In the midst of the bustling city of New York and less than a mile away from Times Square, the students of Columbia University have the privilege to enjoy the fast-paced experience of living in New York City while attending one of the most distinguished schools in the nation.

“Since it’s NYC and [our dorm building] is 13 stories, some people have really pretty views of the city, [some students] can see the Empire State and a lot of the NYC skyline,” says Emily Hsia, a Saratoga High alumna who graduated in 2011.

Hsia, during her college tour the summer before her senior year, fell in love with Columbia due to its convenient location and relatively small student body.

With only 4,300 students, nearly 80 percent of all classes Columbia offers to undergraduates contain fewer than 20 people. Because of this, classes are more productive and efficient.
The energy of the nightlife in New York City is also clearly displayed on campus. People can even be seen walking through school around midnight.

“Whenever I make late night coffee runs at 1 or even 2, Starbucks still has a long line from other Columbia students staying up late as well,” Hsia says.

For dining, food carts are a popular choice among Columbia students because New York City has them on almost every block, making them a quick and easy option for meals.

Unlike other schools located in the area, where students might have to walk a couple blocks to and from their dorms or classes, Columbia has a centralized campus.

Because of this, Hsia often bumps into her friends on the way to her classes.

“The students here definitely work and study hard, but we also make sure we make the time to enjoy the college experience when we’re not working,” Hsia said.