Hi there,
I m currently in the process of applying for exchange in the United States. Ideally, I want to be somewhere in New York but the only partner institution my university is affiliated with is Barnard College. I have some hesitation as it is an all girls college, and whilst doing some research around the internet I have read that there is quite some conflict between Barnard and Columbia, and that it is quite hard to make friends at Barnard? Also that it is quiet and not many activities/parties happening… My other option is Rutgers University in New Brunswick as is the closest university to New York (approx. an hour away?) that my university has a partnership with. I have read that the university life is great and generally people are easygoing? I am unsure of which I should put as my first preference, as I really do want to be in New York and I know Barnard College is more academically recognised than Rutgers, but I also want to have a great college experience. I was wondering if anyone living in New York or New Jersey, or have had experience at any of the universities to give me some advice or share their imput/thoughts/their experiences!
Also, is there a great difference in cost of living between New York and New Jersey?
Thank you!
I think your research shows up the limitations of the internet: you can find individual examples of most things.
So here are a couple of questions back:
would you be in college housing or would you have to organize your own place to stay? if one of them is offering college housing I would nearly go for that over other factors (b/c finding your own housing can be very difficult from a distance)
also, when you are doing things socially with friends is it usually to be as part of big group, and based around sports and/or drinking?
finally, what is important to you about being in or near New York?
Thanks for your reply!
In regard to your first question, I believe they are both offering college housing so that is not an issue.
Socially - not so much sports but I would like to check out some bars and and experience some college parties. I do want to meet as many people as I can to enrich my experience and try my hand at different activities.
I have never been to New York myself and I am aware it is a city like no other, but hearing about it from others and being someone who absolutely loves the city life, hustle and bustle I do believe it is somewhere I would like to be. It is also somewhere I potentially would like to move to in the near future so I do want to get a feel of it while I’m on exchange and see if it is a place for me potentially, and to hopefully check out the many opportunities offered in New York.
I do really want to have fun on exchange and not to have to stress so much, and I have heard (I am aware these are only experiences from a few individuals) that girls are quite competitive with each other… which does scare me a bit.
Totally a personal opinion then: go for Barnard, and be sure to sign up for classes at both Barnard and Columbia. Housing in NYC and classes at Barnard & Columbia?! What an amazing opportunity.
For certain there will be some students who are competitive with each other- and there will be some who are collaborative. My guess (based on a few random students that I know, and a lot of hearsay) is that it is much more on the collaborative side- but the great thing about college is that it is much easier to choose who you want to be around.