Columbia University

University · Morningside Heights

Columbia University

University · Morningside Heights
116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027

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Prestigious Ivy League university with stunning architecture and NYC location  

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116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Get directions

columbia.edu

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116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Get directions

+1 212 854 1754
columbia.edu

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Sep 11, 2025

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Léo donz

Google
I visited Columbia University just to walk around and explore the campus, and I was truly impressed. The architecture is stunning, the atmosphere is full of academic energy, and the campus is much larger than I expected. It’s amazing to see such a historic and prestigious institution right in the heart of New York City. A must-visit spot for anyone interested in education, history, or just beautiful surroundings.

Naomi Rikley

Google
Columbia was my dream university growing up because it served as the catalyst for the Beat Generation, bringing all of my favourite poets together. I was lucky enough to attend the guided campus tour this year, which was a surreal experience for me.

Namir Ahmad

Google
Columbia University offers a top-tier education in a stunning setting. As a graduate of the MPA in Environmental Science and Policy program, I gained invaluable knowledge in sustainability and policy through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum. Beyond academics, the campus is breathtaking - historic architecture, tree-lined walkways, and iconic landmarks like Low Library make it a perfect place to learn and reflect. An incredible experience all around!

Marie

Google
Columbia University is one of the eight Ivy League schools in the U. S. This is a prestigious university with beautiful architectures. The acceptance rate is 3.7%, they are extremely selective. It is a privilege to go there.

Marzouk Akkache

Google
Columbia does not care about nor protect its students. The administration leaving its students to face unfair and violent treatment in the eyes of the world shows how far they've fallen as a higher education body and how far they've gotten from their values of now supposed partnership, respect, integrity, drive to improve and excellence. Their stance would be different if there was a speck of those left.

Alex van Winkel

Google
Great campus.... we were 'lost' quite often though... lol... but.... very friendly people!

Fet

Google
Columbia University is a stunning campus that is steeped in history and tradition. From the moment you step onto its grounds, you are struck by the beauty of the architecture and the natural surroundings. The campus is sprawling, with lush green spaces, modern buildings, and historic landmarks. The faculty are world-renowned experts in their fields, and the curriculum is challenging and thought-provoking. The university also provides an abundance of extracurricular activities and resources, including clubs, sports teams, and research programs. One of my favorite aspects of Columbia is its location in New York City. The university is situated in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by some of the best restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions in the world. It's the perfect place to experience the vibrancy of city life while also pursuing your academic goals. Overall, I highly recommend Columbia University to anyone who is seeking a top-notch education, a supportive community, and a vibrant city experience.

Yuehan Luo

Google
One of my favorite aspects of Columbia is its location in New York City. The university is situated in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by some of the best restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions in the world. It's the perfect place to experience the vibrancy of city life while also pursuing your academic goals. Overall, I highly recommend Columbia University to anyone who is seeking a top-notch education, a supportive community, and a vibrant city experience.
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Annie K.

Yelp
Campus is smaller than I expected, but it's already great compared to most colleges in New York that don't have campuses at all. Butler Library and Avery Architectural Fine Arts Library have beautiful interiors that are ideal look for a historic college library, as well as the modern style of Engineering Library. Among them, I like Lehman Social Sciences Library the most, though I rarely take SIPA courses, there is a microwave on the sixth floor of the building to heat meals, and small self-study rooms, which is very suitable for spending a whole day reviewing for exams and writing the thesis. One of the great things about the Columbia Library is that you can find almost every kind of study space here. Study on the second-floor mezzanine, study in the quaint rooms with low light, study in the small rooms like telephone booths, study on the edge of the numerous bookshelves... They have desks in almost every corner of the library, and you can always find a study atmosphere that attracts you.
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Marie S.

Yelp
You'll feel smarter just walking around campus. Beautiful architecture, sculptures, and views (and you'll get a view of the old psych hospital). Expensive school, but a lot of well known persons have come out of this school. Make sure you stop by the chapel 2023 #127
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M Y C.

