<p>I got into my absolute favorite school, but even if I'm able to make the financial aid work, I'm worried about what life there would be like with such limited spending money in SUCH an expensive city. I don't want to be left behind when my friends with more money want to do things that I can't afford. Obviously that can happen everywhere, but I imagine it being more prevalent in a city like this. I know the majority of social life takes place off campus, which I'm realizing should be somewhat of a concern. I'm also trying to see if I should choose another school, which would give more of the typical college experience with a lot of the social life taking place on campus. I love that school and it's even less expensive than the NYC one thanks to amazing financial aid, but I REALLY don't want to give up on my favorite yet, especially when I've been wanting it for so long. What do you think? </p>
<p>I live in NYC. Yes, it’s an expensive city. That said…I think it’s possible to do a lot and pay very little for it. You just have to avoid the bar and club scene, which will really eat up your funds. </p>
<p>The real question is can your family afford the school with the aid you get. If yes then go; limit your mad money. There is a lot to do in NYC that doesn’t cost anything (Central Park, church concerts, etc). If you can’t really afford it then choose another school. Don’t let the allure of the big city get to you. You can have an enjoyable experience at any school.</p>
<p>Sounds like NYU a school that has not “real campus” or level of cohesiveness as far as students doing things on campus. Going to school in NYC can be expensive if you are hanging with a crowd that wants to go shopping or dining out on a whim, jump in a cab to go uptown or down town (when you were banking on swiping your metro card), go to a bar, club or show. These are all real factors that you may have to consider. Even taking in a movie is ~ $15 just for a ticket. If you are looking to come to NYC and have what you may perceive as a “NYC experience” it can get really expensive really quick.</p>
<p>There are a lot of colleges in NYC. One thing you might do is check the percentage of students on financial aid and the percentage of students receiving Pell Grants. If lots of students have limited resources, then it will be easier to find people in the same boat who will join you in doing less expensive things. </p>
<p>For example, 30% of Columbia students receive Pell Grants. That means that there is a sizeable contingent of students who have to be careful with their money. </p>