<p>I want to visit overnight in March, but Columbia doesn't do overnight visits anytime but fall. I've visited three times and loved it - it's been my top choice for two years - but as my college decisions come down to the wire I need to really know the scene of Columbia - the vibe of the people, what goes on at night, etc - and if it fits me. </p>
<p>Can I do this without overnight visiting? I don't know anyone there, so I don't really have any other options...</p>
<p>First of all, I'm assuming you don't live anywhere near Columbia.</p>
<p>Staying in nearby hotels has been one of the popular choices when over-night is not available, but since many (uhh, scratch that and replace with "all") of NY's hotels are through-the-roof expensive, it would be somewhat wise to stay at a cheap place far away from Columbia (but still in NY) and commute to Columbia.</p>
<p>Or you can just go to one of the bars surrounding Columbia, buy some beer, chat with Columbians, and ask the bartender to sleepover. ;) lo, j/k.</p>
<p>Jia, if you get in you'll probably be invited to a prospective weekend in April. I don't know what the current status or makeup of the prospective weekend is now, but a few years ago it was a great way to see the campus and meet a bunch of possible classmates. They had stuff for both students and parents, lectures, tours, evening excursions for the students, overnight in dorms... far superior to a typical campus visit. (And if you don't get in, you won't have wasted the time and expense of a visit!)</p>
<p>If you want to visit on your own, you can stay cheaply in New Jersey on the other side of the GW. Fort Lee is just on the other side of the bridge, and is moderately priced. Ten or 15 minutes farther into NJ and you can get some even better deals. One of the somewhat less costly hotels in Manhattan was the Beacon Hotel (at Broadway & 75th); it's closer to campus than the midtown hotels (CU starts, more or less, at 114th). If you plan to head for NYC, check with the admissions office - they may have specific recommendations.</p>
<p>Good luck, Jia!</p>