OT: Advice for RU Grad Headed To Columbia

[KevH]

My oldest daughter's graduating from RU next month and will be starting grad school at Columbia U in the fall. As her dad, safety is at the top of my list of concerns. Can any of you, who either went to school there, live(d) near there, or has connections to the school or area offer any advice? She's applied for university housing, which I understand is in short supply so we're also trying to explore other housing options in the area, like Morningside Heights. Any pointers to help her get through her time there safely and happily are appreciated.

 

[RepeatedCrown6]

My oldest daughter's graduating from RU next month and will be starting grad school at Columbia U in the fall. As her dad, safety is at the top of my list of concerns. Can any of you, who either went to school there, live(d) near there, or has connections to the school or area offer any advice? She's applied for university housing, which I understand is in short supply so we're also trying to explore other housing options in the area, like Morningside Heights. Any pointers to help her get through her time there safely and happily are appreciated.

Think you’re worrying a little too much. A lot of ppl move to nyc and live pretty safely

 

[KevH]

Think you’re worrying a little too much. A lot of ppl move to nyc and live pretty safely

My head knows this. My heart, on the other hand... lol. Seriously though, I have two nieces who went to NYU, one currently living in Brooklyn... no problems for either of them. I'm not expecting problems, but I've always believed in going into new situations armed with some knowledge. Thanks.

 

[ruinac]

My petite daughter lived in Morningside Heights for her two years of grad school. Like you, I had some safety concerns, but she maintains that she never had a problem while she lived there. She just avoided the sketchy areas and loved the better ones.

If someone was telling me that their 18 year old freshman was going of to live there I’d feel differently. But a 22 year old college grad is wiser.

 

[BOGDANOVICH]

The dangers of attending Columbia are overblown. Spent 10 years living on Morningside Heights while in grad school and after grad school. The area is very gentrified and relatively safe. But you have to use common sense and avoid doing stupid things like walking in Morningside Park at night or strolling north of 120th Street. Never had any serious trouble while living there, unlike my experience in New Haven, where many streets around Yale are truly dangerous, especially at night. Attending Columbia was a great experience. Living in New Haven while working at Yale was another story. Morningside Heights is much less risky.

 

[GORU2014]

The best thing you can do is walk around the area for a day/evening. All the side streets, see if any jump out to you as good/bad. Most people don’t have issues as long as they have some street smarts, which she likely does if she went to RU-NB.

The area immediately around campus is largely students with a lot of food places. If you/her are still concerned after visiting, she could live on the Upper West Side along the train line, but it would probably be overkill and raise her costs significantly.

 

[RUBOB72]

Think you’re worrying a little too much. A lot of ppl move to nyc and live pretty safely

Question for Mr .NYC is pretty safe. In whose world ? Are you a male or female ? This parent is concerned for his daughter’s safety nothing wrong with that. Danger is now a fact of life… anywhere in this country. Easy for someone who is void of parental concerns I imagine that may be you. To the dad posting . Can’t live in fear . Just tell your daughter to avoid being in vulnerable places and situations . Head on a swivel at all times . Rumor has it Alvin Bragg is doing a great job keeping career criminals safe from incarceration.

 

[MiloTalon13]

Whatever you do don’t google Crime near Columbia University or Crime in NYC

Best wishes for a safe and happy time for your kid

 

[MADHAT1]

Can’t say from personal knowledge

But doing a quick google search I found this, but remember the source
I got this from
>Morningside Heights is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York. All University-owned buildings are managed and operated by campus employees and the University takes special measures to provide a secure living environment for all residents.

The University's Department of Public Safety instructs and oversees all building personnel on security and safety procedures. All buildings have superintendents residing either in or very near the building. Columbia University's Department of Public Safety provides car and foot patrols for the entire neighborhood. The Department also maintains strategically situated guard kiosks and provides emergency call boxes located throughout the area.

The Morningside Area Alliance, a community service organization founded by the major institutions in the Heights, also provides security patrols. During the academic year, evening and night shuttle and escort services to locations throughout the neighborhood are available to all Columbia students.<

https://residential.columbia.edu/content/neighborhood

also suggest you contact
residential@columbia.edu
or call them at
(212) 854-9300
and ask questions

 

[Knight Shift]

My petite daughter lived in Morningside Heights for her two years of grad school. Like you, I had some safety concerns, but she maintains that she never had a problem while she lived there. She just avoided the sketchy areas and loved the better ones.

If someone was telling me that their 18 year old freshman was going of to live there I’d feel differently. But a 22 year old college grad is wiser.

This. We visited when our oldest was choosing colleges. I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the campus and the surrounding area were. Could think of numerous less safe places in NYC and other cities. They seemed to have decent security too.

 

[Knight Shift]

The dangers of attending Columbia are overblown. Spent 10 years living on Morningside Heights while in grad school and after grad school. The area is very gentrified and relatively safe. But you have to use common sense and avoid doing stupid things like walking in Morningside Park at night or strolling north of 120th Street. Never had any serious trouble while living there, unlike my experience in New Haven, where many streets around Yale are truly dangerous, especially at night. Attending Columbia was a great experience. Living in New Haven while working at Yale was another story. Morningside Heights is much less risky.

