Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher education in New York, and Columbia is still committed to supporting and engaging students, families and schools across New York State today. We have a longstanding commitment to partnerships in our community—from faculty members who are among the most eminent scholars of Harlem history and culture, to thousands of students serving and learning in programs that improve the quality of life in New York through healthcare and mentorship. Undergraduate Admissions is proud to support and welcome New Yorkers as part of our diverse campus community.
Events for New Yorkers
We hope you'll meet some of our admissions officers as they travel across New York State to meet students at high schools and community-based organizations this fall. And, of course, you're always welcome to visit us for a campus tour. But we also host a variety of virtual programs and events that we hope our New York students will take advantage of to learn more about Columbia and our relationship to New York City. Check out some of our upcoming events for New Yorkers below.
Arts Capital of the World
Group information session with Barnard, Columbia, Fordham, Juilliard and NYU
Sunday, October 6, 9:00 a.m. Eastern
Join admissions representatives from five NYC colleges and universities to learn more about resources and opportunities in the arts at this virtual program.
Financial Aid Information Session
Thursday, October 10, 6:00 p.m. Eastern
Join staff from Columbia Financial Aid & Educational Financing to walk through the financial aid application process and learn more about Columbia's need-based, need-blind and full-need-met policies at this virtual event.
Introduction to Multicultural Life: New York
Wednesday, October 30, 7:00 p.m. Eastern
This virtual program will highlight community at Columbia, transitional support to academic life, Columbia’s campus and life in New York City. Admissions officers will also discuss holistic admissions and affordability.
Meet Some of Columbia's Local New Yorkers
student:
Edgardo
Z
Queens, NY
History, Statistics
"I have taken advantage of many different financial resources at Columbia, such as the Dean's Student Assistance Fund for buying a new winter coat. I also used subsidized MetroCards from the Student Council to travel to different parts around the city to get food and visit museums."
student:
Kira
R.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
History, Special Program in Public Health
"Growing up close to New York, I knew just how much this city had to offer students, but living here is an entirely different experience. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and there were so many resources in place during New Student Orientation Program to help us. My residence hall floor became particularly close quickly and it made Columbia and NYC feel like home fast."
student:
Angel
L.
New York, NY
Neuroscience and Behavior
"I knew I wanted to go to Columbia having lived in New York City my entire life. There's no place on earth I'd rather be, and I knew I could continue exploring New York City and all that it has to offer."
student:
Roey
N.
New York, NY
Political Science, Special Concentration in Business Management
"Since I'm a NY sports fan, I have greatly enjoyed taking my friends to Madison Square Garden and Yankee Stadium to show them the incredible sports atmosphere in the city. I also love exploring new neighborhoods and their unique cuisines, from Chinatown to Little Italy to Koreatown."
student:
Hope
H.
Bergen, NY
Mechanical Engineering
"Transitioning from my small rural town to a large urban school like Columbia was different than I expected. I was worried about making friends, fitting in and, honestly, affording city life. However, I was welcomed with open arms into the community. I met so many amazing people within my first weeks here and then settled into the groups and clubs that I felt the most at home in."
student:
Arpita
S.
Queens, NY
Civil Engineering
"I chose Columbia because I'm a native New Yorker who loves being in the city. The environment just felt like the right fit because of all opportunities that New York has to offer. It is never a boring time here, and you are just one subway ride away from the Freedom Tower or the Vessel."
student:
Sarah
B.
Albany, NY
Computer Science, Minor in Political Science
"Going to college in New York City means that each day has the opportunity to be an adventure. Recently I had the opportunity to work a shift at my on-campus job, go to three classes, spend a few hours in the library, and go to a FREE live taping of a late night talk show all in a single day!"
Connecting Columbia with New York
Columbia Neighbors is where the university connects with its local community, its new friends and neighbors, anyone who looks to the diversity of ideas and experiences in our community and sees the possibility for shared growth, being of service, and connection. Check out the dedicated website for local resources and programs, community news and public events.
Our campus is located specifically on the island of Manhattan, which means "island of many hills" in the language of the Lenni Lenape people. We recognize that Manhattan is part of the ancestral and traditional homeland of the Lenni Lenape and Wappinger people, who are still active members of our community throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Learn more by watching this video.
Learn More About Columbia
