Living in New York
Columbia University is located in New York City, the largest and most unique urban center in the United States. The vast landscape of NYC offers opportunity for students explore all of the interests while pursuing their graduate studies. Below are some resources to help you navigate this vast landscape that they call the "Big Apple". Welcome to New York!
Transportation:
New York has an extensive public transportation system that runs 24 hours per day. With stops at 110th, 116th, and 125th and Broadway, the MTA’s 1 train passes directly through Morningside Heights providing easy access to downtown and the outer boroughs of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. There are also many bicycle paths close to campus. New York’s bike share program, Citibike, has stations all around Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. The University also provides an intercampus shuttle for transportation between the Morningside Campus, the Medical Campus, and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades.
Most department members do not own cars, but street parking is more readily available near Columbia and the surrounding neighborhoods than it is in other parts of the city. Students who plan on bringing a car should be aware that there is street sweeping twice per week, and should familiarize themselves with the alternate side parking rules in order to avoid parking tickets. For more information about traveling to the Columbia campus see our Visitor Information or visit Columbia’s Transportation website.
Groceries:
There are many grocery stores, delis and bodegas in Morningside Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods. Morton Williams is located directly across from campus at 115th and Broadway. West Side Market at 110th and Broadway has an excellent produce and prepared foods sections. Fairway Market, right next to the Hudson river just north of 125th St. at 12th Ave, is one of the largest grocery stores in Manhattan, and features an entire chilled section for milk, eggs, meat and more complete with parkas for more cold-sensitve patrons. Appletree deli and market at 120th and Amsterdam has staples and a limited produce section along with a full service salad and sandwich bar.
Arts and Culture:
Check out the Columbia Arts Initiative for Columbia discounts on NYC events and cultural offerings!
Check out Broadway Box for Student Rush Tickets!
Bryant Park Movies in the Park Series
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Students 12 and up can gain admission to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden, home to abundant cherry blossoms in spring, for $16. Free admission available for all on winter weekdays and select Fridays, which might suit students at Medgar Evers and Brooklyn College looking for some serenity amidst their studies.
Carnegie Hall: The renowned performance venue, located in Midtown West, offers several ways for students to experience instrumental music and other events. Most student tickets are $10, available in advance and on the day of the performance. Details on the Carnegie Hall Student Insider program here.
Lincoln Center: The legendary performing arts complex, brimming with film, ballet, and live jazz, sells select tickets at a discount to students. Details here for this Upper West Side institution.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers one of the best museum discounts in the city, with all students only paying $17 for their visit. If you are a NY, NJ, or CT student, you’re even eligible for pay-what-you-wish admission, which you can purchase in-person at The Met.
The Museum of Modern Art offers students discounted tickets at $17, so that means you can see iconic works like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and Andy Warhol’s “Campbell Soup Cans” for less than 20 dollars. They also host UNIQLO Free Friday Nights if you want to go with your non-student friends / complimentary access.
The Museum of Natural History- Get up close and personal with the natural world at AMNH, who offers New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut residents and students (with ID) pay what you wish for general admission (only) with a suggested donation of $20 for students. Non-resident students can enjoy $22 general admission tickets. You can also add on ticketed exhibits for around $4 – $7. See the full pricing and grab tickets here.
Brooklyn Museum: At Brooklyn Museum, student 20+ pay $14 general admission, ages 13-19, FREE. Ticketed exhibits, $17 (both groups.)
Museum of the Moving Image: Study the history of film and television at this museum in Astoria, Queens. Student tickets are $12 (ages 18+), and everyone gets in free Thursdays, 2-6pm.
Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue: This National Historic Landmark is a restored treasure on the Lower East Side, notable for its celestial blue stained glass window and importance in Jewish American history. Students pay $10 daily, and Monday and Friday admission are Pay What You Wish.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: Walk up the spiral staircase at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed art museum on the Upper East Side. Students pay $12 online /$19 at door, daily, while Saturdays are Pay What You Wish for all, 6-8pm.
Whitney Museum of American Art: Students pay $24 at this Meatpacking District museum, which showcases the work of living artists. Pay What You Wish hours are Fridays, 7-10pm.
Dance, Fitness & Sports