Transitioning from the Midwest to New York City
Taking the leap and going far away from home for college can be nerve wracking at first. Coming to the East Coast from the Midwest—where the pace of life is a little shower and the Midwest hospitality fills the air—for college is a big step. But rest assured, Barnard College does an incredible job acclimating students to the city and their new home!
The moment you get to Barnard—whether you come in as a First Year or Transfer student—you will be surrounded by a sense of strong community through Barnard’s New Student Orientation Program (NSOP). Throughout this week-long orientation program, you will not only meet the most passionate, kind people, but you will also become well acquainted with the city. In my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, we do not have a subway system—or any sort of mass public transportation. When I got to New York City, I was unsure how to navigate the bus and subway systems. During NSOP, I was able to explore museums, restaurants, and other places in the city—gaining a strong sense of my surroundings. This sense of surrounding and community will only get better throughout your time at the College.
New York City has hot summers and cold winters, but so does the Midwest. Being used to all temperatures and types of weather makes adjusting to the city even smoother. Of course, pack a warm coat for the cold winters and lighter layers for the Fall and Spring months, but know the weather in the City is nothing you aren't used to coming from the Midwest!
It is common for students coming from the Midwest to feel overwhelmed with the size of NYC, how noisy it is, etc. I think it is important to differentiate Barnard and Columbia from the city as a whole. Unlike other institutions in the city, Barnard and Columbia have their own, distinct campuses. When you step foot on campus, you feel like you are on a college campus—not in a potentially overwhelming city. I love this quality of the college: you can make the campus and the city feel as big or small as you would like. If you are looking to see familiar faces in a close knit environment, you can hang around campus. If you are looking to get out and explore the city, the sky's the limit. The Subway 1 Train is just steps outside campus, and will get you up and down Manhattan quickly! Many students like to venture out in the city to study or grab a delicious bite to eat, but there are also many students who enjoy spending most of their time on campus—you can do whatever you prefer!
Regardless of where you are from, know that there is a spot for you at Barnard. College is a time for adjustment and growth, and I believe there is no better place to learn and thrive than New York City and Barnard. You will meet best friends from all over the world, and grow into your new home together!
Lastly, here are some of my best tips and tricks for anyone coming from the Midwest to the city and Barnard:
Trying to find a quiet green space? Go for a walk in Riverside or Central Park! Or check out Barnard’s Arthur Ross Greenhouse!
Want inexpensive groceries? Go to Trader Joes!
Need help getting somewhere? Use Citymapper to navigate directions!
Not sure what to pack for college? Check out what the Barnard Res Life Office has to say here!
Curious how to get from your home in the Midwest to NYC? Check out Maps for driving instructions, or look at flights to LaGuardia Airport (the NYC most Midwest cities fly)!
If you have questions about anything, please feel free to email askastudent@barnard.edu! This is a student-managed email account where Barnard students will answer any questions you may have.