Yelp
I can not be happier as a graduate student at Columbia University.  I did my undergrad work at Cornell University and was thrilled to be accepted at Columbia into their graduate program.  I have never met such amazing professors and the student body is the best in the world.  This is the best of the very best.  I am posting a photo of a grad student workers strike here from last spring and I could speak about this situation for hours and in great depth.  If you are interested in discussing this event, feel free to DM me here. But overall, I am a strong student with much to learn.  I am gaining the knowledge that I never imagined possible and am thrilled to have received a partial scholarship.  Thank you from me and my family home in Korea for such an opportunity.
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Paul H.

Yelp
The context of this review is as a retiree of Columbia University and a former employee / faculty member. Not really run as a meritocracy. To suceed you must have a patron, usually the person that hires you into the department. As a non-commission officer ( the academic equivalent of) I found it very very hard to advance in my career. As an employer, Columbia University has excellent benefts WHILE you are employed. Once you have retired, you are left to twist in the wind. I have no experience at other Universities, having been at Columbia for the better part of 35 years. I urge you all to carefully check on all these points before you commit yourself to CU, that is if you have choice, which often is not the case for those who want to enter an academic career.
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Ge R.

Yelp
I am so lucky to be a Visiting Scholar in an Ivy League University. Campus has very beautiful views, staff are very friendly and polite. A lot of great libraries and nice restaurants. There is an incredible gym. Definitely I can say that it's one of the best universities around the world. It is a very expensive place but you can try scholarships. I could say a thousands things about this university and I would never have enough words for it. Best University in NYC!
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Andy H.

Yelp
My daughter graduated here with her masters degree, class of 2022. This is an amazing ivey league college, very hard to get into
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Marianne W.

Yelp
Beautiful Campus. Huge Bookstore, great cafe with electric plugs all around and Restrooms! I'm going to enjoy my next visit taking photos of the campus. Today is a different project I'm working on. Students are wonderful. A young man went out of his way to help me locate the cafe. This campus is huge and historic. If you're in the city you may want to visit. Go to information on line or on the campus and obtain a map. You'll need it!
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Karen 2.

Yelp
columbia university charges way too steep a dollar amount for their quality of education. i would not recommend being affiliated with this school. their research is underdeveloped. odd initiatives they got. check out the attached photo to get an idea of what funded research goes on at this facility.
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Amanda H.

Yelp
Great school and great campus! Minus the incident that started by Professor Sally Aboelela, I don't have complaints over this school. In hindsight, I am not sure why there was an issue and why she made an issue. It perplexes and befuddles me. I mean, I don't intend to focus on such a crummy subject, but no matter how much I think about, I can't make sense of it. If much of my time was spent focusing on my personal hygiene, fitting studying into my schedule, and traveling between Butler library and class at the medical campus, how in the world did this professor manage to locate me in different places. It's very creepy and eerie, not exactly the kind of nostalgia I want of a school experience.
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Rex W.

Yelp
A little pricey for the education. But, it got me into the doors of the most wealthy companies. I have a nice pad and live a lavish lifestyle.
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Ramon A.

Yelp
Doing several self guided tours with my children in their junior and senior years. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful campus and it's true campus feel. I assumed that because it was Manhattan it would be more "city like" and it was, but Manhattan can be as big or as small as you want to make it because the campus does pull you out and into its own environment. The campus was bright and extremely well maintained. It was historic and you can feel the history. One of the things I liked was that once you stepped foot on the campus the street noise just disappeared and the campus and large building on the outside blocked out the noise. Great campus!
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Maria G.

