What's with all the bad reviews about the campus, administration, etc.?

[rb3]

<p>Having lived near the campus most of my life, and having parents that went to Columbia as undergrads, I can give you some feedback on these comments:</p>

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“The tiny aesthetically unpleasing campus is comparatively unsafe, even by New York’s low standards. The ineffective campus security is far more intent in fictionalizing crime statistics rather than investigating violations of school policy and state law. Mirroring the administration, security fails to take student concerns seriously, or in some instances, into account at all. Moreover, security works in conjunction with the NYPD to veil crime statistics, giving an illusory perception of a secure campus.”

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<p>-> The campus IS pretty small but it is definitely beautiful and full of life (except the dorms which are really ugly). Columbia’s neighborhood is REALLY safe, and I’ve never seen or heard of ANY crimes happening in Morningside Heights my whole life. The only problem I have with this neighborhood is that it is REALLY REALLY expensive for college students. Want ice cream? Go to Pinkberries ($5-7 for a cup). Want pizza? It’ll cost you $3 a slice. Want to eat out? There are no reasonably cheap restaurant (they are fancy with prices at $10-15 per plate). Yeah, that sucks. </p>

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Not surprisingly, students tend to be isolated, depressed, and defeated, and mask insecurities by becoming snobbish and form cliques. Those left out are understandably dependant and doleful. With nowhere to turn for support or empathy, the rejected become as harsh as New York City itself. On any given day, College Walk is replete with the living dead.

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<p>-> As far as I’ve heard this is most likely true – especially that there is little support or empathy for many students. It’s a harsh population – most people are left on their own. The administration is also distant from the students for the most part.</p>