<p>Despite the fact that it is NYC, I've heard from several people that the social life at Columbia is actually very isolating. I'm close with an alumni who said Columbia students generally don't talk to each other much and only a few make many meaningful relationships. Perhaps it's because life at Columbia is so stressful and busy that the student body isn't very close? I'm really anxious about this situation....or should I not be?</p>
<p>don’t be, here’s another alum telling you the opposite, it was vibrant, I really enjoyed my time on campus, and grew as a person (which I why I’m still on this board to talk about it). I definitely made some of the best friends on my life.</p>
<p>If you live in Carman, you’ll be fine. If you have any outside interests whatsoever, and you actually take the initiative to find fellow travelers, you’ll be fine. If you play a club sport, you’ll be fine. If you join a frat or a sorority, you’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.</p>
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<p>This.</p>
<p>I don’t understand the “Columbia = socially awkward” stereotype. Find an activity. Join it. Make friends. Let said friends introduce you to more friends. Find a group you like. Stick with it. Same process as any other college, right?</p>
<p>Besides, when you get a bunch of socially awkward people together you get a Dungeons & Dragons game, or a small but useful robot, or a comedic musical.</p>
<p>Socially awkward people socialize well with each other. And the product of their socializing together is always far more productive than the converse, which typically results in a broken toilet and a few drunk strangers passed out in your living room with genitalia drawn all over their faces.</p>
<p>it is possible to go to classes, work in the library, and hustle back to your room without seeing or meeting any new or interesting people. There are definitely a noticeable minority of people who do so. </p>
<p>Interestingly, I spend a lot of time in the library myself (favorite place to work), and after a while you get into a schedule and you see the same people in the same places frequently. After a few months of seeing the regulars we all acknowledged each other and chatted when crossing paths in the hallways. Even going to the library can turn out to be social if you want that. </p>
<p>Although, I’m sure that’s not the kind of social life you are talking about. There is a sizable and vibrant social scene at Columbia. Don’t worry. You will discover it.</p>