Yelp
Review #800. Since my previous special review was dedicated to my alma mater, it is only fitting that I am dedicating this one to Columbia. Let's go straight to the facts and myths: 1. You can cross-register within the 16 graduate/professional schools of Columbia. MYTH. Priority is always given to the students enrolled in that particular department. If you are from a different department or graduate school, you will need special permission (from the registrar and the professor him/herself) and it is not guaranteed until other students have registered first. But this can be done, it's just not the norm 2. The campus is unsafe. MYTH. Use your best judgment (i.e. avoid using cellphones while walking in MoHi at 3:30 AM) 3. They have the best professors in the world. MYTH. the best professors are not equivalent to the best lecturers. Best practitioners (with great public speaking skills) are not the equivalent to the best teachers 4. Food haven! MYTH. This applies to NYU and NYU only, not MoHi (FACT: a student left CC and transferred elsewhere because of the limited food options in MoHi) 5. A world-class institution. FACT. I don't know how you can dispute this when the school name has "The City of New York" in it. Make sure you attend at least one of the World Leaders Series (generally taking place in October and April) 6. It is a small campus. FACT. But so is everything else in Manhattan 7. Do people have sex in Butler? FACT. No need to elaborate 8. Why 4 stars for Columbia but only 3 stars for my alma mater? PM me for details. XOXO, that is a secret I will never tell
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Will P.

Yelp
I was here briefly visiting the campus. It's a beautiful campus in uptown Harlem. I thought about law school here but never applied. It's by 116th street, a close and quiet neighborhood. A must visit if you're in town.
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Michael B.

Yelp
I have to say, as a New York University (NYU) alum, there has always been a friendly sense of cross town rivalry between us and our esteemed northern neighbor Columbia University. Thus (and for other reasons like it being uptown) I have never visited Columbia University until today, despite growing up in NYC. Founded by Royal Charter under the the reign of King George ,II in the "Province" of New York, Columbia University, then King's College, has been a proud and distinguished part of the New York community for hundreds of years. While I personally believe that NYU is in a hipper, more energetic part of town and we're generally cooler in that and other respects, I have to say that Columbia beats us mightily when it comes to the beauty of their distinguished campus. Ok, yes we have Washington Square Park, but technically that is public city space. I enjoyed the visit and look forward to returning and getting a better sense of its history and that of the distinguished alumni who attended there.
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Joe L.

Yelp
For the record, I've never been a student at Columbia. Two ex-girlfriends of mine are Columbia alumnae, I've been to some campus parties and alumni events, I've helped my friends move their daughter into her dorm, and I've often walked around the campus. I'll state the two obvious things about Columbia: 1--yes, it is a prestigious university. And; 2--It is outrageously expensive to study here. My review is mostly about the campus. It is an amazingly beautiful campus. I love taking photos as I walk around. It is wonderful when the flowers bloom in the spring, in the heat of summer, when the leaves change color in the fall, and in the winter. Heck, I took some wonderful photos during a really rainy, cold day. The campus is very well maintained. While you will need a student ID to enter the halls, there are a number of places open to the general public, mostly cafes and the Columbia bookstore. One of the places in the south of the campus has outlets where I can charge my phone. I'm sure I'd feel different if I were taking classes, but for me the atmosphere has been generally laid back. Campus security and students have been friendly when I've asked questions. The Columbia parties and events that I have attended have been nice, and I always felt welcome. I've always enjoyed visiting this campus, and it's a great place to hang out.
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Rima F.

Yelp
I am so happy to have discovered recently that at my alma mater I am able to come back for further education later in life. Here's how: Auditing courses is very expensive so I won't be doing that, but if you Google 'Columbia University events', you will find numerous free and fascinating lectures, seminars, and symposiums every day sponsored by an incredible variety of departments at Columbia. The other week I went to 3 events: oral histories of old Chinese leaders at the East Asian Institute, a Ukrainian documentary on Stalin's famine there in 1932-33 at the Deutches Haus, and a Harvard professor's lecture on the deep roots of slavery in the southern states and the attitudes in those areas today. Don't miss this golden opportunity to continue your education for free!!
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Jason G.

