On Thursday, we’re hosting Summerfest NYC, an event for applicants interested in attending SIPA or another public policy school. Many of you will be coming in to town early Thursday. And since you probably don’t want to stray too far from campus (that subway system can be tricky for some!), I asked around to see which local restaurants our staff and graduating PAs enjoy the most. Thus, the Local Eats Mini Series was born!
Archive for food – Page 2
It is highly recommended to visit the programs that you’re interested in applying to. When I was applying, I took two weeks off of work and visited eight MPA programs. While I researched these programs, I instinctively ranked them in my mind from the one that I wanted to attend the most to the least. Surprisingly, after visiting the programs, my ranking of programs changed drastically! Programs on the top of my list were crossed off entirely, while schools I were on the fence, jumped up high on the list. Factors for the rearrangement of my list include; approachability of professors, friendliness of students, sitting in on classes, as well as the ambiance of the city where the school was located.
In regards to SIPA, it was the one school that did not shift position. It was on the top of my list and remained there after my visit. The professors took the time out of their schedules to meet with me, the students took me out for some drinks at the end of the day and offered me candid answers to my questions, the classes were extremely stimulating, and New York City is amazing!
That being said, visit SIPA! See if it is a good fit, as well as NYC. While here explore the City. It can be quite daunting if you don’t know where to start. One of my passions before coming to SIPA was splurging on food. My desire for quality food has not diminished, although my wallet has since I am now a full time student. So, I have created a list of AMAZING restaurants to try when you’re here, while on a graduate student budget. This is clutch. These restaurants are scattered throughout Manhattan which will allow you to explore your new home if you decide to enroll. Good luck on your application and bon appetit!
While SIPA is located in a large city, there are opportunities to connect with farmers and other small business owners that do not reside in the “concrete jungle.” Each Thursday and Sunday on Broadway between 114th and 116th the sidewalk is filled with vendors selling delicious goods. The following text comes from the Grow NYC Web site and I took the picture while riding into work last week – it was early so the crowds had yet to arrive.
Open year-round on Thursdays and Sundays, this market located just in front of the Columbia University gates on Broadway at 115th St., serves a diverse population including university students, faculty and staff, St Luke’s Hospital staff, visitors and patients as well as Upper West Side residents. While several of the farmers attend on both Thursday and Sunday, each day has its own distinct character. Thursdays market thrives on the bustle of the work and school day schedule, while Sundays are more laid back and neighbors come out to do serious shopping. Shoppers will find milk and yogurt, fruit, cider, baked goods, preserved fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese, smoked meats, pickled vegetables, maple syrup, honey, fish, and focaccia topped with locally sourced fruit, vegetables, herbs and cheeses, a lunch time favorite.
One of the great things about being a SIPA student is that while students have access to the wonderful resources SIPA offers, students also have access to the resources of a world class university comprised of 21 different schools and affiliated institutions. The following entry highlights some of the benefits. The entry was written by SIPA student Carrie Dorn.
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Gaining admission to the School of International and Public Affairs not only opens up your access to SIPA’s institutes, events and student groups— it also allows you to access to the rest of Columbia University. Once you learn your way around the International Affairs building and find your favorite seat in Lehman library, students can get so wrapped up in SIPA life that they don’t venture out to explore the rest of campus. Here’s a cheat sheet of resources to take advantage of during your time at Columbia.
Feed Your Brain: CLASSES
Did you hope to enhance your academic repertoire by learning about health literacy, media culture in China or land use law? With SIPA’s flat rate tuition, you can cross register at other graduate schools and may be able to count relevant classes towards your concentration and specialization.
Cozy Up With Your Textbook: LIBRARIES
While SIPA’s Lehman Library has everything you need, why not vary your study environment? Your CU ID gives you access to swipe into libraries all around campus. Many students like Teachers College library, around the corner from SIPA on 120th St., which provides a relaxing environment for students to comfortably do group work. Others enjoy the Social Work Library, located 3 blocks up from SIPA, where windows overlooking Amsterdam Avenue and 121st Street offer direct sunlight and some good people-watching. Night owls may prefer to spend late paper-writing nights uptown in the Health Sciences Library at 168th St., which is bustling with medical students at all hours. With some exploration you can find the perfect study environment for you.
Explore NYC’s Creative Side: CUarts
Even Columbia knows that you didn’t move to New York City to spend all of your time in the library! That’s why the Arts Initiative at Columbia University works to make art and cultural events accessible and affordable for students. Your student ID allows you free admission into more than 30 NYC museums and can get you discounted tickets to movies, restaurants and Broadway shows.
Refuel Your Day: GOOD EATS
Wherever you find yourself on campus, there is no shortage of places to pick up a snack. SIPA students are lucky to have a café on the 6th floor to grab lunch and coffee in between classes. Brad’s, located in the School of Journalism, is a great place to buy coffee, salads or baked goods to help get through your day. You can also watch the buzz around the Morningside campus in their semi-open seating on warm days. In the winter, a better option may be Lenfest Café in the Law school—accessible through the south hallway at SIPA—which offers a variety of sandwiches, sushi and other prepared foods. On Thursdays and Sundays you can find locally produced cheeses, organic veggies and freshly baked bread at the Farmer’s Market while strolling down Broadway (between 114th and 115th Streets).
Relax Underground: MUSIC SPOT
Under the beautiful St. Paul’s Chapel, located right on campus between Avery and Buell Hall, the Postcrypt Coffehouse offers acoustic music every Friday and Saturday night during the school year. In an intimate setting, you can unwind at the end of a busy week while listening to the tunes of local talent.
Links:
Columbia University Directory of CLASSES: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/bulletin/uwb/
Columbia University LIBRARIES: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/libraries.html
CUarts: http://www.cuarts.com/
GOOD EATS: http://www.bradsbrew.com/
http://www.dining.columbia.edu/docs/locations/index.html
MUSIC SPOT: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/postcrypt/coffeehouse/
In case you did not follow it as it happened, a SIPA May 2010 graduate, John Hughes, blogged over the summer while working for our office prior to starting his job at the State Department in Washington, D.C.
I thought I would dedicate an entry to compiling all of his entries in one place for easy access. His entries are full of great advice and provide some perspective on what it is like to attend SIPA and live in New York City. Enjoy the entries if you missed them.
Post 1 – Advice for Admitted Students
Post 2 – Selecting Courses
Post 3 – Job Prospects and Career Services
Post 4 – Multiculturalism and SIPA
Post 5 – A “Typical” Week
Post 6 – Housing
Post 7 – What Sets SIPA Apart?
Post 8 – NYC and Food!
Post 9 – SIPA Fellowships
Post 10 – Missing NYC
"The most global public policy school, where an international community of students and faculty address world challenges."
—Merit E. Janow, Dean, SIPA, Professor of Practice, International and Economic Law and International Affairs