Had a court hearing in New Haven years ago. I rarely get a bad feeling in a gritty city (spent 3 years in Newark for law school without breaking a sweat), but New Haven was downright scary.

 

[njxchange]

Think you’re worrying a little too much. A lot of ppl move to nyc and live pretty safely

been living in Manhattan since 1999. Always felt safe where ever I went until recently... and I live in Upper East Side, which is one of the safest neighborhoods. It doesn't mean, everyone is getting robbed or getting assaulted. Just means, I know everyone I speak to is more cautious of their surroundings than ever before...

Just make sure she is smart and she will be fine...

 

[RUsojo]

Question for Mr .NYC is pretty safe. In whose world ? Are you a male or female ? This parent is concerned for his daughter’s safety nothing wrong with that. Danger is now a fact of life… anywhere in this country. Easy for someone who is void of parental concerns I imagine that may be you. To the dad posting . Can’t live in fear . Just tell your daughter to avoid being in vulnerable places and situations . Head on a swivel at all times . Rumor has it Alvin Bragg is doing a great job keeping career criminals safe from incarceration.

What do you mean by danger is NOW a fact of life?

 

[DanceAppreciationTA]

The dangers of attending Columbia are overblown. Spent 10 years living on Morningside Heights while in grad school and after grad school. The area is very gentrified and relatively safe. But you have to use common sense and avoid doing stupid things like walking in Morningside Park at night or strolling north of 120th Street. Never had any serious trouble while living there, unlike my experience in New Haven, where many streets around Yale are truly dangerous, especially at night. Attending Columbia was a great experience. Living in New Haven while working at Yale was another story. Morningside Heights is much less risky.

^This ... OP I myself did the same move as your daughter not that long ago. Lived in Harlem and felt safe ... Although I'm a male. Just avoid Morningside Park at night like poster above says and she will be fine.

And like others have said, always be vigilant / aware of your surroundings. Columbia has a shuttle service and a by request van service that operate in the greater Columbia area

 

[ru66]

been living in Manhattan since 1999. Always felt safe where ever I went until recently... and I live in Upper East Side, which is one of the safest neighborhoods. It doesn't mean, everyone is getting robbed or getting assaulted. Just means, I know everyone I speak to is more cautious of their surroundings than ever before...

Just make sure she is smart and she will be fine...

I agree. Funny even super liberals will tell you that they felt the safest during the Giuliani and Bloomberg days. I'm in city constantly and to be fair over the last few months or so things seem a bit better-- maybe since more are back to work? As for that area up by Columbia, we were close to buying an apartment there for one of my kids but chose elsewhere. It's pretty safe-- had a son and daughter that lived up there-- just hated the parking.

 

[RutgersNo1]

Avoid Riverside park at night.

 

[RUbacker]

My oldest daughter's graduating from RU next month and will be starting grad school at Columbia U in the fall. As her dad, safety is at the top of my list of concerns. Can any of you, who either went to school there, live(d) near there, or has connections to the school or area offer any advice? She's applied for university housing, which I understand is in short supply so we're also trying to explore other housing options in the area, like Morningside Heights. Any pointers to help her get through her time there safely and happily are appreciated.

Used to be fairly safe there but not now . if She insists on living there make sure she is always aware of her surroundings and not to travel alone. Lots going on that you don’t hear about on news etc .

 

[gef21]

My advice is enjoy the amazing food in the neighborhood. Spent many a great night up that way.

 

[Knight Shift]

^This ... OP I myself did the same move as your daughter not that long ago. Lived in Harlem and felt safe ... Although I'm a male. Just avoid Morningside Park at night like poster above says and she will be fine.

And like others have said, always be vigilant / aware of your surroundings. Columbia has a shuttle service and a by request van service that operate in the greater Columbia area

So you are the guy in your avatar? Was this 2006-11, when you were the head coach at Columbia? 🤔😉

 

[briccnerff]

What do you mean by danger is NOW a fact of life?

Watching Too much 24 news networks

 

[RUBOB72]

What do you mean by danger is NOW a fact of life?

What do you mean by danger is NOW a fact of life?

Keep thinking NYC is a safe city. It’s safe for those who commit criminal acts. For that father and daughter going to Columbia. As some have warned it’s never been truly safe. Be aware of where you are . Who is around ? And always have someone else nearby that you can trust.

 

[RUBOB72]

You youngsters would have crapped green pellets during the David Dinkins days . Now Dave was a great mayor of NYC.

 

[mikeyo]

You youngsters would have crapped green pellets during the David Dinkins days . Now Dave was a great mayor of NYC.

He wasn't the best, but compared to that wacko de Blasio (who ruined the city), he actually doesn't suffer by comparison

 

[RUbacker]

Keep thinking NYC is a safe city. It’s safe for those who commit criminal acts. For that father and daughter going to Columbia. As some have warned it’s never been truly safe. Be aware of where you are . Who is around ? And always have someone else nearby that you can trust.

