I spent all summer wondering what life would be like in New York; the city is so infamous that before you arrive there’s an innate sense of familiarity. I researched: restaurants, museums and societies, I wanted to see and do everything. During the months leading up to my arrival I had concocted this romanticised version of the city, everything looked and seemed spectacular. Of course, I thought that my expectations of Columbia were wildly inflated…
I arrived, and the city surpassed everything I had hoped for. The university is imposing in the truest sense of the word, every piece of architecture bearing its own story- many named after the founders and scholars that established Columbia.
I spent my first few days in awe of the campus; lingering around the striking libraries and dorms. On my first day, I actually spent so long staring at my dorm’s entrance that I was late for an orientation event; it was worth it, though.
I somewhat know my way around- thanks to a quirky tour of the grounds from the marching band, which was punctuated by pop music and a comical commentary.
Alongside moving in, orientation has been running for the past few days and there’s a myriad of events at every turn. Similarly to Fresher’s Week, there is a host of team building and mixer activities that have made me feel at home.
And, although I feel settled into Columbia life, I can’t tell you what a typical day here looks like as nothing in this city, or university, is ordinary; my first few days were spent listening to renditions of the Ghost Busters theme tune, eating free lobster and climbing 100-year-old library steps.
However, I can confirm that Columbia campus is situated in Morningside Heights and, true to its name, everything here is taller, grander, and more exciting than I could have ever hoped for.
-Shola.
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