<p>I completely disagree with MANY points the person above stated. I have been SHOCKED at the cleanliness and grace of the campus. I also think it’s quite large-- almost too large for me. It’s annoying to have to walk for ten minutes to get to some classes. I can’t imagine a larger campus!! We are also VERY welcomed on campus-- anywhere on campus. If we are told not to go on a certain grass plot, it’s because they are maintaining it and caring to it! I’ve always found everything gorgeous and very attended to. I have no idea what this person is talking about. </p>
<p>The poster also spelled “wasted” as “waisted”. Also “were” as “where”. This may just be a mistake or a typo, but people who get a Columbia education generally don’t make grammatical errors like that… a bit skeptical as to whether or not she went there. But it’s just a hunch, and really means nothing.</p>
<p>It is easy to make friends at Columbia… your floor should be more than accepting! Unless you are depressed or actively try not to make friends, I do not see why that should be a problem at all. No, Columbia is not the most nurturing community and it won’t force you to be friends with anyone. But if you can’t make friends in a normal environment, that is not Columbia’s fault. </p>
<p>I will admit the teachers are not very helpful. But that isn’t their job! We are not in highschool, and the teachers are not our best friends anymore. They have a job, we have a job, and we coexist. Most teachers are also researchers currently at the institution and honestly have better things to do with their time. I respect that. I’m sure that’s not some people’s cup of tea, but it sure is mine. I like the fact my teachers know more about their subject matter than how to teach. That sounds a bit strange. But I respect my teachers and learn a lot from them because I am not an idiot and know how to absorb information.</p>
<p>Honestly, I could keep going, but it’s not worth it. That person obviously has some sort of issue that was NOT caused by Columbia. Do not let her post sway you.</p>
<p>Dear Isabelwhatx,
I respectfully disagree with your assessment. I found Columbia to be the most horrific experience of my life. The tiny aesthetically unpleasing campus is indeed dirty. Every building is covered with soot. You can count the amount of trees, and forget about walking on the grass. The hedges literally scream keep off. Furthermore Columbia borders on Harlem, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York City. Student have been mugged, raped, and even murdered. Many of the crime statistics, including what happened to me, are swept under the carpet. Columbia works in conjunction with the NYPD to veil crime, giving the false illusion the school is safe. Worst of all is the administration. From the Office of the President down to the Provost and Deans, they are as unaccessible as they are unethical. In my situation, they erected road blocks making resolution within the parameters of school protocol unattainable. They purposely created an atmosphere of harassment and intimidation making learning impossible, while coddling and protecting a known harasser. It was not until I obtained legal counsel, that my valid concerns were acknowledged. I wasted thousands of dollars and years of my life to rectify a situation that could have been remedied had anyone cared enough to follow established school policy. Shameful!</p>
<p>Again, I stand by my statements, and do not recommend Columbia to anyone. If you have a choice between Harvard and Columbia, pick Harvard. If you have an option between community college and Columbia, pick community college. I regret investing value resources and time on a school that went out of its way to make learning an impossible task. If it happened to me, it could happen to you.</p>
<p>No, my program was the GS-Juilliard program. Interestingly, it continued to be advertised in the official school bulletin years after it had been dissolved.</p>
<p>“Every building is covered with soot. You can count the amount of trees, and forget about walking on the grass. The hedges literally scream keep off.”</p>
<p>As a resident of Inwood, which abuts Columbia’s Athletic Center (Baker’s Field), it sounds like you hate New York City, and not just Columbia University!</p>
<p>BTW: With a daughter currently attending Harvard, I have noticed a greater number of homeless people living (and begging) in Harvard Square than at 116th and Broadway.</p>
<p>Dear Cosar,
I did not know there was a time limit in responding to posts. If so, why don’t you inform pro-Columbia commenters that they are likewise responding to question that is seven years old? Moreover, I would hardly characterize my comments, which delineate my Columbia experience, as a “rant.” Not everyone thinks Columbia is great. Those of us who had negative experiences have the same right to dissuade people from attending as those who had positive experiences. FYI, there are many more people who attended Columbia who disliked it than you realize.</p>
<p>Dear Gibby,
At $200,000 a head, I would expect Columbia to be the most likely place in New York City to clean their buildings. With a 22 billion dollar endowment, they can afford to clean their structures. Furthermore, the campus is comparatively older than the neighborhood which surrounds it. Accordingly, the lack of cleaning has resulted in layers of accumulated soot. In this regard, Columbia resembles a bus terminal more than an ivy league campus. Let’s not even talk about the interiors, which are likewise in need of repair.</p>
<p>The soot, filth and grime is part of living in New York City – and from your comments, it doesn’t seem like it was a good fit for you. You may want to be a contributing writer: [New</a> Yorkers Anonymous I Hate New York City](<a href=“http://ihatenewyorkcity.com/?p=22]New”>http://ihatenewyorkcity.com/?p=22)</p>