The title, really.
I’m looking to get a feel of the social life (what do students do on the weekend), the quality of professors, and the general student attitude that occupies each university!
Well - Barnard is a Woman’s College at a large Ivy League University, in a very cosmopolitan metropolis.
So, while it’s a woman’s college it’s in no way isolated shielded, etc. Other than having woman-only residence halls, you’ll be taking classes and socializing with male and female students from several undergraduate schools of the University, just like anywhere else.
On the other hand, it’s a Woman’s College in NYC - so there is a noticeable vibe of female empowerment and liberal activism, but without smothering/forcing you! There are many Barnard students have strong religious foundations of various faiths, and those are just as comfortable there. Of course, you have four years to get very accustomed to an environment with a large proportion of female leaders, professors - so chances are many Barnard students will resist any less equal setting as they move on.
Finally, you are immersed in NYC, managing your life, internships, activities in a huge bustling city. There is a campus, there are close friends, just anywhere - but there are also so many opportunities that will constantly draw you and your peers off-campus. So while there is a strong sense of community - it expresses itself differently than if you are attending a school in a smaller town, or in the suburbs, where the college tends to remain THE center of all activity.