<p>I've considered transferring to Columbia, but have heard from a friend attending NYU who is familiar with NYC, that it's quite costly to live in the city and that given my very good undergradute school that it may not be worth it. </p>
<p>I have both academic and personal reasons for wanting to be in NYC and Columbia (the personal side is a relationship, lol....but also very good academic ones as well).</p>
<p>But anyhow, my current living expenses at current school are roughly (rounded for ease):</p>
<p>$500/month apartment rent
$100/month gas for car
$450/month food</p>
<p>Those being the big expenses. I've been told that a city apartment is usually the big whopper and that a "good" place - one not completely falling apart and/or in a bad area - can be hard to find at a reasonable cost. So, my friend pretty much just said expect to pay a lot and make that sacrifice. </p>
<p>I'll be applying to transfer anyways and make a decision afterwards (based on admissions and other criteria)...but just wondering in advance. He also said food costs can be high too, b/c if you want like city food ....there aren't any big box grocery stores and that local fresh food stores charge an arm and leg for basic stuff like apples...fresh greens....healthy food. That would, in fact, greatly differ from the access taht I have to big box stores here like Wally World, etc. at a reasonable driving distance. </p>
<p>In short, how BAD is cost of living in NYC/Columbia and did that factor into your own decision to attend?</p>
<p>If your entire budget is $1050 a month and you’re not going to live on campus and/or Columbia room and board you’re going to have to find an apartment(with several people living in it) that is looking for a roomate. You won’t survive on very much if you’re looking for your own place. Also, you mentioned wishing there were big box chains within driving distance? Well’ if you’re looking to also bring your car with you then forget it. Having a car in NYC on your budget won’t work at all. Without a garage fee in your budget you’ll spend a good part of your day hunting and guarding spaces for your vehicle not to mention the tedious “opposite-side-of-the-street-parking” morning routine.</p>
<p>Leave/sell the car and live on campus.</p>
<p>I would NOT do well living with many people. So that was a major concern. </p>
<p>My friend at NYU has relatively rich parents. His family pays $1,400/month for his apartment which has him and another roommate. I think the roommate pays 40% for some reason. </p>
<p>It’s not the cost that would make it tough - although that’s a factor for sure - but having to live with lots of other people. I’m more of a quiet dude that likes to study and travel, but not party at all. Unless I had lots of bookish roommates I don’t know how I’d do. </p>
<p>But, I’m not sure I could get a studio for cheap enough in NYC to prevent a roomie situation. </p>
<p>Anyone know the cost of apartments in and around Columbia? And are the food rumors true? Is the grocery food grossly over-priced in the city? My friend said to think of gas stations and how they overprice stuff for convenience (compared to a normal store or a big box store).</p>
<p>@OP “Anyone know the cost of apartments in and around Columbia? And are the food rumors true? Is the grocery food grossly over-priced in the city? My friend said to think of gas stations and how they overprice stuff for convenience (compared to a normal store or a big box store).”</p>
<p>That’s a fairly accurate comparison. I still think you’re dreaming if you think you can find a studio apartment around campus for around $500/month(at least one that was actually liveable). Like the other poster wrote, selling your car would help with a deposit and a few month’s rent OR an entire year on campus in maybe the single of your 2nd or 3rd choice . . .</p>