Going to GS !!.....But feeling sad :-(

<p>Hi Guys ! As I'm getting ready to go to GS for this fall, I'm starting to feel really sad :-( Am I crazy ? I mean, I'm over-joyed to be going to Columbia U, and yes, I know that this is a fantastic opportunity for learning and setting myself up for a new and exciting career afterwards, but I can't help feeling sad leaving behind the life I know now.... Maybe it's because I'm in London, and have to make this big move to NY. Does anyone else feel the same ????</p>

<p>Not really, but can I ask you how much it is going to cost you per year and how you are paying for it?</p>

<p>I only felt sad when I saw the tuition bill and then heard what the UCs charge (spoiler alert: a lot less).</p>

<p>I’m nervous about the workload and how competitive the city in general is, but that’s about it.</p>

<p>The UCs suck. Columbia Rules !!! :-P</p>

<p>I’m anxious about making a big move and having to make new friends, find my way around a new city, etc., but not sad. That’s probably because I haven’t really put down roots anywhere. I’m actually looking forward to staying in one place for more than a year.</p>

<p>I used to live in London. I just got accepted to GS too. I am feeling a different kind of sad though. I am scared that I would have to do a lot more studying than I am used to and the long commute is going to be miserable. Moving is the exciting part. Good luck!</p>

<p>I’m mostly sad over leaving my sushi-eating, mani/pedi, shopping life in Dallas for a shared bathroom apartment and noodle dinners. Really scraping it. Did anyone of you guys receive financial aid package yet? Do you know how much you can get? I heard it’s usually only 8k but am curious about if they ever make exceptions. Anyways, it will all be WORTH it because it is going to be fabulous being a Columbia Student! WUHU!</p>

<p>I’m pretty bummed too: I’m leaving behind my partner and my apartment with him (that I FREAKING LOVE) and moving into an itty bitty dorm and living alone in NYC. So yeah, I feel you. But it’s a new chapter! Embrace the city and after u get acclimated, you’ll be fine.</p>

<p>9k free money, 9k unsub and sub loans. plus potentially 2.5k in work study is what i got.</p>

<p>This is the standard financial aid packet for incoming GS students</p>

<p>As LHydeCU pointed out, what melovision received is the standard financial aid package, assuming you qualify. However, that does not take into account institutional scholarships ([Institutional</a> Scholarships | General Studies](<a href=“http://gs.columbia.edu/institutional-scholarships]Institutional”>http://gs.columbia.edu/institutional-scholarships)) that can range from $500-$18,000 that you may or may not qualify for.</p>

<p>The financial cost is freaking me out! Especially since I also want to follow up with a PhD. But I need to keep telling myself that it’s worth it, and that the education and experience that I receive at Columbia will only help in my future endeavors.</p>

<p>(Though honestly, from time to time I still wonder if I should take up UC, Irvine’s offer)</p>

<p>After all my classes were registered and readjusted for, I received a total aid package (including a new student grant from Columbia) of $35,550 for the year. I ended up taking out $45k in private loans to cover the rest. I intend to do a paid internship over the summer, so that should ease my debt a tad. I strongly believe Columbia pays for itself, and it’s something I can carry with me for the rest of my life, so yes, gulp, big price tag, but I’m ecstatic to be here.</p>

<p>I would recommend backing out while you can. The fact that you’re a month into it and probably about $65-70k in debt is just horrifying.</p>

<p>Second that.</p>