<p>After multiple messages from a comment I made on a post saying I would like to offer my thoughts on not just why you should choose Columbia, but how to make the most of your time there, well I finally got around to it. So I wrote the document originally as a word doc and it came to 5 pages, and I think that is a bit much, so I'll make new threads periodically updating the thoughts, but I'll give you this as a starter:</p>
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<p>So as Ive said, Columbia is the candy store: it is a place of countless opportunity, and you will share this with hundreds of other students. Below is a bit more on the philosophical side because I first tried to make a list of things to do, and I realized the Spec during orientation issue has a pretty good one (116</a> Things to Do at Columbia). In any case, I am better at this intellectual mumbo-jumbo.</p>
<p>1) Explore the City</p>
<p>The greatest x-factor Columbia has is the city. It is what makes a great university truly extraordinary. In subtle forms: the world leaders forum, the culture and food of the city at your disposal, job opportunitys most certainly. But in a simple form, the city is what will make your experience in college completely different than your peers at other great schools and what makes Columbia better. </p>
<p>Step 1: Make friends that know the city, that have been there find folks that are older at Columbia, that do not go to Columbia, alums, or anyone that will not just make NYC a place you go to school, but will introduce you to the city and its wonders. The more you explore the city, the greater strength you have when you get back to campus. In fact to folks that think that the city weakens community, it makes it stronger because your campus becomes your home, the place where you get to express your feelings, your amazement.</p>
<p>Samplings from my time: I became close with administrators who vouched for me and got me in an invitation to a Columbia affair at the Top of the Rock. A special dinner with alums, faculty and students, the most beautiful views of the city you could ever imagine, great food, and the sense that you were part of the city that Columbia was truly a central force.</p>
<p>I joined a fraternity and in one of the first few weeks, I was invited to a special breakfast in which Dennis Hastert, then Speaker of the House, was present. First, even though I wasnt conservative, it was fascinating to hear this mans story, a former high school wrestling coach who became a leading figure in American politics, but it was also rather peculiar to be in a room where Mark Foley was there before his scandal, David Dinkins, Bob Kerrey and other figures. To shake their hands and have that access. It was just a Friday breakfast.</p>
<p>A friend of mines family owned this well-acclaimed restaurant on the Upper West Side. For his birthday, they invited some of his friends to come and eat a seven course dinner. It was probably the first time I had something more than what my parents make or what I had at a local restaurant in my hometown. It opened me up to the possibilities of food, something that continues to be a hobby today.</p>
<p>As a student you are able to get special student tickets. Through my LLC floor we decided we wanted to see an Opera and we ended up all going together, dressing up in suits and dresses to enjoy a great night with orchestra level seats.</p>