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Columbia University Visit Report by lolcats4

Visit to Columbia University in June 2008 by lolcats4
(Student, HS Class of 2009)
(Member since March 01 2008 with 2781 posts)
 
5 of 7 people found this visit report helpful

Visit Activities:


Information Session: Yes - Gave me a good idea of the opportunities available at Columbia. They spent a long time on the Core Curriculum, which I liked because I am highly interested in it.

Campus Tour: Yes - It was raining during my tour, so we didn't spend a lot of time outside. I got the impression that Columbia is its own "bubble" inside of Manhattan. It felt somewhat cramped.

Campus:


Friendliness/Courtesy of Students:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
Didn't talk to any, since there weren't many around (summer).


Friendliness/Courtesy of Staff:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent



Appearance of Campus:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Somewhat built up and close together as would be expected in Manhattan. The quad area is pretty neat though. Overall the campus was excellent.


Building/Facilities Maintenance/Cleanliness:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
Some buildings (Chemistry Hall) were a little iffy from briefly looking inside. Most buildings are impressive looking, but some weren't.


Dormitories:
Didn't see any.


Security/Safety:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Blue light system and escorts available. They also have refugee areas outside of campus (like restaurants) that will lock you in until security arrives, should you feel threatened.


Overall Campus Impression:
4 - Very Good
4 - Very Good
It was sort of gloomy due to the weather. I'm sure it looks great in sunlight.

Off-Campus:


Area Immediately Around Campus:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
Good places to eat abound.


City/Town/Community:
5 - Excellent
5 - Excellent
It's New York!

Campus Visit Notes for Columbia University


Visit Description:

My visit basically consisted solely of the information session and the campus tour. The info session was very good and left me with a good impression. The campus tour not as good, due mostly to the bad weather. Apparently, as far as I could tell, there is only one dining hall on campus. You have to go off-campus for other options (of which there are many). This was a slight turn-off for me, but not too big. I learned that there is a ton of stuff underground (tunnels mostly) although some exercise facilities are also located there (I didn't get to see them). We toured the library as well. It looks very impressive from the outside in imitation of the Parthenon. I will definitely be applying to Columbia later this year.

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

There is a subway station right outside of Columbia that makes getting around NY a breeze.