Lori Meadows
Columbia University in New York City offers its students a vibrant social life. While varsity sports and Greek life don't play a significant role in the social scene, drinking culture and partying are prevalent among undergraduates. Students can choose from tons of raging parties almost any night of the week, with some decent frat parties on the weekends. For those seeking a quieter time, there are plenty of other spots to hang out on campus, such as the Sundial, a gathering place for activist students, and the East Asian Library, a favourite study spot. Off-campus, students can enjoy happy hour at Arts and Crafts, a cosy beer parlour, or head to Baylander, a bar on a Vietnam-era warship in the Hudson River.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Social life | Drinking culture and partying are a common part of Columbia University's social life. However, students who don't drink are still included and treated the same. |
| Party scene | There are tons of raging parties almost any night of the week, with most parties being held between Wednesday and Saturday. There are also some decent frat parties on the weekends. |
| Greek life | Being part of Greek life helps students who want to party consistently, but it's not necessary. Only 41% of students say Greek life has an impact on the social scene. |
| Varsity sports | Varsity sports are a big part of campus life, with students attending sporting events. |
| Crime | The campus has a presence of campus security, who are there to break up parties or give out parking tickets. |
| Hangout spots | The Low Steps, JJ's Place, the basement of St. Paul's Chapel, the Sundial, the East Asian Library, the Terrace Cafe, and the Student Union Dining Hall are all popular hangout spots for students. |
| Food | The Student Union Dining Hall offers a variety of innovative American entrees, ethnically inspired foods, and vegetarian selections. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The Low Steps: a popular meeting spot and hub for protests and political activism
- JJ's Place: a quiet bodega with a grill, great for a late-night snack
- Basement of St. Paul's Chapel: rehearsal space for the Barnard/Columbia Gospel Choir
- The Sundial: a gathering place for left-wing students and activists, with folk songs and hootenannies
- Arts and Crafts: a cosy beer parlour with outdoor seating, located near campus
The Low Steps: a popular meeting spot and hub for protests and political activism
The Low Steps, also known as Low Beach, is a popular meeting spot for students at Columbia University. Facing south, the steps offer an unobstructed view of the sun and a gentle breeze, making it an ideal place to soak up some rays and unwind. Its central location on campus means that it is a convenient spot to meet friends and enjoy the beauty of the campus all year round.
The steps have a rich history, having once served as the Columbia University baseball diamond when Lou Gehrig played for the Lions. Legend has it that he hit a ball so hard that it travelled 500 feet and broke a window of the Low Library, to which the steps lead up. The steps are structurally significant as well, as they are hollow inside according to blueprints from the 1890s.
Beyond its aesthetic and historical value, the Low Steps serve as a hub for protests and political activism on campus. Students gather here to put their education into action and make their voices heard. The steps have witnessed various demonstrations over the years, with students passionately advocating for their beliefs.
Additionally, the steps provide a sense of community for students. It is a place where students from diverse backgrounds can come together and connect, fostering a sense of belonging within the Columbia University campus. The steps offer a space for social interaction, allowing students to catch up with friends, make new acquaintances, and feel immersed in the campus community.
Overall, the Low Steps at Columbia University are more than just a physical feature; they represent a vibrant meeting place, a platform for free speech and political engagement, and a symbol of the university's vibrant student life and sense of community.
ONU Student Population: How Many Attend?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
JJ's Place: a quiet bodega with a grill, great for a late-night snack
JJ's Place is the perfect spot for a quiet late-night snack. It's a bodega, a small owner-operated convenience store, often with a cultural twist, and many are open late hours. With over 8,000 bodegas across New York's five boroughs, they are a true New York phenomenon, and JJ's Place is a favourite of Columbia University students.
Bodegas are neighbourhood landmarks, and JJ's Place is no exception. It's a great place to get a feel for NYC culture and to meet the owners and workers, who are often known to the locals. You might even find a bodega cat, there to keep the rodent population at bay!
As well as snacks, bodegas sell a wide range of products, from detergent to stamps, and some even act as a post office, holding packages and keys for locals. They are a hub for the community, and the owners are some of the first businessmen that many New Yorkers meet.
JJ's Place has a grill, and the cooks there make getting a late-night snack fun. It's a great place to hang out and socialise, and you can learn a lot about the local culture. It's a short walk from campus, and a great spot to meet friends and grab a bite to eat.
