Columbia Law Class of 2019 Forum

[LALaw90210]

Anyone attending the SF cocktail hour tomorrow/know if it's a formal attire type situation?

[crescentstars]

Checking in! Also wondering if anyone will be at the next ASD?

[benwyatt]

Checking in! Also wondering if anyone will be at the next ASD?

Welcome!

[somethingElse]

NEW POLE!?

[TheKisSquared]

(Is there a reason everyone calls them poles instead of polls? I'm normally not a huge typo stickler but it's pervasive)

[benwyatt]

(Is there a reason everyone calls them poles instead of polls? I'm normally not a huge typo stickler but it's pervasive)

let's do some poleing to find out

[ugg]

NEW POLE!?

what kind of pole do you want?

[TheKisSquared]

NEW POLE!?

what kind of pole do you want?

may pole,
stripper pole,
fire pole,
flag pole,
light pole,
electric pole,
pol-ice,
pol pot,
pol-itics

[schocolate]

NEW POLE!?

what kind of pole do you want?

may pole,
stripper pole,
fire pole,
flag pole,
light pole,
electric pole,
pol-ice,
pol pot,
pol-itics

polecat

[sfoglia]

From talking to students and visiting housing options:
UAH is variable in pricing, but *can* be cheaper. You can be pretty far from the law school (~10 blocks). If you want cheap (with roommates) and really really nice (dishwasher doorman etc), the Arbor up in Riverdale is a *really* good option, just be aware it's a shuttle ride away.
Law School Housing is right next to the law school. Studios are pricey but likely similar/the same as UAH. Roommate situations are a little more pricey than UAH but you're paying for the privilege of being on that block (which might be worth it for those of us that like to wake up at the last possible moment ).

Columbia's housing seems pretty 'fine'. It's not fancy, it's not updated or anything, but it's reasonable prices for the area and you cut out the broker and other terrors of NYC apartment hunting. They seem to genuinely give a shit about your preferences and want you to be happy.
If you want a nicer place there are luxury apartments around the corner that cut deals with the university (no guarantor needed for students, auto approval etc). YMMV. You also might be able to find cheaper apartments farther form the university (Harlem, North of campus, the Bronx etc), if you're comfortable with the commute and doing the legwork yourself.

Gonna go on the same rant I had in the NYU thread here... 10 blocks from the law school is not far, it's maybe a 10 minute walk. I live about 30 blocks from the law school and will probably walk it when it's nice out; it's also 5 minutes on the subway. Branching out of the Columbia housing (if you want to put in the effort of finding a place) can save you a substantial amount of money (I pay 4-500/month less than the cheapest Columbia housing option) and get you nicer accommodations if you look in the right neighborhood. Sure, you won't be across the street from the Law School, but it's worth looking into for people who are OK putting in a little more effort.

LOL, I live in Brooklyn and you'll have to move my cold, dead body from this borough.

Commuting in NYC is really, really easy. I wouldn't recommend living an hour away (unless you want to live with me a massive apartment a mile away from the park for which you pay pennies; please do b/c I need a new roommate!), but 10 blocks is nothing. I commute around 40 minutes every day to work and that's in no way uncommon. As long as you live a close walk to the subway (and preferably by more than one line), you're fine.

[TheKisSquared]

From talking to students and visiting housing options:
UAH is variable in pricing, but *can* be cheaper. You can be pretty far from the law school (~10 blocks). If you want cheap (with roommates) and really really nice (dishwasher doorman etc), the Arbor up in Riverdale is a *really* good option, just be aware it's a shuttle ride away.
Law School Housing is right next to the law school. Studios are pricey but likely similar/the same as UAH. Roommate situations are a little more pricey than UAH but you're paying for the privilege of being on that block (which might be worth it for those of us that like to wake up at the last possible moment ).

Columbia's housing seems pretty 'fine'. It's not fancy, it's not updated or anything, but it's reasonable prices for the area and you cut out the broker and other terrors of NYC apartment hunting. They seem to genuinely give a shit about your preferences and want you to be happy.
If you want a nicer place there are luxury apartments around the corner that cut deals with the university (no guarantor needed for students, auto approval etc). YMMV. You also might be able to find cheaper apartments farther form the university (Harlem, North of campus, the Bronx etc), if you're comfortable with the commute and doing the legwork yourself.

Gonna go on the same rant I had in the NYU thread here... 10 blocks from the law school is not far, it's maybe a 10 minute walk. I live about 30 blocks from the law school and will probably walk it when it's nice out; it's also 5 minutes on the subway. Branching out of the Columbia housing (if you want to put in the effort of finding a place) can save you a substantial amount of money (I pay 4-500/month less than the cheapest Columbia housing option) and get you nicer accommodations if you look in the right neighborhood. Sure, you won't be across the street from the Law School, but it's worth looking into for people who are OK putting in a little more effort.