Yelp
I toured Columbia University a few years ago and was so impressed by the campus, buildings, history, and what the overall university had to offer. It's one of the premiere, top tier universities in the country and even in the world. It's also in a good area, safe, and easily accessible.
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Yanjun W.

Yelp
12.25. It is a small place but it is beautiful. We saw libraries, a gym, natural science building and some statues. The round architecture is nice and the glass is colorful. There are many Chinese visitors. It is near subway.

Samantha K.

Yelp
I called admissions to ask to be guided to the right department to speak with someone about certificate programs. The woman who answered the phone was unbelievably rude, had no knowledge, gave me an attitude, rushed me off the phone and transferred me to the operator while I was in the middle of asking a question. For such a highly admired academic institution this was disgusting. I'd give negative stars for this review if I could.
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Aleece T.

Yelp
How does one review an Ivy League? Well, to start I may be bias because I'm currently a graduate student. I love the campus. It's beautiful year around, through all the seasons, night or day. It's incredible to just walk around and look at the beautiful architecture. It's truly a charming place. If they city life is for you, then this is the best of both worlds, an Ivy League education and the urban jungle vibe.
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Wayne Y.

Yelp
I love the open feel of the central park of this campus. It's almost a surreal space in New York. There is a giant building with columns, a Greek goddess sitting with her hands up in the air. Students are sitting on the steps, reading or eating. It's bustling on a sunny day. Behind this area is actually where the learning takes place. There are nice walkways and little statues. Be bold and search for a hidden owl in the folds of the Statue's gown. It's worth it!
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Abby S.

Yelp
Expensive as you know what! Now that we have that out the way... Columbia has numerous programs to offer. All of the different schools under Columbia have different budgets due to endowments. So for example the business school is lush. They receive donations left and right so they can afford to award scholarships. Teacher college, they don't have tons of endowment but they have one heck of a respectable reputation. Take the time to understand not only the major your are interested in but also the colleges. You can major in applied analytics (statistics) in 3 different colleges -Teachers college, School of Professional Studies, and school of Engineering. Again each with different budgets (meaning different abilities to award scholarships)... Yet all under the Columbia name. Definitely trying to serve up a different perspective. Wish I had known this before I applied. It would have put things into perspective going into the program since I am attending grad school to retool...
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Winnie W.

Yelp
It is not very hard for somebody study very well, as long as one study really hard. If refer to one is admitted to Columbia this kind of university, solely relied on hard working is apparently not enough. Gift, the environment one grown up with, gene, a bit of luck, opportunity and fortune is occupied to some extent of percentages. I am so envy those students who is able to soak knowledge defiantly and expand horizon here, that is all one can desire. I crossed the pond and went on a pilgrimage to Columbia, the experience filled me up and assured myself what I was persisting for years. Learning constitute my tenure, I could not take back the time I wasted In the past, but I would "keep hunger" and try even harder in my rest of life, the dream of Be A Part of Columbia will last forever, even I were 60.

Kim Z.

Yelp
I waited decades to be invited to join the staff at Columbia University and the day finally came. I sailed thru the interviews and was on track to start on 2/13. A man from 'Talent' - not HR was tasked with managing me thru the onboarding process. He did not know his job- period. He did not know the difference between an application with an attestation for accuracy and a resume. Passing thru the background - this man JESSE - had forgotten to outline all of the Columbia Policies and at the 11th hour - I find out about his mistakes and that they could cost me my potential job. I contacted him directly as I was supposed to and began the conversation - his tone was nasty and mean - "I dont have time for this....." was his reponse to my need for help. He then proceeded to bully me over my reaching out to him and not knowing the policy he negated to ever tell me about. After 15 minutes of pure bullying - I told him I was hanging up and I hung up. There is no place for bullying in today's world. 2 days later I called again and he picked immedately back up where he left off 2 days earlier with the bullying on the phone. He went into how his job is too busy for him and that I should have just known. I continued to ask him for options and next steps - the bullying continued and just like 2 days earlier - I told him I was hanging up and I did. The next day my offer of employment was recinded - the reason given was because I hung up on the bully Jesse, they even noted it in the email that hanging up was the reason for the rescind. I wasted so many years thinking this was a GREAT place to work - the crassness, rudeness and simply unacceptable HR practises have me never wanting to join that team. Terrible - simply Terrrible. One more thing - they had been looking for a resource for 6+ months before they found me - it will be another 6 months I suspect the reason is candidates cant get past this bully!
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Stephen W.

