Student Life at Columbia University: What It’s Like to Live in New York City
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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
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!
- 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
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.
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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 |
|
Students who prefer a minimalist lifestyle value affordability and low maintenance |
| Ensuite Rooms |
|
Students who prioritize privacy, convenience, and a more personalized space |
| Shared Apartments |
|
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
Northwest Missouri State University expects a cumulative GPA of 2 for UG programs and 3 for PG programs on a scale of 4. GPA is one of the top factors when considering students for university admissions. Along with GPA, the university expects a student to provide high school transcripts from previously attended university or school, standardized test scores, English language proficiency test scores, and more. In addition, students with relevant experience in the chosen field are preferred over the studious students.
India had around 1,241 students at Columbia, by Fall 2024, the second the largest international community of students, behind only China (6,463). Of these, around 72 were enrolled in UG, 1,153 in graduate, and 16 in non-degree courses at Columbia Uni.
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A score of 26 is a great start. Most good universities in United States generally look for student scores between 28 and 30. While the very best schools often expect a 33 or even higher. Always prepare well for it.