<p>The first post just sort of makes me really sad.</p>
<p>Pvondensky - its not nearly as bad as most urban schools, i.e. there is a local social scene, but its the worst Ivy by far in terms of campus life. Freshmen and Sophomores hang out at a couple bars, and a mix of grad students and upper classmen at 1020 (a bar). The frats are totally insular so don't expect that to be a factor. House parties are non-exisitent for the most part, a East Campus gathering of 10-20 is the best you can get most of the time. I personally found the social scene frustrating, it seemed like 25% were too cool to stay in the area, 25% were to nerdy to care, 25% stayed in very cliquey groups, and maybe only 25% went out locally. </p>
<p>If you want a campus based social-life Columbia isn't the place, a place like Brown has much more activity. A place like Dartmouth or Penn MUCH MUCH more the campus activity. If you really need to be in the city Columbia isn't as bad as most urban schools, but don't come expecting tons of friends hanging out at house parties. It just isn't what Columbia is about.</p>