Columbia University Class of 2013

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I got that too, mine said just that I had a credit of $500 (the enrollment deposit) and $0 in charges. I think it's just a statement, not actually a bill now.

Did you try this website to get your uni?
https://www1.columbia.edu/sec/acis/manageaccount/create.html

Sorry, I hear your frustrations - Columbia is not being really helpful with the info they send out...

I had this exact same message. I would wait until we owe money on the statement to freak out. Welcome to the bureaucracy! 😀
 
Has anybody received information from the school about applying for PLUS loans?

When I accepted my financial aid package back in March, the fin aid office told me I would be getting information about PLUS loans in June, but I havent heard anything yet. I know its still early in the month, but I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines.

I emailed the fin aid office a few days ago and haven't heard back yet.
 
You won't miss the deadline for the PLUS loans, as you can pull these out at any time.

The school is ridiculously slow replying back to emails. They will eventually get back to you.
 
The system will not give you a balance until you register for classes, which is about a week before classes start. So don't expect to see a tuition balance until then.



I had this exact same message. I would wait until we owe money on the statement to freak out. Welcome to the bureaucracy! 😀
 
If any of you are going to be first year students in Epi, I have the textbooks you need throughout your first year. Please let me know if interested. I will sell them at a good price.

Also, if any of you are moving to Tower 1,2,3, or Bard and are interested in a 11 month old queen bed, desk, chair, desk lamp, and room lamp, let me know as well. I am moving out in August and that is when you guys are coming. This would be perfect for you guys. Save money on installation and delivery.

Lastly, if you are living in Tower 1,2,3, or Bard, you will need Laundry cards. They are selling them for $5 each here on campus. I am selling them each for $2. Let me know if interested. I have five available.

Cheers.

(If you guys want pictures of the bed, desk, chair, and lamps, send me a PM).
 
I just got Georgian Residence!

Do you know if it's furnished at all?
 
I don't think so. In fact, I don't think any of them are furnished. I'm positive that Tower 1,2,3, and Bard are not furnished at all (absolutely nothing!).

If your interested in any of my stuff, please let me know. Also, any more questions, ask away.

Thanks


I just got Georgian Residence!

Do you know if it's furnished at all?
 
Hey! I didn't see a thread for those who are going to Columbia next year, so I thought I'd start one. Comments from people who have decided on Columbia seem to be scattered in threads comparing schools, so I thought it might be helpful to have a Columbia-specific thread where people can discuss their programs and other things (like apartment-hunting!).

I've enrolled in Columbia's SMS-Aging and Public Health MPH program, and I'm so excited about it! I currently live in Los Angeles and am from the west coast, so I'm looking forward to the change of location and experiencing seasons!

Hello there!
I'm your classmate!!! Nice to find you here 🙂
You can't imagine how excited I am at this moment.

I'm an international student from Taiwan. And I joined the open house on April 8th. Unfortunately, unlike other tracks, there were no one who is going to major in SMS-Aging and Public Health MPH program. .... kinda embarrassing ..... So, it was sooooo GREAT to see you here :laugh:
 
How did you hear that you got housing?

I got an email this morning:

Dear Prospective Student,

We would like to inform you that you have been assigned housing to the University Apartment (Towers, 154 Haven Ave or 106 Haven Ave) Residence. All housing assignment packages will be mailed by late next week, 6/17/11, via Federal Express, to the address you entered onto your housing application. All information, such as room or apartment number, type of accommodation, monthly rate, lease start date, and amount of deposit due back, will be specified in your package. Please wait until you have received your package before calling the Office of Housing Services, if you have any questions regarding your specific housing assignment.

For additional information on University Housing accommodations please visit our website: cumc-housing.edu.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation, as this is the busiest time of the year and we are trying to accommodate as many, if not all students seeking on campus housing.

Thank you,
Office of Housing Services
 
I got the same letter.
Really Really want to ask him whether it was Tower, 154 Haven Ave or 106 Haven Ave? Which one is for me???
 
Hello there!
I'm your classmate!!! Nice to find you here 🙂
You can't imagine how excited I am at this moment.

I'm an international student from Taiwan. And I joined the open house on April 8th. Unfortunately, unlike other tracks, there were no one who is going to major in SMS-Aging and Public Health MPH program. .... kinda embarrassing ..... So, it was sooooo GREAT to see you here :laugh:

Haha I went to the earlier open house day and there was 1 student present for the Aging stream, but she was considering switching into Health Promotion. I actually think it's a great stream to be going into, because both Canada, US and China are facing huge issues in terms of caring for the elderly, and I'm sure the area is just going to get hotter as time passes. I was considering the same stream myself, but I think Health Promotion is more general and I would have the chance to focus on aging if I want to. 🙂 Hope to see you in September!
 
