Student life

Extracurricular

First years typically sign up for at least a dozen clubs at the activities fair in September. However, within a few months, most settle upon two or three clubs, which they tend to pursue throughout their remaining time at Columbia. Commitment varies widely. Varsity Sports, Club Sports, and student publications can consume more time than schoolwork for some students.

Daily life

Many if not most students read the Columbia Spectator every day. Many also check the The Bwog and perhaps another Columbia blog. Large numbers at least flick through The Blue and White and The Fed every month.

Nightlife

A large proportion of students, like at any Ivy League university, have no life. For the rest of us, there's lots to do. There are many restaurants in the surrounding Morningside Heights neighborhood. First years take particular joy in patronizing these restaurants because they're usually sick of their meal plan at John Jay Dining Hall and the other on-campus dining locations. There are also several bars in the area.

Once they get bored of the neighborhood, many students start heading to downtown bars and restaurants, such as near NYU. There are plenty of concerts throughout the city, and notably, lots of opera at the Lincoln Center.

Social life

Most of your initial friends will be the people living on your residence hall floor.