Yelp
Save up your money, I think a year of higher education at Columbia runs more than 60K these days. The original campus (King's College) is a beautiful urban campus with iconic buildings and the feel of really smart people everywhere. The professors are top notch and you get a great education. The neighborhood has improved markedly since I was here. Before, it was jungle but now everything seems quite civilized. The undergraduate population is quite small and most of the student body are enrolled in professional programs or graduate school. We stopped by the bookstore and I stocked up on memorabilia. It's a really good college bookstore, and I thought that prices were not unreasonable.
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Crystal L.

Yelp
I'm writing this review from the perspective of a transfer student. I will probably review it again after I graduate, but this one will focus on my experience with the admissions process, my financial aid assistance, and my initial reaction to the campus. Firstly, the admissions team is incredibly supportive for transfers. I met with an admissions manager at a general FAQs session where they explained about the School of General Studies (the school which transfer students are admitted under, although they may major in any department). The office is small and it got to the point that one of the ladies recognized my voice when I would call with questions. They even called me on the phone to let me know I was accepted! A+++ in the acceptance process. I really have nothing negative to say. Transfer students don't qualify for the same type of aid, so I was extremely nervous about my financial aid package. I come from a very different background than most Columbia students, and was lucky enough to get a full tuition and fees scholarship after being admitted as a PALS Scholar. This is an AMAZING program, and I've never even heard of one like it. It basically provides financial aid for students that are traditionally underrepresented in institutions like Columbia (in my case, I was in foster care), so first-generation students, people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, people that have participated in volunteer work and leadership positions, and people that show academic promise may be eligible for this scholarship. In return, PALS scholars donate 15 hours of their time each semester in service and maintain a 3.0. Columbia accepted more of my transfer credits than any of the schools I was accepted to - 58 credits total. They've been very generous in an area that most universities lack in -- financial aid and transfer support for transfer students. The fact is, many students now begin in community colleges and then transfer to 4-year universities. I would never think an Ivy League school would cater to students that begin their education in community college, but they really do. The campus is BEAUTIFUL. My breath was just stolen and my friend even snapped a picture of my shocked face after seeing Butler Library. They have a 24/7 library -- how many schools offer that!? The university apartment housing isn't bad, either. The process can be very nerve-wracking only because the housing is limited for transfer students, so make sure you apply asap. Many students get wait-listed. The clubs look amazing and they really have something for everybody. Work-Study positions are plentiful, but make sure you don't wait until the semester begins to apply. Apply before you even get on campus. Students have been really nice to me so far. No one has treated me differently. When I visited the campus for the first time, I was definitely not dressed like a fashionista, but I don't think anyone really cared that I was wearing tights and a big shirt (hey, I had to walk 80 blocks that day!). The Morningside Heights community is excellent. If you get a chance to visit the campus, do so. It'll steal your heart.
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Srini V.

Yelp
. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ ( Yelp! Yelp! Yelp! ) ( Thank you Columbia!! ) ( Yelp! Yelp! Yelp! ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ O O ^__^ o (oo)\_______ (__)\ ) \/\ | |--------w | | | | |
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Shon F.

Yelp
I just Love Columbia, did all my undergrad & grad studies here. And I'm currently working on my Post Doc. The Professor's are Excellent and your fellow students always give you support. The Campus, Library, Bookstore !!!! I can't say enough, for a challenging education come attend Columbia University...

C R.