I just got Georgian Residence!

Do you know if it's furnished at all?

😀 yay for Georgian!

according to the housing site, the towers as well as most other housing accomodations are furnished...
http://www.cumc-housing.columbia.edu/accommodations.html

how do I find out what exactly is furnished then?

Also got assigned University Apartments, don't know which one i'll be in yet... phooey, but yay for not having to search for housing.

I have the same question actually. The website says there's an "enclosed furnishings sheet" but that's about it.
 
Hi everyone! I'll be in the hpm management track this fall 🙂

I ended up getting waitlisted for campus housing...anyone else? Is there anyone who's fairly familiar with the city that can give suggestions as to where to live that's both safe and affordable? I've heard mixed things about washington heights and the area around the school...
 
I was waitlisted too, #50, but I got a spot available a month before school started. Almost everyone did who was on the waitlist. I think you should live on campus. Not only is it close to the classroom (literally 100 yards once you walk outside the building) it is extremely safe. There are tons of security officers and video cameras. Furthermore, for $953 a month, everything is included but electricity, which is around 20 bucks a person per month. Not to mention convenience. Once it starts snowing, it becomes a headache. Overall, live on campus. Best decision you can make. If you don't like it, it's a month to month contract and you can terminate anytime.



Hi everyone! I'll be in the hpm management track this fall 🙂

I ended up getting waitlisted for campus housing...anyone else? Is there anyone who's fairly familiar with the city that can give suggestions as to where to live that's both safe and affordable? I've heard mixed things about washington heights and the area around the school...
 
Hi everyone! I'll be in the hpm management track this fall 🙂

I ended up getting waitlisted for campus housing...anyone else? Is there anyone who's fairly familiar with the city that can give suggestions as to where to live that's both safe and affordable? I've heard mixed things about washington heights and the area around the school...

Hey!

I am actually going to be in the same track this fall, and I got waitlisted as well. I was informed that once the students that have already been offered housing send in their contracts they will have an idea of how many waitlisted students will get in! I'm still actively looking in the area since nothing is guaranteed.
 
ok, that makes me feel a little bit better, thanks djtiesto14 and ashley, fingers crossed still though!
 
Has anyone seen the new 2-year MPH program?

http://publichealth.columbia.edu/degree-programs/columbia-mph

I knew about the program change while applying as an incoming fall 2011 student and didn't think much of it. My initial reaction was "well at least I'm not part of the guinea pig class," however now I want a deferment. :scared: That won't really happen... but BLAH! I'm rather peeved about how great the new program looks, especially the "Integration of Science and Practice" portion. I've done a lot of research as an undergrad and my major and research interests paralleled. I believe a student gains a great comprehension and grasp when lecture and work coincide. So with that mindset, I'm looking at the new program and thinking, "why the hell couldn't they implement this program sooner?"

I didn't attend the admitted students day and have questions for those people who did or anyone who might have any sort of insight into this topic. Does the introduction of the new program have any impact to Fall 2011 incoming student? Was there any other information given that day, which stood out as interesting/odd/fascinating/etc...?

Additionally, I'm entering into the Health Policy track, but I'm 80% sure I'll change it to Effectiveness and Outcomes Research. I'm wondering if I'll be even able to change tracks after the first semester because of the possible changes to the core classes impose by the new program. 😕
 
I don't think so. In fact, I don't think any of them are furnished. I'm positive that Tower 1,2,3, and Bard are not furnished at all (absolutely nothing!).

If your interested in any of my stuff, please let me know. Also, any more questions, ask away.

Thanks


Hi, I am assigned a 3-person suite, Bard-haven Tower III apartment. Do you know if it's furnished or not? I actually called housing, the facility department said it was furnished. But I called another person who was in charge of housing, she didn't know and failed to give me an answer. DO you live in 1 bedroom or Jr 1 bedroom Tower? Is there a difference between 3-person suite and 1 bedroom or Jr 1 bedroom? I am totaly confused after reading your post, because I need to decide if I should share my current furnish or not. Thank you in advance!
Best,
Chanel
 
😀 yay for Georgian!



