Campus Life:

Campus life is great. I got elected into the Student Government in my first semester so I could be involved in improving it even more. Libraries are plentiful, my favourite is the Butler library, it's got a lot of halls and rooms designed for different needs. Lots of exploring to do if you're into that. Events are top class.

Hostel:

I've leased an apartment in the vicinity of the campus. It's about a 7 minute walk to school. I'm sharing with 2 other grad students and our rent in total is $3,400 per month. The location is absolutely amazing and this rent is one of the more affordable ones you'll find in this area.

Campus Life:

The Campus infrastructure is great we have 3-4 libraries on the campus, there is indoor gymnasium which can be accessed for free. Students get free WiFi on the Campus. The Clubs and chapters are limited for graduate students when compared with undergraduate students. However the ones available are very active. Some clubs help for interview preparation, they also arrange sessions with recent graduates who bagged internship/full time job offers at reputed firms, these sessions are helpful. As Columbia is an Ivy League institute, it provides great training facilities for students with professional sports experience

Hostel:

For Graduate students Columbia doesn't offer any On-Campus accommodation so students have to search for options outside the campus. Columbia provides housing outside the campus though, people can opt for single rooms. If one wants to stay near the Campus it would cost around 900 - 1100$/month for each person if we opt for 3 bed, 1 bath or 4 bed 2 bath flats.

Hostel:

Mix of single and double room - students have a choice. Dorms usually cost $12,000 per year but the fees is included in tuition. You can only move off-campus into an apartment.

Prestige of Ivy League, location in New York City, rigorous Computer Science program

Hostel:

I live in an apartment near campus and the accommodation near campus is pretty expensive. If you are inclined towards taking a private room in an apartment, the rent would usually be in the range of $900-$1200 per month, including amenities. If you're open to sharing the room, the expense can reduce by around $500.

I chose Columbia University because of its brand and location, access to immense opportunities in NYC, and the opportunity to build a good professional network.

Hostel:

No - I share an apartment outside. Rentals are generally expensive though.

I had two PhD offers and I chose this one mainly because my previous advisors recommended it. It is a presitigious university in an exciting and happening city and an experienced advisor who is a "good human being". All of these points, except university prestige, I still think are important parameters to make the choice. I would also look at the department structure and work culture - both of which are often better at public universities.

Hostel:

Students live on campus for all 4 years and a meal plan is required the 1st year and available for the years after. Campus housing varies but for the most part, is actually quite nice. There are a few students who choose to live off-campus, but they're the extreme minority.

It was the most prestigious school I was accepted into, and I really wanted to go to a smaller school in an urban setting. I looked into specific programs I was interested in and found one that fit my needs pretty closely, and I particularly liked the integrated bachelors and masters program offered.

Campus Life:

There are many clubs (both tech and non tech) and have access to very good resources. Being an Ivy League, it goes without saying that Columbia has excellent sports teams and facilities. There are multiple libraries and some are open (24/7) and there is free WiFi throughout the campus.

Hostel:

Students here mostly share apartments as a group of 2-4. And the average rent per person varies from about $800 to $1200 per month. This is relatively expensive as the location is one lies at the heart of Manhattan, New York. Food costs can be managed to about $500 per month.

Campus Life:

There are activities happening round the year be it sports or cultural. You won't have much time to participate though

Hostel:

I am living off campus.

Campus Life:

Campus life is amazing. But it depends on your course load. Master's curriculum is usually very packed atleast for the first 2 semesters. So, although there is a plethora of activities happening around you, you will mostly be swamped with work to participate in them. It becomes much better in the last semester when the course load is half. In terms of avenues, you will find a group irrespective of what your interests are. There is a high chance a group would exist for what you want to partake in. If not, you are given the resources to start your own interest group.

Hostel:

Graduate students usually rent apartments by themselves along with a few other students. Columbia also offers campus housing for graduate students outside the campus but that is usually expensive compared to finding your own place with a few friends. The rent for a decent sized room in Manhattan can lie in a range of 600-1000 usd. Additional costs include utilities and expenditure on food which can range from 200 usd to 500 usd depending on your lifestyle. Cooking food at home is way cheaper than eating outside.

Campus Life:

There are a lot of events daily sometimes gets confusing what to attend. There is a club for every activity and anyone can join.

Hostel:

Average rentals in NY: 1000 dollars per room. Without sharing.