Weekends at Barnard
After a strenuous high school experience filled with jam-packed 5-day workweeks, I was surprised to find that my workweeks at Barnard were typically 4 days of academic coursework followed by a 3-day weekend. Although the increased capacity for lounging around seemed liberating at first, I had run into a dilemma – what was I going to do with all this time?
Don’t get me wrong; there are definitely weeks in the semester (midterms, finals) where holing up in the library for three days can be necessary. However, I have been grateful to find that my schedule weekend-to-weekend spontaneously changes as new opportunities and responsibilities arise during my time at college. After reflecting on the ups and downs that come with being at an academically and socially rich institution in New York City, I have compiled a list of weekend suggestions for all of your mixing-and-matching needs.
Category 1: Budget-friendly NYC exploration
As an environmental science student and a lover of arts, I had the goal of exploring student-friendly cultural institutions during my time here. Here are some of my top picks to take advantage of:
The Brooklyn Botanical garden is pay-what-you wish for all weekdays December-February (a couple days at the beginning and end of this period can be really nice outside – I especially recommend the Greenhouse)
The Brooklyn Museum is free for students
The Natural History Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Cloisters are both pay-what-you wish for all Barnard students
The Whitney Museum is free for all visitors 25 and under
For Broadway musicals, I recommend getting much cheaper rush tickets (going the morning of a performance to a theater’s box office and inquiring about them)
You can enter the lottery for SNL tickets (or stand in line on Friday nights!)
Central Park is free to access! I recommend picnicking with your friends in the Sheep Meadow
The Film Forum is an independent movie theater in West Village with cheaper student tickets on weekends before 1 and all weekdays
Check out flea markets for some great shopping! I love the Brooklyn flea market, Grand Bazaar NYC, and Chelsea flea
The Barnard Store sells $10.50 AMC tickets that can be used at any AMC
Category 2: Oops, it’s finals week! Where am I studying?
As the end of the semester rolls around, Barnard and Columbia students simultaneously get the urge to hole up in one of two campus libraries: Milstein or Butler. Milstein is Barnard’s main library featuring four floors of study space, and Butler is Columbia’s largest library with high ceilings, cubicles and stacks for silent study. While these are lovely libraries that I definitely frequent, I would highly recommend that you check out a beautiful smaller study space during a busier weekend:
Avery Library: In my opinion, this is the single most beautiful library on campus. With gorgeous high ceilings, tall windows, and a silent work space, it truly feels inspiring to work in this space.
Teachers College Library: Nestled away in Teachers College, this library is highly underappreciated. I love this space for its giant life size teddy bear and collaborative working environment (talking is encouraged!).
Liz’s Place: Located in Diana on Barnard’s campus, the comfy chairs and great chai latte (with one pump of vanilla and oat milk) make for a great mid afternoon pit stop.
Joe Coffee (Northwest corner building): While Liz’s coffee has the superior coffee (that you can buy with Barnard dining dollars), I love all the light and bustle of this cafe.
Here are some honorable mentions from my lovely Barnard friends:
Social Work Library
Music & Arts Library (located in Dodge building)
Math Library
Avery/Fayerweather basement
Diana Hall 3rd floor reading room
Category 3: Campus events + weekends to watch out for
While exploring NYC and holing up in the libraries are both popular options over the weekend, there are some weekends that are best spent at Barnard and Columbia. Here are some of my favorite weekends at school to mark your calendar for:
Homecoming weekend: Usually near the end of October, Homecoming weekend features lots of school spirit, a Columbia football game a meager 100 blocks uptown, and lots of socialization (buy some Barnard merch to wear!)
Tree lighting ceremony: Near the end of November, all of the a cappella groups perform your favorite holiday songs in festive attire, and the student council groups hand out school merchandise and hot chocolate. Then, all the cherry blossom trees on Columbia’s College Walk are lit up simultaneously.
Bacchanal: In early April, Columbia University invites one or two up and coming musical arts to perform on campus for the students! Some past favorites include JID and Doechii.
Glasshouse Rocks: Lerner Hall, the student center on Columbia campus, gets lit up in different colors as various performing arts groups perform on the lopsided tiers.
CSC’s Night Market: While this is an event specific to one singular club (the Chinese Students Coalition), Night Market is a day to look forward to every year of lovely food, student performances, and cultural gathering on Low Steps.
Category 4: Best bites to eat + study spots in Morningside Heights
Because I’m part of a South Asian a cappella group on campus, our soprano section has a tradition of getting breakfast together at a local café once a week. Whether you’re just looking for a quick bite, a beloved local spot, or a place to catch up on some studying, here are my top recommendations for food/cafés/study spots in Morningside Heights:
Bo’s Bagels: a bit of a walk from campus, but amazing bagels, schmears, and sandwiches (try the Za’atar bagel with Jalapeno cream cheese)
Dear Mama: gorgeous café and restaurant by Columbia Business School with plentiful foliage (try the Mexico City Mocha latte, iced)
Qahwah House: great Yemeni spot for chais, coffees, and traditional pastries
Hungarian Pastry Shop: A classic for a reason.
Plowshares: Try the raspberry cheesecake pastry!
Monkey Cup: a Harlem coffee staple with a beloved Spanish latte (with condensed milk)
Although this is a semi-comprehensive list of all of my Barnard and NYC favorites, it’s also 100% okay to spend your weekends doing none of these things. Even though New York is marked by its hustle and bustle, it is completely normal and expected that you take some time to yourself to focus on self care. There’s lots of fun to be had at Barnard, and there’s lots of hard work and socialization as well. Make sure that in these transformative years in college, you are honoring yourself and your needs. I am so grateful for my experience here, and I hope it is just as amazing for you as it was for me.