Liberty University: Annual Student Application Numbers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Basement of St. Paul's Chapel: rehearsal space for the Barnard/Columbia Gospel Choir
The basement of St. Paul's Chapel is a special place on the Columbia University campus. It is more than just a rehearsal space for the Barnard/Columbia Gospel Choir—it is a sanctuary where students from all walks of life come together in harmony and unity. Every Monday night, the basement resonates with the powerful and uplifting voices of the choir, creating an atmosphere of peace and joy that transcends the stress of exams and papers.
The Gospel Choir itself is a diverse group, welcoming students and alumni from various schools within Columbia University, including Columbia College and Barnard College. They gather not only to rehearse but to share a sense of community and a passion for contemporary gospel music. Their rehearsals are a time to connect, to find solace, and to celebrate their love for music and each other.
The basement of St. Paul's Chapel has also played a significant role in the choir's performances. In 1969, parts of the song "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel were recorded in the chapel, and Judy Collins chose this very location to record her a cappella arrangement of "Amazing Grace" for her 1970 album, "Whales & Nightingales". The chapel's acoustic reverberation effects added a unique quality to these recordings.
Beyond its role as a rehearsal and recording space, the basement of St. Paul's Chapel has served as a place of comfort and reflection for the Columbia University community. In the aftermath of 9/11, the intimate nature of the chapel provided a safe haven for students to come together and cope with the shock and grief of losing recent graduates in the attack. It became a sanctuary where they could find peace and support in the company of their peers.
The basement of St. Paul's Chapel, then, is more than just a rehearsal space—it is a heart of Columbia University, a place where students find solace, joy, and community through the power of music and shared experiences. It is a testament to the transformative nature of art and the resilience of the human spirit.
Birmingham City University: Student Population and Campus Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Sundial: a gathering place for left-wing students and activists, with folk songs and hootenannies
The Sundial at Columbia University holds a special place in the hearts of many students, particularly those from left-wing families. It is a place where students gather to exercise their right to free speech and engage in meaningful discussions about various social and political issues. The Sundial serves as a platform for students to voice their concerns and take a stand against issues they passionately believe in, such as the remnants of McCarthyism, the Cold War, racism in the South, and nuclear bomb testing. It is a space where students can connect with like-minded individuals and form a strong activist community.
In addition to its role as a hub for activism, The Sundial is also known for its folk songs and hootenannies. Students often gather here to sing and enjoy each other's company, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity through music. The informal and spontaneous nature of these hootenannies adds to the charm and makes them a fun and memorable part of student life at Columbia University.
The location of The Sundial is another aspect that makes it unique. Situated in a spot that offers a panoramic view of the campus, it provides a calming and reflective space for students to escape the hustle and bustle of campus life. Whether they are looking for a quiet place to write essays or simply wanting to take in the beauty of the campus, The Sundial offers a peaceful atmosphere that is conducive to both studying and leisure.
Over the years, The Sundial has become intertwined with the students' fond memories of their time at Columbia University. It represents not only a place of activism and political discourse but also a place of friendship, community, and joy. The folk songs and hootenannies under the open sky have left an indelible mark on the students' university experience, creating a sense of belonging and unity that extends beyond the campus.
The Sundial continues to be a beloved gathering place for students at Columbia University, fostering a sense of community, activism, and shared passion for music. Its role in providing a space for free speech and social awareness is invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on the students who pass through its grounds. The Sundial truly embodies the spirit of student life, where academic pursuits intertwine with social consciousness and the joy of shared experiences.
Exploring Andrews University's Student Population
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Arts and Crafts: a cosy beer parlour with outdoor seating, located near campus
Arts and Crafts is a popular hangout spot for students from Columbia University. Located just one block from the International Affairs building, it is a cosy beer parlour with outdoor seating.
The bar is known for its great selection of craft beer on tap, as well as wine and food. Students often head there for an after-class drink, especially on warm afternoons. The outdoor sidewalk space is a great spot to catch some sun and get your dose of vitamin D.
Arts and Crafts is a convenient spot to meet up with friends before heading elsewhere. It is a popular choice for happy hour, and its proximity to campus makes it an ideal location for a quick drink or a longer catch-up. The bar has a lively atmosphere, and you will often run into fellow students there, making it a great place to socialise and feel the campus community.
The bar's cosy and inviting atmosphere makes it a favourite among students looking to unwind and relax after a long day of classes. With its convenient location and appealing offerings, Arts and Crafts has become a go-to destination for Columbia University students seeking a pleasant social experience close to campus.
Transfer Student's Guide to University of Washington Admission
You may want to see also