I have the same question actually. The website says there's an "enclosed furnishings sheet" but that's about it.

The website is not informative at all..... I was confused for a while
 
So I went and talked to them. It all comes down to the type of lease you have. If it is a J&S (Joint and Share) lease, then you will be provided with absolutely nothing.

I was mistaken earlier when I said none of the towers are furnished, because some apartments within the towers are actually furnished, but not all.

Hope this clarifies. If not, ask me more questions and I can go ask for you.

Also, I am selling my bed, desk, chair, desk lamp, and room lamp. I live in Tower 1, so it's a really convenient to just transfer to tower 3. Let me know.



Hi, I am assigned a 3-person suite, Bard-haven Tower III apartment. Do you know if it's furnished or not? I actually called housing, the facility department said it was furnished. But I called another person who was in charge of housing, she didn't know and failed to give me an answer. DO you live in 1 bedroom or Jr 1 bedroom Tower? Is there a difference between 3-person suite and 1 bedroom or Jr 1 bedroom? I am totaly confused after reading your post, because I need to decide if I should share my current furnish or not. Thank you in advance!
Best,
Chanel
 
So I went and talked to them. It all comes down to the type of lease you have. If it is a J&S (Joint and Share) lease, then you will be provided with absolutely nothing.

I was mistaken earlier when I said none of the towers are furnished, because some apartments within the towers are actually furnished, but not all.

Hope this clarifies. If not, ask me more questions and I can go ask for you.

Also, I am selling my bed, desk, chair, desk lamp, and room lamp. I live in Tower 1, so it's a really convenient to just transfer to tower 3. Let me know.

Thanks for the clarification. I called housing again. Since my room is multiple apartment, it's furnished. I guess my housing is a different type from yours. BTW, is the medical campus safe? I hear about "wash height", which has a bad reputation.... Should I stay at home after 6:00 PM and during the weekend? My friends even suggested me to dress crappy to avoid being robbed, which sounds ridiculous to me.... Any suggestions?

Thanks!
 
lol the medical campus is pretty safe. there are tons of cameras and security all over the place.

no, don't stay in after 6. go out and party and enjoy!

washington heights has a bad name, but I've never had a problem. there are people who ask for money but no ones ever threatened me or scared me or any of that stuff.

i walk to local bars here and restaurants all the time, as late as 2am. it's safe. just mind your own business and act like your from NYC. No one will give you crap.


Thanks for the clarification. I called housing again. Since my room is multiple apartment, it's furnished. I guess my housing is a different type from yours. BTW, is the medical campus safe? I hear about "wash height", which has a bad reputation.... Should I stay at home after 6:00 PM and during the weekend? My friends even suggested me to dress crappy to avoid being robbed, which sounds ridiculous to me.... Any suggestions?

Thanks!
 
Has anyone seen the new 2-year MPH program?

http://publichealth.columbia.edu/degree-programs/columbia-mph

I knew about the program change while applying as an incoming fall 2011 student and didn't think much of it. My initial reaction was "well at least I'm not part of the guinea pig class," however now I want a deferment. :scared: That won't really happen... but BLAH! I'm rather peeved about how great the new program looks, especially the "Integration of Science and Practice" portion. I've done a lot of research as an undergrad and my major and research interests paralleled. I believe a student gains a great comprehension and grasp when lecture and work coincide. So with that mindset, I'm looking at the new program and thinking, "why the hell couldn't they implement this program sooner?"

I didn't attend the admitted students day and have questions for those people who did or anyone who might have any sort of insight into this topic. Does the introduction of the new program have any impact to Fall 2011 incoming student? Was there any other information given that day, which stood out as interesting/odd/fascinating/etc...?

Additionally, I'm entering into the Health Policy track, but I'm 80% sure I'll change it to Effectiveness and Outcomes Research. I'm wondering if I'll be even able to change tracks after the first semester because of the possible changes to the core classes impose by the new program. 😕

Ugh Im in the same boat..... the new curriculum sounds SO great!! Im pretty bummed that theyre changing things on us as soon as we get there.... I was also debating deferring but after speaking with my academic coordinator, she strongly advised against it saying that the new curriculum will take several years of adjustments before it runs smoothly. These are brand new classes that they are teaching so the next years students will be test dummies and theres a chance that some will suck and they will have to change the content. Hope this helps!
 
