<p>Congratulations to you both! I got the call, too! I can’t wait for next semester!</p>
<p>Congrats to mesa918 and claraalto !!! See u guys in the fall !!</p>
<p>congrats everyone!</p>
<p>Congratulations everyone who recently has been accepted to Columbia GS! I was rejected. I think it’s obvious that my gpa and sat scores may be much lower than other applicants’. I wish you all spending 2~3 years wisely at Columbia GS so that you will accomplish your dream that you always wish to do.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear it hjw52340, Keep your head up! I know many excellent students that didn’t get into their top choice, they may be going to a less prestigious school but they are likely going to graduate at the top of their class (very hard to do at Columbia). Good luck to you!</p>
<p>I found an unbelievable apartment 3 blocks from campus! With a backyard!!! Forget the froyo’s people… It’s barbecue time!</p>
<p>Natdcny, that is awesome! I myself am hoping that Housing grants me a room at the Teacher’s College “New Residence.”</p>
<p>@Natdcny, Where/How did you find that?</p>
<p>Any leads are appreciated.</p>
<p>I looked at at least 15 - 20 apartments and then I just got lucky. I applied without seeing the apartment, I had the floor plan and the square footage and from that info I knew once on the market it wouldn’t last long. </p>
<p>It’s stressful, only advice I can give is do your own research, stick to your guns and don’t count on the realtor to find you the best fit for you. Also, have your paperwork on hand every time you look and apply immediately if you like it.</p>
<p>Also go online and look at various websites, don’t worry about being loyal to your broker. I made that mistake and it turns out she was showing me what she wanted to unload, not the best place for the best price.</p>
<p>Also, check out the Off-Campus Housing Authority (commonly known as OCHA). It’s a service for Columbia students and faculty exclusively focused on helping YOU find housing.</p>
<p><a href=“https://ocha.facilities.columbia.edu/registration[/url]”>https://ocha.facilities.columbia.edu/registration</a></p>
<p>@NAt Froyos AND BBQ!!! Congrats on the new place!!!</p>
<p>New York real estate can be really tricky. I lived in NYC before and lucked out finding an apartment in the LES without a broker’s fee. Broker’s fees can be up to 15% of a year’s rent, so try to avoid that if you can! (I found my apartment through craigslist).</p>
<p>I’ve been searching OCHA but nothing really affordable and worthwhile is available, I guess it might be too soon for listings for the fall. Also, OCHA seems to be advertising a lot of rooms that are much dorm-like with little privacy and most have no kitchens or living spaces. </p>
<p>I’m pretty sure I’m going to end up renting a room from friends in Chinatown, my biggest hang up is that I want to bring my dog with me! But until then I will keep searching and will gladly post anything I think may be worthwhile pursuing. Good luck to all! Can’t wait for the fall!</p>
<p>Also if your not opposed to a short commute and less than desirable neighborhoods way uptown apartments are much cheaper. If you look between 135th and 150th you can find some really cute spots at really nice prices, and definitely more square footage. Just thought I’d mention it.</p>
<p>Realizing that nothing is both affordable and worthwhile is the first step to finding an apartment in NYC. I’d honestly start making a list of the compromises that you’re willing to make - space, neighborhood, sharing a room, etc - and begin searching while keeping those things in mind.</p>
<p>Flexibility is important but at the same time, at least for me, knowing what I needed and wanted prevented me from renting a couple of less desirable apartments that I was being pressured to rent by an over eager realtor. </p>
<p>Just do some research, I think everyone’s standards are forced down when they are introduced to NYC living. Going online and knowing what’s available for my price range was very helpful, I didn’t settle. </p>
<p>I just wish I could go back in time 10 years and hang on to my Williamsburg 1BR for $500 per month!</p>
<p>Were you guys having trouble finding University Housing because you’re from NY/east coast?</p>
<p>Is it crazy that I’m planning on commuting from Jersey?</p>
<p>Claraalto,</p>
<p>I am planning on commuting from Jersey as well. I think it will be difficult but do-able.</p>
<p>I was a full time student for one year and then finished at GS as a part time student. I traveled from NJ and there are other students that do this as well. You will find that your time on the bus or train is a good time to study. Also, if you are a full time student, you can get a pretty good discount on your NJ Transit bus or train ticket. Stop in to the GS offices on the first floor and they will provide you with the paperwork.</p>
<p>I’ve known people who commuted from NJ and Long Island. I think it’s nuts but they were successful doing it and they seemed to use their commute time really well.</p>
<p>If you’re considering it, I wouldn’t rule it out.</p>