<p>My junior D and I will be touring Barnard in two weeks and right now, on paper, it’s her first choice. So, I thought I’d through this out to current students and parents (and other frequent visitors)…</p>
<p>What should we do in the neighborhood while we are there? We are touring other schools, but I’d like to spend time just hanging out close to campus, so she can really get a feel for what living in the city is like. Of course we’ll do the tour, but…favorite places to get a bite? See a student production? Get coffee and people watch? </p>
<p>I have never been to NYC, but my D has…I’m definitely not asking, “What should a first-timer see in NY?” That would be a whole other post. Just some tips for the neighborhood.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice and for the suggestion about Columbia. Because it is such a reach school, I hadn’t put it on our list, but of course, it’s can be a huge part of the Barnard experience. I’ll go online and see if there are even any tour spots left. </p>
<p>Walking around the Columbia campus doesn’t mean that your daughter needs to be comparing college choices – my daughter loved the Columbia campus when she visited the first time, but knew she would be attending Barnard. But Barnard students spend much of their time attending classes in Columbia buildings, participating in events on the Columbia campus, eating at Columbia cafes and dining halls, and studying in Columbia libraries. So do take time to see both campuses - at least walk around if you don’t have time for a formal tour. </p>
<p>I would echo Calmom’s comments. In addition note that the subway runs north-south. In the South lie many of the attractions of New York. (Or a short Eastward bus ride.) </p>