Ugh Im in the same boat..... the new curriculum sounds SO great!! Im pretty bummed that theyre changing things on us as soon as we get there.... I was also debating deferring but after speaking with my academic coordinator, she strongly advised against it saying that the new curriculum will take several years of adjustments before it runs smoothly. These are brand new classes that they are teaching so the next years students will be test dummies and theres a chance that some will suck and they will have to change the content. Hope this helps!

I'm on board with your academic coordinator. I would not defer a year just to be a guinea pig. It hasn't been determined yet if the changes they're making are for the better, or for the worse, so I'd rather go with what's tried and true. The new website IS fancy, but I'll keep my place in this year's class.
 
Hi everyone,

I have been assigned one bedroom apartment which seems to be
assigned to couple students.
It is very confusing and weird because the unit type I applied for
is the furnished housing for single students.

I noticed, all unit types for single students are furnished, from the
announcement on the CUMC website.
How could a single student be assigned an apartment unfurnished?

And CUMC housing office told me that I need to share the apartment with someone else.
But, there is only one bedroom in the apartment.
Does it mean that I can not have my own bedroom?

Anyone knows what goes actually?
Thanks for responses, if any. 🙂
 
Do you know what tower and floor your assigned too?

From what I've seen, having been to all 3 towers and checking out the rooms, every 2 bedroom apartment has a kitchen and 1 bathroom. Every 3 bedroom apartment has a kitchen and 2 bathrooms.

The CUMC website is very confusing. Don't pay attention to that. If your lease says J&S, you will get absolutely nothing in your apartment besides a refrigerator and stove.

If it doesn't say J&S, then your room should be furnished.

Let me know if you have more questions.


Hi everyone,

I have been assigned one bedroom apartment which seems to be
assigned to couple students.
It is very confusing and weird because the unit type I applied for
is the furnished housing for single students.

I noticed, all unit types for single students are furnished, from the
announcement on the CUMC website.
How could a single student be assigned an apartment unfurnished?

And CUMC housing office told me that I need to share the apartment with someone else.
But, there is only one bedroom in the apartment.
Does it mean that I can not have my own bedroom?

Anyone knows what goes actually?
Thanks for responses, if any. 🙂
 
I am assigned to 12F, Tower 2.

I am not sure if the apartment is J&S, but I am afraid it is.
The lease says that my apartment is two person shared and unfurnished.
So, would there be two bedrooms in my apartment?

I can still not image what if I need to live in a living room or to share the same bedroom with someone else. 😱

Do you know what tower and floor your assigned too?

From what I've seen, having been to all 3 towers and checking out the rooms, every 2 bedroom apartment has a kitchen and 1 bathroom. Every 3 bedroom apartment has a kitchen and 2 bathrooms.

The CUMC website is very confusing. Don't pay attention to that. If your lease says J&S, you will get absolutely nothing in your apartment besides a refrigerator and stove.

If it doesn't say J&S, then your room should be furnished.

Let me know if you have more questions.
 
It is J&S most likely. You won't share a room with someone. You have your own room.

I am selling my bed(queen), desk, chair, desk lamp, and room lamp. You don't have any lights in your room so you will need lights and all of this. I will give you a really good deal, if interested. Everything will be 11 months old by August.

Thanks

Ray

I am assigned to 12F, Tower 2.

I am not sure if the apartment is J&S, but I am afraid it is.
The lease says that my apartment is two person shared and unfurnished.
So, would there be two bedrooms in my apartment?

I can still not image what if I need to live in a living room or to share the same bedroom with someone else. 😱
 
It is J&S most likely. You won't share a room with someone. You have your own room.

I am selling my bed(queen), desk, chair, desk lamp, and room lamp. You don't have any lights in your room so you will need lights and all of this. I will give you a really good deal, if interested. Everything will be 11 months old by August.

Thanks

Ray

I'm a first time poster, but I am attending in the fall and got J&S housing as well, in Tower 1. I know you have already stated that you think its a good idea to stay in the Towers, would you still recommend the towers for someone who has money concerns?

Even though you live "on-campus", did you end up purchasing the monthly subway passes? How much is electricity normally? Are the Towers close to any groceries, entertainment etc?

Oh and if anyone wants to weigh in on the pros and cons of living on or off campus id love to hear from you!!

P.S, are you still selling your set?
 
Yes I would still live on campus. It is safe and very convenient. Yes I am still selling my set. Send me a private message.



I'm a first time poster, but I am attending in the fall and got J&S housing as well, in Tower 1. I know you have already stated that you think its a good idea to stay in the Towers, would you still recommend the towers for someone who has money concerns?

