Columbia ETP 2015

sophs12 · Feb 16, 2015

Agree! I'm already getting a little antsy about housing

snoozyd, NP · Feb 16, 2015

Vanderbilt hasn't replied to any of my questions about how they do everything in 2 years/whether the majority of students actually do 2 years or if more opt for the 3-year "part time" plan. ðŸ˜• The really nice thing about Columbia is that a car may not be necessary. My poor old car would definitely need to be replaced if I was going down to Nashville.

Can anyone provide insight into housing in the Columbia area? Or what areas are within reasonable commuting distance? I've been scanning Craigslist but that's probably useless if I don't know anything about New York. If anyone is contemplating Boston schools, I'd gladly trade Boston renting info for NYC tips!

DoulaMe · Feb 16, 2015

Just the midwifery portion is 600+ clinical hours and it's hard to find preceptors so you end up all over the country. Yale does this too, to a certain extent, but they keep you in one place and they take your input into consideration. I'm not sure exactly how Columbia does clinicals. Hopefully something they will cover in the visiting day.

Snoozy, I think not having to have a car at Columbia is a plus as well. I was talking to some friends who live in the city and they said the parts of Harlem around the school and Central Park are good. Inwood was suggested to me as well (West of Broadway). I don't live there though so I will be interested to hear what others say.

socialwrkr · Feb 16, 2015

I've lived in Morningside Heights for years. It's a great neighborhood and only about 15 minutes on the train. Columbia is here, lots of restaurants. Easy access to the west side on the 1 train. I would not recommend you bring a car to school unless you can afford to keep it in a garage. You can't just leave it parked on the street because they the clean the streets twice a week and you have to move it. Feel free to ask any questions.

Psuche · Feb 16, 2015

Ok so I spoke with the Housing office a few days ago and came away with the overall impression that housing there is pricey but not stratospheric. They have a few on-campus apartments that usually come up when ETPers will be starting, and they recommend having your housing application in by the end of March. They choose by the priority of distance (international students first, then those farthest within the U.S., etc.)

The cost for these CUSON places, however, is not hugely below market, so not getting one would not be the end of the world. They also have a list of rental agents whom they recommend. Sounded doable.

BICT · Feb 16, 2015

That was my experience; but you should give the financial aid office a call just to be certain.

JLope8927 · Feb 16, 2015

I've lived in Morningside Heights for years. It's a great neighborhood and only about 15 minutes on the train. Columbia is here, lots of restaurants. Easy access to the west side on the 1 train. I would not recommend you bring a car to school unless you can afford to keep it in a garage. You can't just leave it parked on the street because they the clean the streets twice a week and you have to move it. Feel free to ask any questions.

Hi Everyone,

Just accepted my spot for FNP at Columbia, excited to meet everyone that will be attending :) Everyones comments have been so helpful.

Socialwrkr: I live in Long Island but will be looking for housing closer to campus. What would you say is the average renting rate in your area? A 15 minute train commute sounds amazing to the 2+ hours that I'd have to travel from home. Thank you!!

socialwrkr · Feb 16, 2015

I have a one bedroom on a lovely street for $1800/month. It was rent stabilized when I moved in so the price hasn't gone up as much as it might otherwise.

DivaliciousMe85 · Feb 16, 2015

Hi Everyone,
Just accepted my spot for FNP at Columbia, excited to meet everyone that will be attending :) Everyones comments have been so helpful.
Socialwrkr: I live in Long Island but will be looking for housing closer to campus. What would you say is the average renting rate in your area? A 15 minute train commute sounds amazing to the 2+ hours that I'd have to travel from home. Thank you!!

I live on LI also! Unfortunately I do not have the option of living closer to campus, so the LIRR it is for me...only about an hour and a half including the subway ride though. I plan to maybe just get a hotel room on some of the late nights if the next morning is going to be a really early one - clinical mornings after 12+ hour days. Good luck to you finding a close place!

socialwrkr · Feb 16, 2015

Two things I would recommend when looking for buildings: washer/dryer in the basement and a live-in super.

snoozyd, NP · Feb 17, 2015

Is heat/hot water included standard in NY? Or am I gonna have to scour craigslist for that?

socialwrkr · Feb 17, 2015

It depends on the buidling. If it's steam heat it is usually included in the rent. I think the same for oil. You don't pay for regular water in Manhattan although you have to in the outer boroughs. Someone correct me if I am mistaken.