Columbia University, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States. Established in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II, it is the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth oldest in the country.
Columbia's main campus, known as the Morningside Heights campus, spans over 36 acres and is home to numerous historic and architectural landmarks. The university's Low Memorial Library, completed in 1897, is a National Historic Landmark and originally served as the main library. Today, it houses the offices of the university president and other administrative offices.
The campus also features the Butler Library, named after Nicholas Murray Butler, a former president of the university and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Butler Library is the largest of Columbia’s libraries, holding over 2 million volumes. Alma Mater, a bronze statue by sculptor Daniel Chester French, sits on the steps of Low Memorial Library and is a symbol of the university.
One of the hidden gems of the campus is the Secret Tunnels beneath the university. Originally built for the steam heating system in the early 20th century, these tunnels have since become a subject of intrigue and legend among students. Another lesser-known fact is that during World War II, Columbia was part of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons.
The Journalism School at Columbia, founded by Joseph Pulitzer in 1912, administers the prestigious Pulitzer Prizes. These awards are regarded as the highest national honors in newspaper journalism, literary achievements, and musical composition.
Columbia is also home to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, a world-renowned research institution focused on understanding the dynamics of the Earth’s climate system. The Mailman School of Public Health is another noteworthy institution, known for its contributions to public health research and policy.
The university’s Core Curriculum, established in 1919, is one of the nation’s oldest and most renowned liberal arts programs. It requires all undergraduates to study a series of prescribed texts and subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Columbia's alumni include five Founding Fathers of the United States, including Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, as well as three U.S. Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama. The university has also produced numerous Nobel laureates, Supreme Court justices, and other prominent figures in various fields.
Columbia's location on the Upper West Side provides students with access to a vibrant cultural and intellectual environment. The nearby Riverside Park and Central Park offer green spaces for recreation and relaxation, while the neighborhood itself is known for its diverse food scene, historic architecture, and cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History.
The university's affiliation with institutions such as Barnard College, Teachers College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary further enriches the academic and social life of its students.