Interesting Facts about Columbia University – 7 Reasons You Would Want to Go

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The hustle capital of the United States, New York City has more to offer than just The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. In the famously artistic upper west side of this state, there’s a cozy little Ivy. Columbia University is one of the most significant research universities in the world and has been around for 267 years, making it the 5th oldest higher education institution in the US. Here are 7 interesting facts about the Columbia university which is the oldest university in New York City.

1. C is for Cozy, C is for Columbia

The Ivy Leagues are known to be the best institutions for higher learning across the world. Columbia University has the smallest campus of the lot. With the main campus spanning only 36 acres and being almost fully residential, it is a tight-knit community. However, Columbia University is also the 7th largest property owner in New York City.

2. From 5 to 50000

Columbia University was first established in 1754 and was initially known as King’s College. From its inception over 267 years ago, Columbia University has undoubtedly grown by leaps and bounds. Did you know? The first graduating class of Columbia was of only 5 students and now the university has over 50,000 living undergraduate alumni. Talk about exponential growth!

3. Not Your Typical Classroom

In a world of classrooms, 309 Havemeyer Hall is a celebrity. Columbia University is famous for having the most filmed college classroom. It was the setting for more than a dozen films including all three original spiderman films.

4. From The Mascot To The Movies

Remember this lion? It shows up at the beginning of every Tom and Jerry episode and countless other movies. This famous MGM studio logo is inspired by the lion mascot of Columbia University. Here’s a fun fact – the mascot is called ‘Roar-ee the Columbia lion’, and dresses in the school colours, blue and white.

5. Invention Hub

Columbia is the place where some of the world’s most brilliant inventions were made. The Manhattan Project was a significant undertaking that happened during the Second World War. Researchers at Columbia created the first nuclear weapon – the atomic bomb. Other famous early inventions are FM Radio, neon laser, and many more. Today, Columbia has a spectacular alumni base that holds patents for over a thousand projects and researches.

6. A Nobel at Every Corner

Columbia is an amazing university, and it still holds down the title because of the quality graduates it produces every year.

The university has a history of high achievers including 4 presidents, 46 Olympians, 84 Nobel prize winners, over 90 Pulitzer prize winners, and many celebrities.

7. An Underground Tunnel System

Here’s a cool story to end with. Did you know that Columbia has an underground tunnel system that connects many buildings on the campus? History has it that Columbia University was built over a mental asylum and the tunnels date back to that period. Although the tunnels are still in use today, students and staff are allowed only in a fewer number for safety concerns.

If you choose to study in USA as an international student, you can have an enriching experience that exposes you to diverse cultures and an innovative academic environment. Other than Columbia University, USA is a home to some of the best universities in the world to study in USA.

By knowing these interesting facts about Columbia University who does not want to study here? If you think Columbia is your dream university? Get in touch with our Admissions Counselors for discussing your profile now.

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