<p>Despite our dreams to attend Columbia next year, we cannot ignore the harsh living cost in NYC. Can anyone estimate the living cost? you know, including all those expenses outside of your classes....</p>
<p>Did you not apply and send in your request for dorm housing? A meal plan? These are fixed costs and thus the only extras you need are for discretional spending.</p>
<p>The dorms are heavily subsidized by the university, so you aren't paying typical Manhattan rents. The total estimated cost of attending Columbia isn't any different than other private schools.</p>