COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Go there and contact
American university with a green space ideal for jogging and a unique view of Manhattan on the Upper West Side
Like a gigantic New York Sorbonne, one of America's top universities reigns supreme on the Upper West Side. Columbia University was founded in 1754 and is a member of the Ivy League, which groups together the country's eight oldest and most prestigious universities, alongside the likes of Harvard and Brown. As such, it is highly selective, with an admission rate of no more than 7%! Barack Obama is one of the notable personalities to have studied here. Built on a hill, the campus offers an unparalleled view of Manhattan's Upper West Side. Its atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the rest of the city, with students taking over the perfectly manicured lawns, strolling in groups, books in hand, playing music or reciting poems in unison. You'll also find imposing buildings such as Butler Library, St. Paul's Chapel and the Low Memorial Library.
The university was the scene of major anti-Vietnam War protests in the 1970s. In the spring of 2024, it became a hotbed for the pro-Palestinian student movement, when demonstrators barricaded themselves in a campus building. More than 300 people were arrested by the police. In 2025, criticized by the Trump administration for its handling of the pro-Palestinian protests, Columbia embarked on several controversial reforms, leading to rising tensions between the university, students and the government.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique holiday offers with our partners
The best at New York (Manhattan) and around
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (M...