Yelp
In the beginning, Columbia University was called King's College, it was the FIRST university to offer a Medical Degree (M.D.) and is the 2nd ranked university in the world for winning the most Nobel Prizes. I graduated from Columbia University, but I was up at the Medical Campus on 168th street; however, I think that the downtown campus is a lot nicer. This was my most memorable academic experience. I LOVE New York City. Before I moved to NYC, I was told that New Yorkers were mean and rough, but I NEVER met a mean New Yorker. They were simply in a hurry, and didn't want to waste time. I took the subway and explored everywhere in NYC (I loved not having a car). The subway system takes some time to get used to, but is very entertaining and functional. New Yokahs are very civil, cool, confident, and classy, which made my time at Columbia University so pleasant. Out of all the universities that I have attended (I have multiple graduate degrees), Columbia is by far the most superior. The students at both the Medical Campus and downtown campus think very highly of themselves, but when you speak to them, they are polite and respectful. Columbia's acceptance rate this year (2017) is 5.8% and it's the 3rd hardest university to gain admissions to. The Columbia professors that I encountered were laid back, confident, supremely knowledgeable, and genteel. They didn't have anything to prove, because they were confidently accomplished. They never talked down to me nor were they condescending. I loved that at their level, they were humble and cool. I guess when you're a professor at Columbia and live in New York, you have practically nothing to be insecure about. I met several Physicians while I was at Columbia Medical Center for my lower back problems (I had a herniated disc), and all of them were cool, confident, and classy. I absolutely loved that Columbia doctors just spoke to me like a normal person. I loved the subtle confidence that they possessed. The Columbia students in my graduate program were singularly independent, intelligent, and polite. It was almost intimidating how impressive they were. I lived in the dorms at the Medical Center, and it was the best dorm experience I have ever had. Our dorm was like a hotel. There was security, someone to hold our mail, a pool, a gym (although not a nice gym), and I was surrounded by Columbia graduate students, so I felt safe at all times. In my classes, when students shared their opinions regarding different topics, everyone was very mature in that they never attacked one another's argument or opinions, which I greatly appreciated. How classy is that? I chose Columbia because of its reputation, its location in New York City, and the fact that I always wanted to attend Harvard/Yale/Columbia. Let's face it, New York is the best location, and that's why so many Harvard and Yale alumni want to come to NY to find jobs and live. Columbia was everything that I imagined and more. Everyone in my program at was doing something remarkable, and I knew they were all going places. They are people I would love to stay in touch with. I loved that on the weekends, I could take the A or 1 train to downtown, and see shows, have dinner, and visit countless fancy stores that I have never seen in California. I loved that New York City has businesses that only operate in Manhattan, and only ship to residents in Manhattan. It's so elitist. It's like Manhattan was its own little world. I guess when you have the best of the best on one small island, you really don't need to travel elsewhere. But of course, city life gets tiring, and it's nice to take a break sometimes. New York was truly my most memorable experience, and it'll always be my favorite city in the world. Before I moved to New York, I would always hear people say that "there's no place like New York," and I thought that was such a cliché, but TRUST ME, after living in New York, and experiencing everything, that phrase is everything BUT a cliché. It couldn't be closer to the truth. There is truly NO PLACE like New York. It IS and will ALWAYS be the center of the earth, and the best city in the world. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to live in New York, attend Columbia, and meet the people that I did. I can see why 3 former Presidents, several Supreme Court Justices, high profile prosecutors, Directors of C.D.C., and countless other influential people attended Columbia.
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Jane E.

Yelp
This is some university, attended a leadership class here few weeks back. The entire Ora is so different around the university. Had some awesome breakfast here. Met some professor here, their level of taking a class is way superior than any classes that I have ever attended.
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Moosh M.

Yelp
The campus looked really beautiful, and the building are huge and majestic. In the winter it looked really cool, and the steps were covered in salt so the snow would melt. You can take a grand picture in-front of the library, and walk around the campus looking at statues, and enjoying the scenery. The subway stations and shops and food selections are right near Columbia, so nothing was an issue. The school is also academically known, and for sure is a great school to pick.
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Heather H.

