Janice Lozano
Columbia University offers a plethora of fun activities for students to engage in. From the annual Varsity Show, a series of performances written and performed by undergraduates, to student groups tabling in Lerner Hall to raise awareness for events and activities, there is always something to do on campus. Off-campus, students can explore iconic landmarks in New York City, such as Central Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Roosevelt Island during the cherry blossom season. They can also take advantage of free performances and activities during the summer, such as kayaking on the Hudson River, catching live music and theatre performances at Bryant Park, and enjoying Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater. Additionally, students can visit literary landmarks like the Strand Bookstore and explore Morningside Park, offering a peaceful retreat with dramatic cliffs, winding pathways, and a scenic pond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Varsity Show | A series of performances written and performed by undergraduates |
| Film screenings | Require a license |
| Baker Athletics Complex | Athletics and recreational facility for outdoor varsity sports and recreational programs |
| Student groups | Table in Lerner Hall or outdoor spaces to raise awareness, seek participation, or share information |
| BBQs | Permitted in specified outdoor spaces with proper training |
| Exploring NYC | Cherry blossom spots, Central Park, Randall's Island, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, kayaking on the Hudson River, Bryant Park, Shakespeare in the Park, Strand Bookstore, American Museum of Natural History, Morningside Park |
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What You'll Learn
Varsity Show performances
The Varsity Show is one of the oldest traditions at Columbia University, founded in 1893 as a fundraiser for the university's athletic teams. The show is a series of performances held every April, bringing together the entire Columbia undergraduate community. It is a unique, full-length musical written and performed exclusively by undergraduates that satirizes various aspects of life at Columbia.
The Columbia College Dramatic Club ("the Strollers"), established in 1886, was the predecessor to the Varsity Show. The Strollers raised funds for the university's athletic teams, with the proceeds from their first performance donated to the university rowing team. However, by 1890, the club had evolved into a semi-professional theater company with only a tenuous relationship with the college, and it stopped contributing to university athletics. This led to the formation of the Columbia College Music Society in 1893, which performed burlesques written and performed by students.
The Varsity Show has an elite alumni base that includes renowned artists such as Greta Gerwig, Tom Kitt, Jeanine Tesori, Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Lorenz Hart, and many more. The show has been permanently based on campus since 1944, with previous performances held at venues like Carnegie Hall, the Waldorf-Astoria, and the Hotel Astor.
The Columbia University Bicentennial celebration in 1954 saw the return of several alumni contributors to the Varsity Show. That year's performance recounted the history of the university with humorous scenes, including "The Revolutionary War and Who Won It" and "Barnard College is Founded for Good Reasons." In 1968, the Varsity Show was cancelled due to large-scale protests at the university, and performances resumed a decade later in 1978.
The Varsity Show has a rich history, even inspiring F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1920 short story "Head and Shoulders", which depicts a performance of the 1917 Varsity Show, "Home, James." It was also satirized in the 1937 film "Varsity Show", demonstrating its cultural impact.
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Student-run events
One of the most well-known student-run events at Columbia University is the Varsity Show, which has been a tradition since 1893. Every April, the undergraduate community comes together to put on a series of performances, including a unique full-length musical that satirises life at Columbia. The show is entirely written and performed by undergraduates, and many famous playwrights, composers, authors, directors, and actors have contributed to the Varsity Show during their time at Columbia.
Film screenings are also a popular form of student-run entertainment at Columbia University. However, these events require a license to be obtained beforehand. Hosting an on-campus event with alcohol service is another option for students, but it requires careful attention and prior planning. BBQs, for instance, are permitted in specified outdoor spaces, but proper training is required beforehand.
In addition to these social events, students at Columbia University also organise and participate in a range of academic and professional development events. For example, book talks and speaker series are often organised by students, featuring prominent authors, experts, and thought leaders. These events provide an opportunity for students to engage in intellectual discussions and gain valuable insights from industry leaders.
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Exploring NYC's landmarks
Columbia University is located in Upper Manhattan, New York City, surrounded by some of the world's leading academic and religious institutions. The campus itself is a wonderful place to explore, with plenty of green spaces and food options. Students at Columbia University are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring NYC's landmarks, with many iconic sites within easy reach.
One of the most famous landmarks in NYC, Central Park, is right next to the university. Students can enjoy the park's vast green spaces, lakes, and attractions, such as the Peace Fountain. The park offers a peaceful escape from city life and a great place to relax, exercise, or socialise with friends.
