Commuting To Columbia: The Student Experience

Columbia University in New York City offers a range of commuting options for its students. The University's transportation services provide shuttle routes, including commuter shuttles, and partner with public transportation services to ensure students can easily travel to and from campus. The University also offers guidance on off-campus housing options, with proximity to campus being a key criterion for students. While some students opt for a longer commute of up to 40 minutes, others prefer to live within walking distance or a short subway or bus ride away. The University's pre-college programs also allow students to commute, with about 40% of participants choosing this option.

Columbia University's shuttle services

Columbia University provides a range of shuttle services for its students and staff. These services are available to qualifying individuals and are free to use. All shuttles are wheelchair accessible and free for people with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with service animals. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and all riders must present their Columbia ID.

Intercampus Shuttle

The Intercampus Shuttle connects the Morningside Campus with the Manhattanville and CU Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) campuses, as well as Harlem Hospital. It operates from Monday to Saturday, excluding University holidays. This shuttle can be tracked on the Columbia Transportation website and via the Passio Go! mobile app.

George Washington Bridge/Fort Lee Shuttle

The George Washington Bridge/Fort Lee shuttle provides transportation from the CU Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) Campus to Parker Plaza in Fort Lee, with connections to the Intercampus Shuttle for service to Harlem Hospital and the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. This shuttle operates Monday through Friday, excluding University holidays. It can also be tracked on the Columbia Transportation website and via the Passio Go! mobile app.

Lamont Shuttle

The Lamont Shuttle connects the Morningside Campus with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. It operates Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday service, and does not run on University holidays. The Lamont Shuttle can be tracked on the Columbia Transportation website and via the Passio Go! mobile app.

Manhattanville Loop Shuttle

The Manhattanville Loop Shuttle provides transportation between frequently visited locations on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses.

On-Demand Evening Shuttle

Columbia University has partnered with Public Safety and Via to provide an on-demand transportation service as an alternative to walking alone at night. This service is available within defined operating hours and location boundaries and can be requested using a smartphone.

Public transport options

Columbia University in New York offers a range of public transport options for students, staff, and faculty members to get to and between its campuses. The Columbia Transportation system is a network of fare-free buses that serve the Columbia University community. The shuttle buses connect different campuses, including Morningside, Manhattanville, Medical Center, and Harlem Hospital. The Intercampus Shuttle, for instance, connects the Morningside Campus with the Manhattanville and CU Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) campuses, as well as Harlem Hospital. This shuttle operates Monday through Friday, excluding University holidays, and can be tracked on the Passio Go! mobile app.

The George Washington Bridge/Fort Lee Shuttle provides transportation between the CU Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) Campus and the George Washington Bridge, continuing on to Fort Lee. This shuttle also operates Monday through Friday, excluding University holidays, and can be tracked on the Passio Go! app.

The Lamont Shuttle connects the Morningside Campus with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. This shuttle operates Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday service, and does not run on University holidays. This shuttle can also be tracked via the Passio Go! app.

In addition to the shuttles, Columbia University offers an on-demand evening transportation service in partnership with Public Safety and Via. This service provides a safe alternative to walking alone at night. It operates within defined hours and location boundaries and is a free transportation option.

Columbia Transportation shuttles implement health and safety precautions, including mandatory face coverings and capacity limits to ensure physical distancing. The university also offers staggered start and leave times to reduce density and minimise the use of public transit during rush hours.

The university's policy on first-year students living on campus

Columbia University in New York requires all first-year students to live on campus unless they have approval from Residential Life to commute from the home of their parent(s) or guardian. First-year students are also prohibited from living in fraternity or sorority housing at any time during their first year.

There are five different housing options available to first-year students: Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, John Jay Hall, Wallach Hall, and Hartley Hall. Students are placed in residence halls in the First-Year Area, which is conveniently located near Butler Library, Alfred Lerner Hall, John Jay Dining Hall, JJ's Place, and Columbia Health.

The application process for on-campus housing typically begins in early April, and housing assignment notifications are sent via email by July. Students who wish to commute must submit a request to Residential Life and provide documentation of their living arrangements, including direct adult supervision by family members or family friends.