Can’t stand when people have their head up their arse about safety and make believe a place is safe when it’s not. These are the same people strolling into Mexico when the government advises against it. NYC is a place you have to be careful with on the streets and in the subway etc.

 

[MADHAT1]

What do you mean by danger is NOW a fact of life?

Urban or rural areas can be dangerous places .
So we should be aware of our surroundings but not live our lives in fear of sending out college bound child to an excellent University located in any major city.
Murder Rates Soar in Rural America - WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/story/murder-rates-soar-in-rural-america-bb431022

 

[NotInRHouse]

Had a court hearing in New Haven years ago. I rarely get a bad feeling in a gritty city (spent 3 years in Newark for law school without breaking a sweat), but New Haven was downright scary.

I was in New Haven recently and the area around Yale and Sally's/Pepe's was pleasant and full of people walking around day and night.

Could be that like most cities there are good and bad areas. Even in Newark, I wouldn't be so worried in the Ironbound.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Can’t stand when people have their head up their arse about safety and make believe a place is safe when it’s not. These are the same people strolling into Mexico when the government advises against it. NYC is a place you have to be careful with on the streets and in the subway etc.

LOL

NYC and major tourist destinations in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cancun) or big cities like CDMX and Guadalajara rank ahead of a number of American cities in terms of safety.

If you don't feel safe in NYC or Playa Del Carmen stay in the cul de sac, but facts are facts.

 

[mikeyo]

I was in New Haven recently and the area around Yale and Sally's/Pepe's was pleasant and full of people walking around day and night.

Could be that like most cities there are good and bad areas. Even in Newark, I wouldn't be so worried in the Ironbound.

Yep. During the riots in 1967, the Ironbound was guarded by a citizen militia

 

[RUbacker]

LOL

NYC and major tourist destinations in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cancun) or big cities like CDMX and Guadalajara rank ahead of a number of American cities in terms of safety.

If you don't feel safe in NYC or Playa Del Carmen stay in the cul de sac, but facts are facts.

How cute you are with your words and distortion . No one said anything about rankings. I’m sure those people from South Carolina that were shot in Mexico wish they paid attention or those pushed in a subway or shot in a bodega or hit with hammer on street on and on

LOL

NYC and major tourist destinations in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cancun) or big cities like CDMX and Guadalajara rank ahead of a number of American cities in terms of safety.

If you don't feel safe in NYC or Playa Del Carmen stay in the cul de sac, but facts are facts.

 

[ru66]

I'm being very honest and own several NYC apartments--things have really changed in the city and not for the good. Is it like the 70's, no way, but after DeBlasio and the ultra progressive city council took over things went downhill quickly . We had become used to a good quality of life that went down the drain.Look wherever you go in this world you need to be alert. However, and I said it before, over the last couple of months things have gotten noticeably better. The covid shut downs hurt businesses large and small and this staying home stuff almost destroyed the fabric of the city. People coming back helps tremendously. As I said many times , don't kid yourself, if NYC doesn't survive, even the sheltered suburbs where people hide out will not.

 

[MiloTalon13]

LOL

NYC and major tourist destinations in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta, Cancun) or big cities like CDMX and Guadalajara rank ahead of a number of American cities in terms of safety.

If you don't feel safe in NYC or Playa Del Carmen stay in the cul de sac, but facts are facts.

Thanks, I will, I love my cul-de-sac

 

[RUBOB72]

He wasn't the best, but compared to that wacko de Blasio (who ruined the city), he actually doesn't suffer by comparison

Well with that I will be happy to agree.

 

[hoquat63]

Had a court hearing in New Haven years ago. I rarely get a bad feeling in a gritty city (spent 3 years in Newark for law school without breaking a sweat), but New Haven was downright scary.

Many years ago one of my daughters was in school in CT (not Yale or UConn) and after going to the Yale campus asked me why they built the college in such a bad part of town. 😂

 

[RUBOB72]

That is what I said when on a visit back in 1967-68… in all fairness it was a dreary November day in New Haven .My now wife / girlfriend at the time wanted to know why Yale was on my wish list.

 

[MiloTalon13]

That is what I said when on a visit back in 1967-68… in all fairness it was a dreary November day in New Haven .My now wife / girlfriend at the time wanted to know why Yale was on my wish list.

Must have been the Pizza

 

[RUBOB72]

Must have been the Pizza

It just was just too waspy a place for my liking. I thought I was in England 1620.

 

[NotInRHouse]

How cute you are with your words and distortion . No one said anything about rankings. I’m sure those people from South Carolina that were shot in Mexico wish they paid attention or those pushed in a subway or shot in a bodega or hit with hammer on street on and on

When was the last school shooting in Mexico?

 

[mikeyo]

When was the last school shooting in Mexico?

First they kidnap people, then they shoot them

 

[burtmanjack]

I went to law school at Columbia. She will be totally fine. Only advice I have is to be smart about it just as she would at any other place in NYC

 

[NotInRHouse]

First they kidnap people, then they shoot them

From a school? Or is it mostly that cartels deliberately avoid Americans?