Yelp
I have a feeling that I'm going to be a University lifer. Did my undergrad at Barnard, my grad work at Columbia, and now I work here. I'm not going to touch on the academics of the University, but I can speak for it architecturally. The plan for the campus certainly stands as a masterwork of Charles McKim from McKim, Mead, and White. If you get a chance, take one of the Morningside Heights tours led by Andrew Dolkart. Eventually you'll make your way to the University and he's got a ton of information and will really get you to appreciate a place that (daily) thousands of people take for granted. I've spent many an afternoon sitting and people watching with a friend near the torcheire on the Low Library steps. I've often contemplated the out-of-placeness of Buell Hall, the only surviving building from the Bloomingdale Insane Asylum, upon the grounds of which Columbia University was built (oh how ironic). My favorite building might be St. Paul's Chapel. It's the only place where we know for sure someone is buried (the architect and his wife have their ashes interred in the south-east wall).
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Mr B.

Yelp
Spring has sprung and the students are on the quad lounging bugger than life. The backdrop in the green is truly amazing with frisbee, reading, socializing and architectural details to blow your mind. Speaking of mind - some of the brightest in the world and it is apparent! My afternoon was spent looking at the grand pillars of the library, feeling the sun warm my face, and pondering how and why such an amazing institution was built. I never concluded the thought but did realize the formidable buildings are just mere reflections of the equally impressive intellectuality floating through the air here.
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Shanda S.

Yelp
I've attended Columbia, and I've attended NYU, and let me just say, once and for all, that Columbia is no NYU. (Disclaimer: I assume that you're not picking your college by reference to Yelp reviews. Please tell me that you're not using Yelp to help you pick a school. And if you are doing that with this, please completely disregard this review.)
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L J.

Yelp
A stellar institution which has inspired so many. The campus is breathtaking and worth the visit.
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Aaron N.

Yelp
I did not attend school here, but visited the campus. What a gem found in the middle of the NYC hustle and bustle. Loved walking around the lawn, stopping for some coffee, rubbing shoulders with the world's most elite minds. Highly recommend visiting if you're in NYC.
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Kelvin P.

Yelp
They filmed Spiderman in front of Low Library and inside Hamilton Hall! Walked this nice campus during a walking tour. No official or unofficial affiliation on my part :)
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Daniel F.

Yelp
Beautiful campus and a nice area to walk around if you are just looking for sightseeing!
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Brandon G.

Yelp
The best of the ivy leagues and the best university in the world. I promise I am not biased at all (Class of 2012 - Roar Lion, Roar). Objectively speaking, of course, the campus is nice and there are many places, open to the public, to have a walk or maybe have a chat with friends. There are so many historical landmarks and great opportunities to take selfies. If you're into that sort of thing. Try to find the owl in Alma Mater's cloak or strike a pose by the Scholar's Lion statue. Occasionally, you may even see the campus being used to film a scene from the next Oscar-winning movie, which is always lit. Take advantage of a few of the cafes that are opened to the public and the bookstore.
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Fei L.

Yelp
Looks nice! Outdated facility is well managed. However, still clumsy if you use them every day. People are nice though.
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Maya V.

Yelp
This is the University I attend. I love it so much. It can be very stressful at times, but it has a great relationship with the city around it and a fantastic amount of diversity within its students.
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Tiffany B.

Yelp
Love this campus. My dad's alma mater. Beautiful campus, Rodin sculpture, the bench I love that has the word "LOVE" on it (great for photo opps). This would be a great place for an instagram meet up. Love it.
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Jason W.

Yelp
I have been coming here the past 10 years to attend many business functions, conferences and seminars. This week, I attended a couple of business meetings and seminars. As usual, Columbia took care of all its guest speakers and VIPS like gold. A world class University that knows how to treat people well. Columbia always has the red carpet rolled out for you even though you may not be a red carpet VIP. Thanks again for another great time!
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Teresa B.