Just a short walk from Central Park, students can find themselves at the iconic Rockefeller Centre, offering breathtaking views of the city from the Top of the Rock observation deck. Nearby is the bustling Times Square, a vibrant hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining. Students can also visit the Empire State Building, one of the most recognisable symbols of NYC, and take in the panoramic views from the top.
For those interested in history and culture, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, known as The Met, is a must-visit. This world-renowned museum boasts a vast collection of art and artefacts from every part of the globe. Students can also explore other cultural landmarks, such as the Apollo Theater, a famous attraction with a rich history, and the Miller Theatre at Columbia University, which showcases innovative music and programming.
Students can also head downtown to explore the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, a solemn reminder of the city's resilience. Nearby is the bustling Financial District, with the iconic Statue of Liberty just a short ferry ride away. With so many landmarks and attractions within reach, students at Columbia University have endless opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the heart of NYC.
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Outdoor activities
Located between Harlem and Morningside Heights, Columbia University is surrounded by a plethora of outdoor activities for students to enjoy. Here are some popular outdoor activities for students at Columbia University:
Morningside Park
A peaceful retreat with dramatic cliffs, winding pathways, and a scenic pond. Students can grab a coffee at Cafe Amrita and take a morning stroll, spotting turtles in the water and enjoying the vibrant community. The park also offers playgrounds, basketball courts, and stunning views of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Biking in Central Park
Central Park offers 6.1 miles of car-free loops and rolling hills, providing a great opportunity for students to explore the park's scenic beauty and iconic landmarks on two wheels. Students can ride past Bethesda Terrace, glide around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and take in the cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant foliage in fall.
Kayaking on the Hudson River
Students can launch from Pier 26, Pier 96, or Brooklyn Bridge Park and enjoy stunning skyline views while kayaking on the Hudson River. Free kayak rentals are provided by local nonprofits, making it an easily accessible activity. It offers a unique perspective of the city and a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle.
Cherry Blossom Season in NYC
In early to mid-April, NYC transforms into a pink wonderland during cherry blossom season. Students can visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Cherry Esplanade, Central Park's Cherry Hill and Reservoir, or enjoy the waterfront views on Roosevelt Island. For a quieter experience, they can check out Randall's Island or Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
Outdoor Spaces on Campus
Columbia University's campus also offers outdoor spaces for students to enjoy. The Baker Athletics Complex is the university's athletics and recreational facility, providing outdoor spaces for varsity sports and recreational programs. Students can also take advantage of specified outdoor spaces on campus for BBQs, raising awareness for events or activities, and sharing information.
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Bookstores and libraries
Columbia University Libraries offer a wide range of resources and services to students, fostering a rich academic environment. The libraries hold diverse collections, including the Toni Morrison editorial papers and the archival collection of the mobile application, MINUTIAE. The Rare Book & Manuscript Library, for instance, hosted an exhibit called "Celestial Navigation," curated by an MFA student, which explored the intersection of art and science.
The libraries also support student initiatives, such as the podcast "Shoe Leather," produced in partnership with the Libraries' Podcast Publishing Program. The University Archives maintain the Columbia Roll of Honor, recognising the sacrifice of students and alumni who served in the military.
In addition to physical books and manuscripts, the Columbia University Bookstore provides an online platform for students to purchase or rent textbooks, as well as offering collegiate apparel and gifts. The bookstore aims to cater to a variety of interests, providing new releases, classics, and vacation reads to suit different tastes and purposes.
With its diverse collections, support for student projects, and easy access to educational resources, the libraries and bookstores of Columbia University play a pivotal role in enriching the academic life of its students and encouraging intellectual exploration.
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Frequently asked questions
Students at Columbia University can enjoy kayaking on the Hudson River, with free kayak rentals provided by local nonprofits. They can also explore Central Park's 6.1 miles of car-free loops, rolling hills, and landmarks via bike, or visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Central Park, Roosevelt Island, Randall’s Island, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, or Sakura Park during cherry blossom season in NYC, which peaks in early to mid-April.
Students can visit the Strand Bookstore, which has 18 miles of books, including rare finds and bestsellers. They can also catch free performances in NYC during the summer, such as Bryant Park’s Picnic Performances and Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.
Columbia University students can participate in the Varsity Show, a series of performances written and performed exclusively by undergraduates that satirizes life at Columbia. They can also host on-campus events such as BBQs and film screenings, though these require prior planning and procedures to be followed.
