By: Becca Baitel

Welcome to New York — a place bursting with so much possibility and vibrance that pop icon Taylor Swift wrote a whole song about it! For many Teachers College students, the urban playground of New York City drew us here, providing us with the inimitable opportunity to empower, innovate, teach, learn, and live in the greatest city in the world. Hailing from a small New Jersey suburb, I opted to commute throughout my time here at TC. For me, it boiled down to a variety of factors, mainly financial, as I had just graduated from my undergraduate institution and did not accumulate enough money from on-campus jobs to realistically be able to afford rent. A die-hard Jersey girl at heart, I grew up going to Manhattan frequently for school trips, concerts, sporting events, and more, so I prioritized saving money for my future over living in a city that was already quite familiar to me. Making this decision was incredibly difficult, but I am grateful for it, and it made the most sense for me at this point in my life.

As a Columbia student, there are a multitude of ways to get involved and engage with the campus and city communities (yes, even as a commuter). By the end of Orientation Week, I had attended a Broadway show with TC and two events for Jewish students at the Grad Student Network, connecting me to many students in a short period of time. Take advantage of those first few weeks, especially if you do choose to commute. Maximizing your time in New York as a commuter is essential as well. I often fit in a museum visit or coffee/lunch with a friend while I am there. As a Columbia student, you can gain free admission to over 20 museums across the five boroughs. It may be exhausting, and often, you’ll probably feel like Penn Station is your second home, but I would do it all over again almost a year later.

NJ Transit offers impressive student discounts with valid proof of a student ID, which can be verified through the app. The majority of the time, my experience with taking the train has been quite seamless — although I recommend allowing ample travel time in case of delays, especially when commuting during A.M. rush hour. My day typically begins with an early wake-up and a 15-minute drive to my local train station, landing me at Penn Station around 8:30 am. Since I work in the mornings and attend classes at night, I typically pack water, snacks, and my class materials the night prior. Be sure to follow @NJTransit on X or check the app/website, as they frequently share any train updates, cancellations, or delays. Many of my professors have been understanding and accommodating in the instance of inclement weather due to commuting concerns. Just be sure to communicate with them at the start of the semester that you are a commuter student so you can plan accordingly should any issues with travel or weather arise. 

For students located closer to a bus line, the Port Authority and George Washington Bus Terminals are popular commuter hubs — located in Times Square and Washington Heights, respectively. Additionally, the Columbia University campus shuttle is free with the presentation of a Columbia-affiliated ID card, which operates from the Morningside Heights campus on 116th Street and the Columbia University Medical Center on 168th. To see the schedule for various shuttles, visit their website.

For us as commuters, it can feel like our time is fleeting, paired with this overwhelming urge to take advantage of everything at our fingertips — but you don’t need to “make up for lost time.” Set boundaries with yourself and reflect on what you can realistically handle, as commuting can be exhausting and frustrating at times. For example, if I want to attend a Shabbat dinner on Friday night, I will likely devote a working day at home on Thursday. Other suggestions include changing up study spots — while campus has some wonderful and cozy hidden gems, do not be afraid to venture off campus and try new cafes, libraries, and restaurants! This way, you are exploring the city while still focusing on your studies. I also made the conscious decision to seek on-campus employment opportunities, as I have met a variety of students, faculty, and staff through working!

Whether you decide to commute to graduate school or not, one thing is certain — when you step foot onto our beautiful, magnolia-lined campus, the true magic of New York will reveal itself. As always, Miss Taylor Swift hits the mark — New York is, in fact, waiting for you, and so are we here at TC! Best of luck with your graduate school journey, wherever you may end up.