Yelp
Stepping on to the historical grounds of Columbia University made me realize that I have achieved a goal in my life that is incomparable. From a trailer park to the sublime can best describe my experience. Through all of the obstacles I have faced, and the accomplishments that overcame those circumstances, I realize that my life was meant to bring me here.
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Natasha S.

Yelp
Circa 199_ -- __. Time Very Well Spent. Were else can you go to school and: * your assignment is (should you choose to accept it): -interview Prof. Charles V. Hamilton (Co-Author with Stokely Carmichael of the pivotal 60s' book Black Power) for your America in the 60s class -evaluate works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for your Art Humanities and Asian Art classes -write a paper on Elektra being performed at the Met -see and write about Les Miz for your Music Humanities course (with Debbie Gibson as Eponine) -take historic walks around the city for your History of New York class *your perks are: -free admission to MOMA! (well, back then) -NYC as your classroom (see above) and playground -discounts galore -- tkts, musicals, theater, shows, dance, NYT... -taking Music in the U.S. with Tom Kitt (songwriter of, among other things, High Fidelity) also in your class -interning for Mayor Dinkins' Speechwriting division -seeing Billboards (the Joffrey ballet performance to Prince's music), Alvin Ailey...for the first time... -MOMA, Guggenheim, Frick Collection, all night diners, H&H, Top of the Sixes, Grey's papaya, Central Park, the Tunnel, Limelight, the Palladium........ *your extracurrics may be: -yakking over coffee with then dean of the college Jack Greenberg, who co-argued Brown v. Board of Ed. for the NAACP with Thurgood Marshall -watching the filming of The Autobiography on campus -protesting something...at least once Oh and here's a current plug: Barack Obama was here. Class of '83.
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Erik C.

Yelp
Taken on the whole, Columbia is my favorite university at which I've studied. What makes me like Columbia so much is how compact the campus is, and how many resources it stuffs into that little area. Just to give you one of a hundred examples: I needed to quickly edit some audio for a job application to a radio station. I called computing services and boom, right there on the 7th floor of a building right next to me is the music library which has a bunch of computers with audio editing software. At other universities I've studied at, I'd either have to take a 15 minute bike ride to get to the music department (Stanford) or there wouldn't be any audio editing software because they don't have a music department (University of Paris-Descartes) or the audio editing software would be restricted to music students (University of Cologne). The other great thing about this compactness is that you're constantly running into people you know. The Morningside Heights campus really only has one or two main quads which everyone passes through. So there's a lot more chance of random interaction with friends and colleagues than at other schools, which are sometimes sprawling across a city or a countryside. Columbia is, of course, in New York. This means you have access to all the city has to offer, too. That's an obvious plus. It's also a minus, though, in that New York can be an exhausting and sometimes dangerous place. I think that key to being happy at Columbia is having a good residence, a place that you can retreat to and really relax.
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DJ P.

Yelp
This school has some of the most arrogant staff and equally arrogant students. I was accepted here and declined after one visit. I was excited after having heard such good things about this school but once I spoke to students and staff, it became very clear that I was mistaken. DO NOT GO HERE!! It's wayyy overrated, overpriced, and not worth it.
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Pam K.

Yelp
I go to school here and I breathe in the Ivy League air every time I'm on campus. Suck a noodle.
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Adrian O.

Yelp
Ahh! Columbia. I love this university! There's nothing bad I can say about Columbia. Because guess what? It's Columbia. No, but really, the campus is gorgeous. I'm currently a part-time student here and it's been so lovely. My professors are great, the classes are stimulating, and it's just a hop skip and a bus ride away from my home. I can't wait until they decorate the campus for the winter. I'm considering Columbia for graduate school and that's a big deal because Columbia ain't cheap, girl! We'll see how it goes (aka, if I can even get in!). XO