Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher education in the state of New York, and Columbia is still committed to supporting and engaging students, families and schools across New York City today. We are proud of our many longstanding 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. Undergraduate Admissions welcomes New Yorkers as vital members of our diverse campus community.
Events for New Yorkers
We hope you'll meet some of our admissions officers as they travel across the boroughs 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.
Higher Education Opportunity Program Information Session
Monday, October 6, 7:00 p.m. Eastern
The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), established by the New York State Legislature in 1969, provides eligible resident students with academic and financial support. This session will discuss HEOP at Columbia, as part of the Academic Success Programs (ASP), as well as academic programs, student life, admissions and financial aid.
Arts Capital of the World
Group information session with Barnard, Columbia, Fordham, Juilliard and NYU
Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 p.m. Eastern
Barnard College, Columbia University, Fordham University, The Juilliard School, and New York University are coming together to present to you their institutions, and what each one has to offer when it comes to the arts and beyond. You will hear about how you can pursue your creative focus, in and out of the classroom, and how you will be able to utilize the wealth of artistic and creative opportunities that New York City has to offer.
Introduction to Multicultural Life: New York
Wednesday, October 29, 7:00 p.m. Eastern
Join Columbia Undergraduate Admissions to learn about community at Columbia and hear firsthand from current undergraduate students from New York City. This session will focus on multicultural life and resources at Columbia, including transitional support, our residential campus in Morningside Heights and the broader community of New York City, as well as student success resources from Multicultural Affairs and the Center for Career Education.
Meet Some of Columbia's Local New Yorkers
student:
Edgardo
Z.
Queens
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:
Kayla
J.
Brooklyn
English, Psychology
Even though I've lived in the city my whole life, I still get lost quite frequently, and I discovered one of my favorite spots in the city on a trip to a downtown cafe for a study session with my friends. We got off at the wrong stop and decided to walk instead, and ended up finding a really quaint part of lower Manhattan where we could sit around and chat.
student:
Arpita
S.
Queens
Civil Engineering, Minor in Sustainable Engineering
I chose to attend Columbia because I am a native New Yorker who loves being in the city, and the environment just felt like the right fit because of all the opportunities that New York has to offer, both academically and professionally. It is never a boring time here, and you are just one subway ride away from the Freedom Tower or the Vessel.
student:
Alyssa
S.
Staten Island
Creative Writing, Psychology
My favorite memory as a student so far was taking four of my friends on the Staten Island ferry for one of their birthdays. We got a beautiful view of the ocean and got to see the Statue of Liberty for completely free of charge. Since I am from Staten Island, it felt like such a sentimental moment that I was able to share a piece of my home with the friends I made in college in a completely new chapter of my life.
student:
Roey
N.
The Bronx
History, Italian
I adore living in NYC for the many opportunities it presents. Though I have lived here for my entire life, I still feel as though I am discovering the city for the first time! Two of my favorite experiences being a student in NYC are the trips I've taken to the Met to see the works of art we discussed in Literature Humanities, as well as having the ability to work part-time at a wealth management firm downtown and pursue my post-college professional interests in that way.
student:
Angel
L.
Manhattan
Neuroscience and Behavior
As a NYC resident, I knew that I wanted to attend college in an urban setting that I could explore outside of my class time. I also didn't want to compromise on having a residential college campus experience. Columbia is able to carefully balance the two, with its quaint Columbia bubble in Morningside Heights while also having the rest of NYC at your fingertips.
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
