing about the emergency hotline (call the # and security will come get you and take you back to campus) erased any fears my mom had about CC.
Overall Campus Impression: 5 - Excellent -
I fell in love with the school even more after my visit. I could see myself staying up all night in Butler Library or basking in the sun on the beautiful green lawns of the school.
Off-Campus:
Area Immediately Around Campus: 5 - Excellent -
The school is surrounded by little stores, groceries, and cafes and everything is walking distance. If you ever get tired of campus food, a variety of food options is just a few minutes away.
City/Town/Community: 5 - Excellent -
NYC. broadway, wallstreet, MoMA, the Met, etc. it's amazing.
Campus Visit Notes for Columbia University:
Visit Description:
This was my first (and probably only) college visit I made/will make. It was so worth it.
The campus is beautiful, it's like any other college campus in suburbia, except it's also in NYC. I fell in love. The setting combined with the amazing education (the CORE SOUNDS SO GOOD)... I can't imagine a better school than Columbia.
If you can, you should definitely visit the school. Just reading your Blue Album or looking at the online tour of the school doesn't cut it.
Dining/Restaurant Recommendations or Comments:
Tons of dining options everywhere, but things are expensive. When you visit, bring that credit card.
Other Comments (Transportation, local attractions, parking, etc.):
It's NYC. There is so much to see, so much to do. I saw Avenue Q, walked around Central Park, visited Chinatown/Times Square, and rode the ferry (gorgeous night view of the city).
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Excellent - The students were friendly and encouraged us to ask questions. They gave me an honest and realistic view of the CC and not just "The school is wonderful!" spiel so prevalent in
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Although the school is in NYC, the campus is full of trees and greenery. The only bad thing was that there was some construction going on near the gates, with bulldozers and fencing :(