LOL, I live in Brooklyn and you'll have to move my cold, dead body from this borough.

Commuting in NYC is really, really easy. I wouldn't recommend living an hour away (unless you want to live with me a massive apartment a mile away from the park for which you pay pennies; please do b/c I need a new roommate!), but 10 blocks is nothing. I commute around 40 minutes every day to work and that's in no way uncommon. As long as you live a close walk to the subway (and preferably by more than one line), you're fine.

I know myself a little too well. For a job I could do a long commute, but not for school.
Ten blocks isn't super 'far', I will concede on that, but it is a consideration for some people. I knew people in UG (not Columbia) who lived in nice housing that was sort of off campus but because they had to walk 20ish minutes they were always late to class/unsocial etc. When they moved back to housing next to the school they liked it better. (yeah yeah maturity blah blah but it's something to think about. If you're willing to shell out extra for immediate proximity, and think you would benefit, maybe you should do that). Of course, I knew others who dealt with it fine. ymmv.

[sfoglia]

In response to all this numbers talk I made a sample budget and feel both worse and better about Columbia (worse because zomg NYC COL better because I think I can cover everything I absolutely *need* with little to no problem).

*sigh* Scholarships won't really change how much of my own money I end up using *in* law school.

All of the other schools I've looked at, I've done a lot of research into what rent looks like, how much I'll be spending on transportation, how expensive local stores are, etc.

For CLS, I haven't bothered because I know I'm going to be messed up by that COL anyways, so I may as well live in blissful ignorance until my first loan bill arrives.

Dollar pizza every day.

[rska884]

From talking to students and visiting housing options:
UAH is variable in pricing, but *can* be cheaper. You can be pretty far from the law school (~10 blocks). If you want cheap (with roommates) and really really nice (dishwasher doorman etc), the Arbor up in Riverdale is a *really* good option, just be aware it's a shuttle ride away.
Law School Housing is right next to the law school. Studios are pricey but likely similar/the same as UAH. Roommate situations are a little more pricey than UAH but you're paying for the privilege of being on that block (which might be worth it for those of us that like to wake up at the last possible moment ).

Columbia's housing seems pretty 'fine'. It's not fancy, it's not updated or anything, but it's reasonable prices for the area and you cut out the broker and other terrors of NYC apartment hunting. They seem to genuinely give a shit about your preferences and want you to be happy.
If you want a nicer place there are luxury apartments around the corner that cut deals with the university (no guarantor needed for students, auto approval etc). YMMV. You also might be able to find cheaper apartments farther form the university (Harlem, North of campus, the Bronx etc), if you're comfortable with the commute and doing the legwork yourself.

Gonna go on the same rant I had in the NYU thread here... 10 blocks from the law school is not far, it's maybe a 10 minute walk. I live about 30 blocks from the law school and will probably walk it when it's nice out; it's also 5 minutes on the subway. Branching out of the Columbia housing (if you want to put in the effort of finding a place) can save you a substantial amount of money (I pay 4-500/month less than the cheapest Columbia housing option) and get you nicer accommodations if you look in the right neighborhood. Sure, you won't be across the street from the Law School, but it's worth looking into for people who are OK putting in a little more effort.

LOL, I live in Brooklyn and you'll have to move my cold, dead body from this borough.

Commuting in NYC is really, really easy. I wouldn't recommend living an hour away (unless you want to live with me a massive apartment a mile away from the park for which you pay pennies; please do b/c I need a new roommate!), but 10 blocks is nothing. I commute around 40 minutes every day to work and that's in no way uncommon. As long as you live a close walk to the subway (and preferably by more than one line), you're fine.

Precisely. I live waaaaay uptown and work in the financial district, so the idea of only commuting thirty blocks each day sounds amazing, but the 45 minutes I deal with currently isn't too bad. Having dealt with commuter cities before, I can understand how people who spend their mornings stuck in traffic would think a 45 minute commute would suck, but daily train rides really aren't so bad.

Brooklyn's great, Harlem's great; Morningside Heights is more expensive than it's worth, in my opinion, even in the subsidized housing, and anywhere cheaper and on a train line will be a smart decision.

[GreenEggs]

Precisely. I live waaaaay uptown and work in the financial district, so the idea of only commuting thirty blocks each day sounds amazing, but the 45 minutes I deal with currently isn't too bad. Having dealt with commuter cities before, I can understand how people who spend their mornings stuck in traffic would think a 45 minute commute would suck, but daily train rides really aren't so bad.

Brooklyn's great, Harlem's great; Morningside Heights is more expensive than it's worth, in my opinion, even in the subsidized housing, and anywhere cheaper and on a train line will be a smart decision.

