Interesting Facts about Columbia University

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Columbia University in New York City is a research university and one of the oldest in the nation.  While many people know about the university itself, which was founded in 1754, there are some facts that not many people know about Columbia.

Columbia University: Educational institution and land-holder.

Second only to the Catholic Church, Columbia University is next in line for owning the largest amount of land in New York City.  Its 20 schools cover 32 acres.

Timing is everything; Orgo Night.

Organic chemistry exams are usually held on the first day of final exams and, as one can imagine, students usually spend a good deal of last-minute time making sure they study.  The Columbia University Marching band takes this time to invade the Butler Library at midnight the night before and pester the studying students with music and jokes.

Because the band wasn’t enough…

Pressure can be intense during finals week at Columbia University.  As if the band weren’t enough noise, every finals week Sunday, students open up their windows at midnight.  At this time, they all let out primal screams as loud as they possibly can.

Columbia’s humble origin as a schoolhouse

Columbia University, one of the top research institutions in the U.S., had humble origins as a little schoolhouse in lower Manhattan.  Classes began there in July of 1754, adjacent to the Trinity church.  The founding class consisted of 8 members with Samuel Johnson presiding.

Columbia – the campus with two campuses.

Columbia actually has two campuses.  The original resides in Morningside Heights and includes the historical neoclassical architecture of old.  The campus was expanded to a second location in uptown Washington Heights for its Medical Center.

Columbia is a school rich in tradition and honor; knowing a little more about its history only serves to enrich the history and interest.