Any tips on where to stay, fly in/out of, transportation? I'd especially like to know what worked or didn't for all those that interviewed early. I know a lot of us are coming from far away (many from CA) so all help is much appreciated!
For those that have interviewed at Columbia/go there/know the area...
- Thread starter gigawatt
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Hey i don't have an interview at columbia (I wish) but I live in NYC and have been to the school before. I would probably suggest if you can afford it to find a hotel in manhattan (any are fine) most likely on the west side because columbia is on the upper west side in spanish harlem. Just google "NYC hotels west side" and some will come up. THey average around 100-300$. For flying in and out of the airport buy airline tickets to JFK (John F. Kennedy airport) NOT Laguardia. Laguardia is the small airport and it is really confusing/gritty so when you book your flight make sure you book one going to JFK the main airport in nyc. If I were you i would book a nice hotel on the west side of manhattan so that you can easily get a taxi to Columbia Dental in the morning and it will only cost around 30$ since you are already on the west side.
NOw....from the airport some people take a taxi but if your good with directions/aren't afraid of taking the train (which is NOT a problem but may be confusing to some) I would suggest you take the Long Island Rail Road from JFK to Penn station in manhattan rather than getting a taxi from JFk to manhttan (which will run you 60$+! while train will be 15$~).
This is the sequence of events you must do to leave JFK airport if you go by train:
-Arrive at NYC at JFK airport (Note that JFK airport is NOT in manhattan and is in a suberban area)->
-Follow signs in airport to the"Airtrain"->
-Board the airtrain and take it to "Jaimaca Station" ->
-At Jaimaca there will be people to help you if you need help but at Jaimaca go to the ticket machine and buy a Long Island Railroad Ticket to Penn Station manhattan. (It will be easier to buy the LIRR ticket with a metrocard ticket) [Metrocard is the ticket for the subway in manhattan]. Just ask for help if your confused. ->
Walk down the stairs to your train terminal and board the Long Island Rail Road to Penn station.->
-Arrive at penn station. ONce you are at penn station depending on where you booked your hotel you can either get a taxi (there will be tons outside) or take the subway with your metrocard to the closest subway station to your hotel. IF you tell me where your hotel is i can give you directions for the subway too.
**Note that Columbia University on the MTA subway map is on 168th street in manhattan. Here is an MTA map: http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm
(168th st is on the upper left side of the map on manhattan island on the A,C, and 1 lines)
Also note that Columbia University at 116th street is the undergraduate campus NOT the dental school. The med/dental is on West 168th street. here are directions from Colubmia's website: http://cumc.columbia.edu/about/transportation
Also note Penn station on the MTA map which is listed under as "34th St Penn sta" also on the A, C subway lines.
AlsO!! Columbia dental is not in a particularly nice neighborhood so be forewarned walking around there at night time!
If you have anymore questions or if I was totally confusing just send me a pm. I hope this helped! 🙂
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This might not be the fastest way, but it's pretty easy and this is how I get back from Kennedy Airport : Once you get to Kennedy airport, take the Airtrain to Howard Beach Station, take the A-train to Times Square, and then hop the #1 train Uptown to 168th street station. This should land you about 2 minutes from the Dental school.
About traveling at night -- remember to walk on the Columbia University side of the street. On the other side of the street, there is a homeless shelter in an old track and field house. You'll know which side to walk on, because all of the food trucks are located on that side.
About traveling at night -- remember to walk on the Columbia University side of the street. On the other side of the street, there is a homeless shelter in an old track and field house. You'll know which side to walk on, because all of the food trucks are located on that side.
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