What is waaaaaay uptown? Hamilton and even Washington Heights aren't that far if you're along the 1 train (relative to CLS). Unless you're talking Inwood

[rska884]

Precisely. I live waaaaay uptown and work in the financial district, so the idea of only commuting thirty blocks each day sounds amazing, but the 45 minutes I deal with currently isn't too bad. Having dealt with commuter cities before, I can understand how people who spend their mornings stuck in traffic would think a 45 minute commute would suck, but daily train rides really aren't so bad.

Brooklyn's great, Harlem's great; Morningside Heights is more expensive than it's worth, in my opinion, even in the subsidized housing, and anywhere cheaper and on a train line will be a smart decision.

What is waaaaaay uptown? Hamilton and even Washington Heights aren't that far if you're along the 1 train (relative to CLS). Unless you're talking Inwood

Haha no, I'm in Hamilton Heights (although I've been told to never call it that) between the 1 and the A/B/C/D. I agree it's not too far uptown, my friends just like to needle me for it. Relative to CLS, I'm super close and pretty excited about it.

[GreenEggs]

Precisely. I live waaaaay uptown and work in the financial district, so the idea of only commuting thirty blocks each day sounds amazing, but the 45 minutes I deal with currently isn't too bad. Having dealt with commuter cities before, I can understand how people who spend their mornings stuck in traffic would think a 45 minute commute would suck, but daily train rides really aren't so bad.

Brooklyn's great, Harlem's great; Morningside Heights is more expensive than it's worth, in my opinion, even in the subsidized housing, and anywhere cheaper and on a train line will be a smart decision.

What is waaaaaay uptown? Hamilton and even Washington Heights aren't that far if you're along the 1 train (relative to CLS). Unless you're talking Inwood

Haha no, I'm in Hamilton Heights (although I've been told to never call it that) between the 1 and the A/B/C/D. I agree it's not too far uptown, my friends just like to needle me for it. Relative to CLS, I'm super close and pretty excited about it.

Yeah that's a fine location to be and it's easy to get to CLS, even if subways are down you can always just bus it. Brooklyn is where you start to have issues with commuting

[sfoglia]

LOL, I live in Brooklyn and you'll have to move my cold, dead body from this borough.

Commuting in NYC is really, really easy. I wouldn't recommend living an hour away (unless you want to live with me a massive apartment a mile away from the park for which you pay pennies; please do b/c I need a new roommate!), but 10 blocks is nothing. I commute around 40 minutes every day to work and that's in no way uncommon. As long as you live a close walk to the subway (and preferably by more than one line), you're fine.

I know myself a little too well. For a job I could do a long commute, but not for school.
Ten blocks isn't super 'far', I will concede on that, but it is a consideration for some people. I knew people in UG (not Columbia) who lived in nice housing that was sort of off campus but because they had to walk 20ish minutes they were always late to class/unsocial etc. When they moved back to housing next to the school they liked it better. (yeah yeah maturity blah blah but it's something to think about. If you're willing to shell out extra for immediate proximity, and think you would benefit, maybe you should do that). Of course, I knew others who dealt with it fine. ymmv.

I see school as a job. Maybe it's because I'm an old.

But, I do love walking, will take the long way to work and walk 30 minutes with an iced coffee just because, when the weather's nice out. Maybe its all the years I spent in a car.

I got an apartment very close to campus for my first year of graduate school and really regretted it. Moved to a condo further out that was beautiful, overlooked a pond, had hiking trails, and saved $500/ month. As a student spending so much time in classes and at the library studying, I really needed the physical distance away from campus to recharge. I think that might be a consideration for some people, too.

30 blocks to me sounds just close enough.

[rska884]

From talking to students and visiting housing options:
UAH is variable in pricing, but *can* be cheaper. You can be pretty far from the law school (~10 blocks). If you want cheap (with roommates) and really really nice (dishwasher doorman etc), the Arbor up in Riverdale is a *really* good option, just be aware it's a shuttle ride away.
Law School Housing is right next to the law school. Studios are pricey but likely similar/the same as UAH. Roommate situations are a little more pricey than UAH but you're paying for the privilege of being on that block (which might be worth it for those of us that like to wake up at the last possible moment ).

Columbia's housing seems pretty 'fine'. It's not fancy, it's not updated or anything, but it's reasonable prices for the area and you cut out the broker and other terrors of NYC apartment hunting. They seem to genuinely give a shit about your preferences and want you to be happy.
If you want a nicer place there are luxury apartments around the corner that cut deals with the university (no guarantor needed for students, auto approval etc). YMMV. You also might be able to find cheaper apartments farther form the university (Harlem, North of campus, the Bronx etc), if you're comfortable with the commute and doing the legwork yourself.