Overall, the majority of Columbia University students live on campus, with approximately 88% in campus housing and 12% commuting or living off-campus. The university encourages students to reside on campus, especially during their first year, to foster a sense of community and provide a convenient connection to the Columbia community.

Details of the First-Year Housing Options

First-year students at Columbia University have five residence halls to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Here are the details of each option:

• Carman Hall: Carman Hall is one of the largest residence halls at Columbia, known for its vibrant social atmosphere. It offers double and triple occupancy rooms and features a spacious lounge and kitchen on each floor.
• Furnald Hall: Furnald Hall is located in the heart of campus and is known for its beautiful architecture. It offers single, double, and triple occupancy rooms, and each floor has a lounge and kitchenette.
• John Jay Hall: John Jay Hall is conveniently located near the dining hall and is known for its strong sense of community. It offers single, double, and triple occupancy rooms, and each floor has a lounge and kitchen.
• Wallach Hall: Wallach Hall is known for its suite-style living, with single and double occupancy rooms arranged in suites of six to eight students. Each suite has a common area and bathroom.
• Hartley Hall: Hartley Hall primarily houses sophomore students but also accommodates some first-year students. It offers single, double, and triple occupancy rooms, and it is known for its quiet and studious environment.

Students can indicate their preference for a particular hall during the housing application process, and assignments are made based on a range of factors. The university strives to accommodate students' preferences while ensuring a diverse and balanced community in each residence hall.

The average commute time to campus

The average commute time to Columbia University's campus is dependent on a variety of factors, including mode of transport, time of day, and the distance from campus. The ideal commute time for students is generally considered to be around 30 minutes, with 40 minutes being the maximum desirable time spent travelling to campus.

Students who choose to commute to Columbia University by walking benefit from the convenience of living within close proximity to the campus. The general rule of thumb is that it takes approximately 2 minutes to walk one New York City block and 5 minutes to walk one avenue. As such, students residing in the Upper West Side, Manhattan Valley, Upper Manhattan, or Morningside Heights can expect a relatively shorter commute time compared to those living further away.

For those commuting by subway, the Red 1, Blue A, C, and Orange B lines provide convenient access to the campus. Living near these subway lines ensures a commute time of around 30 minutes or less. Students residing as far north as 181st Street or as far south as 66th Street on the west side of Manhattan can easily reach campus by utilising these subway options.

Commuting by bus offers a viable alternative, particularly for those living east of campus in areas like East Harlem. While this area may be considered less desirable due to its reputation for being "sketchy" and having a higher concentration of "riff-raff", it does provide more affordable housing options. Living along the 116th Street and 125th Street crosstown buses ensures a commute time within the desirable 30-minute range.

Additionally, for students with a higher budget, luxury apartments near Columbia University are also an option. These apartments, defined by amenities such as elevators and doormen, can provide a comfortable and convenient commute experience. However, the cost of renting a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in these buildings starts at a minimum of $2300 per month.

It is worth noting that some students opt for longer commutes, such as those travelling from Brooklyn or Astoria. However, these commutes can be quite challenging, with travel times of up to an hour each way.

The areas and locations around Columbia University

Columbia University is located in the Upper Manhattan neighbourhood of Morningside Heights. The main entrance to the Morningside campus is at 116th Street and Broadway, and the campus occupies more than six city blocks, or 32 acres. The campus is primarily boxed off by the streets of Amsterdam Avenue, Broadway, 114th Street, and 120th Street, with some buildings, including Barnard College, located just outside this area. The nearest major highway is the Henry Hudson Parkway, around 3.4 miles south of the George Washington Bridge.

The Morningside campus is served by the 1 train on the New York City Subway, which stops at 116th Street-Columbia University. The M4, M104, and M60 buses stop on Broadway, while the M11 bus stops on Amsterdam Avenue.

The university has three other campuses in New York City. The Manhattanville campus is located in an industrial neighbourhood north of Morningside Heights, stretching from 125th Street to 133rd Street. The Columbia University Medical Center is a 20-acre campus in Washington Heights, 50 blocks north of Morningside. The Baker Field sports facilities are located on the northern tip of Manhattan island, in the Inwood neighbourhood.

Columbia also has a fourth campus outside of the city, a 157-acre site in Palisades, New York, called the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Earth Institute.

Frequently asked questions