Even though you live "on-campus", did you end up purchasing the monthly subway passes? How much is electricity normally? Are the Towers close to any groceries, entertainment etc?

Oh and if anyone wants to weigh in on the pros and cons of living on or off campus id love to hear from you!!

P.S, are you still selling your set?
 
Ok everyone, I walked into an apartment today on campus in
tower 2, and took a picture of the bed you will be provided and the
drawer. I forgot to take a picture of a desk, but it's nothing crazy.
If any of you would like to see a picture of them, send me a message.

If anyone has more question's feel free to ask.
 
I am assigned to 12F, Tower 2.

I am not sure if the apartment is J&S, but I am afraid it is.
The lease says that my apartment is two person shared and unfurnished.
So, would there be two bedrooms in my apartment?

I can still not image what if I need to live in a living room or to share the same bedroom with someone else. 😱
HAHAHA, This is what I was assigned!!

I got 1 Bedroom @ Tower 2 , 2 people share, 12C-1.
Really confused.. 'cuz how could two people share one bedroom and one living room. Does that mean one of us need to sleep at the living room. That's soooo scary.
 
Why does Columbia think that public health students have money growing out of trees???? 🙁 tuition is ridiculous!!!
 
Have any of the other HPM students noticed that we have SATURDAY class? The course options were e-mailed out with registration instructions...Healthcare Finance is offered on saturdays only...
 
Yes, I think it's the same for Health Policy students. We have Issues and Approaches to Health Policy on Saturdays once a month, I believe.
 
Yes, I think it's the same for Health Policy students. We have Issues and Approaches to Health Policy on Saturdays once a month, I believe.

The HPM core course for non-HPM concentrations is also held Th/Fr/Sat once a month.

I was expecting to sign up for 12 credits/4 core classes, but I was wondering if anyone has taken all 5 core classes in one semester, and how that worked out. If I could get all 5 classes out of the way without killing myself, I just might do it. Thoughts?
 
Hi
We've been assigned to a JR 1 bedroom in Tower 1- does anyone know about the dimensions? We were told living room is 290sq ft, bedroom 150sqft.

Does anyone know anyone who is currently living in a JR1 bedroom?

Thanks!


Do you know what tower and floor your assigned too?

From what I've seen, having been to all 3 towers and checking out the rooms, every 2 bedroom apartment has a kitchen and 1 bathroom. Every 3 bedroom apartment has a kitchen and 2 bathrooms.

The CUMC website is very confusing. Don't pay attention to that. If your lease says J&S, you will get absolutely nothing in your apartment besides a refrigerator and stove.

If it doesn't say J&S, then your room should be furnished.

Let me know if you have more questions.
 
Does anyone know if Columbia has student discounts for metro cards?
 
In the Fall, the CORE HPM course is offered executive style, meaning it is offered one weekend each month, for a total of 4 weekends in the semester.

In the spring, the class is every week. I'd prefer the executive. It's more convenient and you have more than enough time to do the midterm paper in 2 months


Have any of the other HPM students noticed that we have SATURDAY class? The course options were e-mailed out with registration instructions...Healthcare Finance is offered on saturdays only...
 
So I'm moving out soon from California, What airlines and what airport should I take? There's LaGuardia and JFK, and LaGuardia looks closer, but wanted to make sure from other people here. JFK does have jetblue which is usually cheaper... and has TV.
 
If you land at JFK, the taxi will cost you 52 dollars...It is $45 flat rate...plus toll bridge fees.

If you land at LGA, it will cost you $32-37.

If you take the subway from JFK to 168th and Broadway, it will cost you 2.25 but 80 minutes.



So I'm moving out soon from California, What airlines and what airport should I take? There's LaGuardia and JFK, and LaGuardia looks closer, but wanted to make sure from other people here. JFK does have jetblue which is usually cheaper... and has TV.
 
So I'm moving out soon from California, What airlines and what airport should I take? There's LaGuardia and JFK, and LaGuardia looks closer, but wanted to make sure from other people here. JFK does have jetblue which is usually cheaper... and has TV.


Another option is Newark! People usually forget about this one but you can take the Path train from the airport to Penn Station and then hop on a train uptown... also cheap option!
 
Hi I know this thread has been quiet since y'all got in. I got accepted for EHS, starting this fall, straight from undergrad but with tangible public Heath experience.

I just realized that I am actually a better fit with HPM. Would it be possible for me to switch departments, when I enroll?
 
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