Students in the big city

After four years in Morningside Heights, many Columbia seniors have yet to take advantage of some of New York’s unique attractions. As the semester wanes, seniors should utilize the city’s wealth of recreational and academic opportunities before their imminent graduation.

Columbia students have the benefit of an extra learning experience simply by virtue of being in New York, something most college students cannot claim. Though classes, jobs, and internships do take students off campus, a large number of students limit themselves to Morningside Heights during their leisure time and choose not to stray too far. Still others find themselves too wrapped up in their work to explore New York’s diverse neighborhoods. Seniors should not see leaving campus as an obligation, nor should they deny themselves the opportunity to study in New York.

Seniors should make the most of the remainder of their time at the University by discovering—or rediscovering—that the city is a significant part of the University’s unique education. Columbia students can enjoy perks offered by resources like CUArts and the College Activities Office ticket booth, such as free entrance to museums and discounts on tickets to performances. Although CUArts extends free membership to Columbians for up to one year after graduation, many seniors accept offers from employers or graduate schools far from New York and thus cannot take advantage of these extended bonuses. The warmer weather and the chance to celebrate their last semester in college are additional incentives to spend time around the city.

Whether students have not ventured outside of Morningside Heights since NSOP or whether they go downtown every weekend, now is the time to actively explore the cultural and academic experiences of New York City. Seniors should channel their inner senioritis and make sure they spend some time outside of Morningside Heights.