New York University and Columbia University

  New York City, New York, United States
Sunday, August 10, 2008

   It was an early morning for the Switzers today. We got up at 6am to make sure we caught the bus at 6:56 to the New Haven train station, where we grabbed a doughnut and coffee and boarded the 7:55 train to NYC.

Grand Central Station and Chrysler Building

We got to Grand Central Station right on time, but then it took about thirty minutes walking the same two blocks back and forth trying to find the right place to catch a bus to NYU down by the Village.

Grand Central Station 2

After aggravating any number of bus drivers and bus riders, we finally found the bus we needed to be on. Of course, on the way, we saw that a woman on her morning run was traveling faster through the New York streets than we were.

Grand Central Station 4

      NYU was in the middle of the action, right next to Washington Square and just a block from Greenwich Village. We stopped by the Visitor's Center and spoke with a student, who gave us details about the college. More on that later.

New York University 3

     We left the visitor's center, did some more needless backtracking on our quest to find the university bookstore and then a used bookstore (I have yet to get my summer reading book I need by Friday), and grabbed a tasty but slow lunch at the Dojo Cafe--a restaurant which had surprisingly reasonable prices, even by SC standards. As a lowly and indebted college student, I certainly would not go hungry in New York City. 

Shakespeare Books

     After even more backtracking and worry (there were a number of naughty boutiques on the way), we found the subway station to take us straight to Columbia University where, as was becoming custom, we were late for the information session. We really learned everything we needed to know, though, on the student-led tour, a two-hour walk around the beautiful and quiet campus. I was quite impressed.

Columbia University 1

   It had so far been a long and exciting day--by this point, we were not only perspiring, but expiring. We took a quick peak into next-door Barnard College and, before we could get confronted by security guards or fainting spells, we found ourselves in Oren's Daily Roast, the coffee shop our tour-guide recommended as the best near campus. Mmm, coffee and chai and chocolate. Definitely on today's trip, C was the letter of the day.

Columbia University 10

Barnard College 1

    We hit some more bookstores, and I had no luck finding my book. Everybody gives me the weirdest look  and asks me to repeat myself when I ask, "Do you have Beethoven's Hair?" We took the subway back toward Grand Central, walked through the billions of tourists and lights in Times Square, picked up some goodies at a bakery, and finally settled into the leather seats on the train back to New Haven with a good book and college guides.

New York University 2

Shelby's College Ratings:
NYU

New York University 1

Campus: Nice buildings, in the middle of the bustle of NYC, but still by tall trees and a park. Not the most exciting, but certainly not undesirable. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Washington Square Park

Academics: Good options, free language courses for over 22 languages, study abroad. I couldn't get too much more information about classes and flexibility, so I'll have to grade a bit low on this one. Score: 3.5 out of 5
Financial: Didn't ask about tuition, but living costs range from $10k to $18k a year. The student said there was aid, but not much. Score: 2.5 out of 5
Other: Good pricing of food around campus, dorms available for all undergrads. In NYC, so probably lots of intern options available. Good writing program (so I hear). Score: 4 out of 5.
Average score: 3.375 / 5

Columbia

Columbia University 19

Campus: Quiet and like a sanctuary in Manhattan, nice buildings, but ultimately a bit cold because no trees. Score: 4 out of 5

Columbia University 8

Academics: Very flexible, over 2000 courses and over 40 languages, does have a core curriculum, lots of research and intern opportunities. Score 4.5 out of 5
Financial: $50k a year but lots of aid, work-study options, and grants; no loans. Score: 4.5 out of 5
Other: Overall environment seemed more focused on study and learning than some other schools. Dorms and food leave a bit to be desired. Score: 4 out of 5
Average Score: 4.25 / 5