<p>I'm looking to apply to Columbia but i'm concerned about the life in NYC. I'm more for Columbia and its academic opportunities but NYC seems to be very pricey and dangerous. So what is the NYC life like for a Columbia student? Is it a good idea to travel to NYC to get a feel for it.</p>
<p>NYC is the safest big city in the US, and it feels pretty safe as well unless you’re a timid, paranoid person. NYC is probably the most expensive big city in the US, but because rent is taken care of, it isn’t actually significantly more expensive to go to Columbia than to go anywhere else. you might need 10-15% more pocket money than other colleges, there are very expensive and exclusive things to do but also tons and tons of cheap and fun things to do. Definitely go visit.</p>
<p>ok thanks for the reply, ill definitely pay columbia a visit.</p>
<p>The only difference as far as I’m concerned is that Chipotle is 2-3 dollars more expensive in NYC than at home. So I eat at Roti Roll instead. Problem solved. </p>
<p>But seriously, given all the free and reduced-cost entertainment options you have (museums, movie vouchers that reduce movie costs from NYC price level to normal city price level), besides just doing things on campus like at any school, Columbia is not significantly more expensive than any other college. And as for safety, as long as you don’t go jogging in parks alone at midnight or something stupid like that, you’ll be fine. The rule of thumb I learned early on was as long as there are a decent amount of people around, you’re fine, and given that Columbia is right off Broadway, there are ALWAYS a decent amount of people around, at all hours of the night.</p>
<p>Thanks silverchris9!</p>