Gonna go on the same rant I had in the NYU thread here... 10 blocks from the law school is not far, it's maybe a 10 minute walk. I live about 30 blocks from the law school and will probably walk it when it's nice out; it's also 5 minutes on the subway. Branching out of the Columbia housing (if you want to put in the effort of finding a place) can save you a substantial amount of money (I pay 4-500/month less than the cheapest Columbia housing option) and get you nicer accommodations if you look in the right neighborhood. Sure, you won't be across the street from the Law School, but it's worth looking into for people who are OK putting in a little more effort.

LOL, I live in Brooklyn and you'll have to move my cold, dead body from this borough.

Commuting in NYC is really, really easy. I wouldn't recommend living an hour away (unless you want to live with me a massive apartment a mile away from the park for which you pay pennies; please do b/c I need a new roommate!), but 10 blocks is nothing. I commute around 40 minutes every day to work and that's in no way uncommon. As long as you live a close walk to the subway (and preferably by more than one line), you're fine.

I know myself a little too well. For a job I could do a long commute, but not for school.
Ten blocks isn't super 'far', I will concede on that, but it is a consideration for some people. I knew people in UG (not Columbia) who lived in nice housing that was sort of off campus but because they had to walk 20ish minutes they were always late to class/unsocial etc. When they moved back to housing next to the school they liked it better. (yeah yeah maturity blah blah but it's something to think about. If you're willing to shell out extra for immediate proximity, and think you would benefit, maybe you should do that). Of course, I knew others who dealt with it fine. ymmv.

That's fair, people should do what will work best for them. I actually had similar experiences with UG, but it was in a different city, and NYC just works differently. 10 blocks is at most a 10 minute walk and is something I do pretty much daily; 30 blocks is a 5 minute subway ride. The city is built specifically to make these types of distances small, so I think the conditions that apply elsewhere aren't as helpful here.

[sfoglia]

Yeah that's a fine location to be and it's easy to get to CLS, even if subways are down you can always just bus it. Brooklyn is where you start to have issues with commuting

This place has ruined me.

[TheKisSquared]

LOL, I live in Brooklyn and you'll have to move my cold, dead body from this borough.

Commuting in NYC is really, really easy. I wouldn't recommend living an hour away (unless you want to live with me a massive apartment a mile away from the park for which you pay pennies; please do b/c I need a new roommate!), but 10 blocks is nothing. I commute around 40 minutes every day to work and that's in no way uncommon. As long as you live a close walk to the subway (and preferably by more than one line), you're fine.

I know myself a little too well. For a job I could do a long commute, but not for school.
Ten blocks isn't super 'far', I will concede on that, but it is a consideration for some people. I knew people in UG (not Columbia) who lived in nice housing that was sort of off campus but because they had to walk 20ish minutes they were always late to class/unsocial etc. When they moved back to housing next to the school they liked it better. (yeah yeah maturity blah blah but it's something to think about. If you're willing to shell out extra for immediate proximity, and think you would benefit, maybe you should do that). Of course, I knew others who dealt with it fine. ymmv.

I see school as a job. Maybe it's because I'm an old.

But, I do love walking, will take the long way to work and walk 30 minutes with an iced coffee just because, when the weather's nice out. Maybe its all the years I spent in a car.

I got an apartment very close to campus for my first year of graduate school and really regretted it. Moved to a condo further out that was beautiful, overlooked a pond, had hiking trails, and saved $500/ month. As a student spending so much time in classes and at the library studying, I really needed the physical distance away from campus to recharge. I think that might be a consideration for some people, too.

30 blocks to me sounds just close enough.

I'm going in thinking of it as a job, but it's more about the schedule than the work itself (I hate having huge block of time and needing something from home but wasting twenty minutes each way retrieving it). Obviously this is something you can plan around.

And totally. I recharge with a good book or headphones and video games so I can do that anywhere, really

[GreenEggs]

Yeah that's a fine location to be and it's easy to get to CLS, even if subways are down you can always just bus it. Brooklyn is where you start to have issues with commuting

This place has ruined me.

?

[somethingElse]

NEW POLE!?

what kind of pole do you want?

ANYTHING! Any kind of cool, chill pole; maybe something like favorite kind of food? Favorite salad? IDK

[TheKisSquared]

NEW POLE!?

what kind of pole do you want?

ANYTHING! Any kind of cool, chill pole; maybe something like favorite kind of food? Favorite salad? IDK

Maybe thing you're most looking forward to/excited about in NYC?
Broadways shows and real pizza are calling my name.

[Simplicius]

Checking in. Just wanted to see if anyone knew anything about getting a subsidy from Columbia to go to ASW? I'm at school in the midwest and there's no way I can pay to get out there myself...

[somethingElse]

Checking in. Just wanted to see if anyone knew anything about getting a subsidy from Columbia to go to ASW? I'm at school in the midwest and there's no way I can pay to get out there myself...

Login to the admitted students site and click on the top left box "Visit Campus." Then click on the link on the left that says "Financial assistance for travel expenses."

ALSO, NEW POLE!?