Columbia Urban Legends

Probably the biggest rumor is that it’s in Harlem and it’s dangerous. Columbia does border on Harlem, but it’s in a separate neighborhood. Furthermore, Harlem is a safe neighborhood—there are a lot of families there, as well as current Columbia students who’ve spilt over into slightly less expensive housing. Acting like a snotty Ivy League kid won’t make you friends in any neighborhood, but common courtesy and human respect will guarantee your safety.

The Alma Mater statue in front of Low Library doubles as a mythical matchmaker. It is rumored that the first boy to spot the owl hidden within her robes will be valedictorian and the girl who finds it will marry him. Of course, this is an antiquated and sexist tradition, especially since many valedictorians are women, but members of the lonely-hearts club seek out this elusive owl anyway.

“Barnard to bed, Columbia to wed.” You’ll have to come test-drive that one yourself.