Student Life at Columbia University: What It’s Like to Live in New York City
clickHere

Student Life at Columbia University: What It’s Like to Live in New York City

2 mins read81 Views Comment
Talk to Expert Icon BlueTalk to Expert
clickHere
Updated on Nov 25, 2025 17:33 IST
NYC offers a vibrant and culturally rich student life, with the presence of some of the best universities in USA, diverse courses, better research opportunities, and the possibility of working at some of the best companies in the world. In this article, we’ll primarily be talking about student life in Columbia University in the city of New York.

Home to over 1.2 million international students, New York City, also known as the “Big Apple” and “City That Never Sleeps”, is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and offers a vibrant mix of communities.

New York City

New York City

Known for famous landmarks including Times Square and Statue of Liberty NYC is also a global hub of fashion and technology. Some of the best universities in the world located here in the city. Columbia University and New York University are among them.

In this article, we’ll primarily be talking about student life in Columbia University in the city of New York. So folks, fasten your seatbelts, let’s dive in!

Table of contents
  • Student Life in New York
  • Student Life at Columbia University
  • Types of Student Housing in New York
  • Average Rent in New York
  • Other NYC Neighborhoods You Should Avoid
  • NYC Neighborhood
  • Crime Rate per 100k people
View More

Student Life in New York

NYC offers culturally rich student life, with the presence of some of the best universities in USA, diverse courses, better research opportunities, and the possibility of working at some of the best companies in the world, post-graduation, such as Google, IBM, Deloitte, American Express, and JPMorgan Chase and Co. The city subway runs 24 hours a day.







Student Life at Columbia University

Columbia University USA is part of the top 10 universities in USA, and is home to over 1,200 Indian students. Students can choose from more than 100 degree options across prominent fields of study. The university faculty comprises several Nobel Prize winners that is always there to guide its students, while the Morningside Heights campus plays host to the largest athletics program in New York City.  

In their free time, students are spotted hanging around cafes, restaurants, and food trucks on the university campus.

Columbia graduates land high-paying jobs after their studies, with an average annual salary figure standing at USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr).

Amazon, Morgan Stanley, and Barclays are some other top companies, in addition to the ones mentioned above, that recruit students from Columbia University.

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


Types of Student Housing in New York

While there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to housing near universities in New York City, the three main options include Studio Apartment, Ensuite Rooms, and Shared Apartments.

Type of Accommodation

What to Expect

Ideal For

Studio Apartment

  • Combined Living and Sleeping Area
  • Compact Kitchen
  • Separate Bathroom
  • Limited Privacy

Students who prefer a minimalist lifestyle value affordability and low maintenance

Ensuite Rooms

  • Direct Access to the Hallway via the bedroom
  • A private bathroom
  • More Spacious than shared apartments
  • Better Privacy

Students who prioritize privacy, convenience, and a more personalized space

Shared Apartments

  • Better Social Life
  • Shared Responsibilities
  • Better Affordability
  • Reduced Privacy

Students seeking to reduce the cost of living, develop social connections, and learning new skills and culture







Average Rent in New York

Given a detailed breakdown of the average rent in New York per month for different room types:

Type of Accommodation

Average Monthly Rent (in USD)

Average Monthly Rent (in INR)

Studio Apartment

USD 3,263

INR 2.84 L

Ensuite Rooms

USD 1,000-USD 1,500

INR 87 K-INR 1.3 L

Shared Apartments

USD 1,550

INR 1.34 L

Note: The above information is taken from multiple online sources and is therefore subject to variation.

Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 87.05

Other NYC Neighborhoods You Should Avoid

The locations listed below have mild crime rates; some of these places still house students studying in local colleges and universities.

However, if possible, try and avoid the following locations, as issues of gang violence, theft, and illegal businesses are also prevalent here:

NYC Neighborhood

Crime Rate per 100k people

Jamaica, Queens

3,688

East New York

3,271

East Harlem

2,671

Source of Crime Rates: uHomes and Building Security Services and Systems

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is Illinois Urbana Champaign hard to get into?
A: 

With 42% acceptance rate, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is hard to get into for Indian students. The below moderate percentage shows that the university follows tough admission process to select students. Some of the factors consider by the university are transcripts, test scores, involvement in extracurricular activities, work experience, and English language requirements.

Q:   Where is OSU Oklahoma?
A: 

Oklahoma State University is located in Northeast Oklahoma, Stillwater. It is just 60 miles from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. It is a land-grant institution with more than 35,000 students across a five-campus system. The nearest airport is Stillwater Regional Airport (SWO) The total number of students at this university is 26,805. Students at this university hail from 100+ countries.

Q:   What is the best ranked course at CMU University USA?
A: 

Computer Science and Engineering is the best ranking course offered at Carnegie Mellon Uni. It is one of the top 3 universities in US for CSE. CMU university Pittsburgh ranks #3 in the country for its CS program, as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.

Given below is how some of its other popular courses rank on a country-level.

CourseRank in the US
BBA#7
Electrical Engineering#8
Mechanical Engineering#10
RecommendationView All

Explore top universities in USA

188 courses
22.42 L - 1.09 Cr
Harvard University

Cambridge, MassachusettsPrivate

112 courses
18.47 L - 84.04 L
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MassachusettsPrivate

114 courses
38.91 L - 1.22 Cr
Stanford University

Stanford, CaliforniaPrivate

137 courses
27.63 L - 1.38 Cr
Columbia University

New York, New YorkPrivate

368 courses
21.93 L - 1.29 Cr
University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CaliforniaPublic

202 courses
24.59 L - 67.29 L
Cornell University

Ithaca, New YorkPrivate

191 courses
19.27 L - 1.26 Cr
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaPrivate

243 courses
15.88 L - 84.28 L
Yale University

New Haven, ConnecticutPrivate

197 courses
0 - 81.34 L
The University of Chicago

Chicago, IllinoisPrivate

115 courses
21.09 L - 1.08 Cr
Is this recommendation relevant?
Which stage are you in your study abroad journey?

Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.

Research IconStarting research
Shortlist IconShortlisting colleges
Exam IconExam preparation
SopLor IconSOP/LOR writing
Scholarship IconScholarship & finance
Visa IconVisa application
About the Author
author-image
Written by

Akash Gaur, a BTech grad from Ghaziabad, is working as a Content Writer at Shiksha.com. In his role as a Study Abroad expert, Akash takes care of key pages for colleges and universities abroad. He creates, updates,

Read Full Bio
Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments