Columbia & Hacks!

When people think about being a student at Columbia, they often focus on the big things like the Ivy League prestige, the world-class faculty, the powerful alumni network, and, of course, the fact that we’re in New York City. But beyond the academics and career opportunities, there are a lot of underrated perks that make being a Columbia student even better.

Your CUID: A Key to NYC Culture

Your Columbia University ID (CUID) is your gateway to some of the city’s finest cultural experiences, often at no cost. I carry mine everywhere, and it’s been a lifesaver for balancing grad school with moments of inspiration. Here’s what it can do:

• Free Museum Admission: Through the Arts Initiative’s Passport to Museums program, current Columbia students with a semester validation sticker get free admission to over 20 museums. Unlike the general public’s “pay-what-you-wish” option at some museums, Columbia students get in free, no questions asked. I often visit the Met to unwind, soaking in art without spending a dime. Check the Arts Initiative’s website for the full list.
• Performing Arts Discounts: The Columbia Arts Initiative offers discounted tickets to concerts, theater, and dance performances across NYC. You can score deals on venues like Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall, with student rush tickets often as low as $10-$20. I’ve enjoyed discounted symphony performances that felt like a treat after a long week of SIPA coursework. Sign up for their emails to stay in the loop.
• Film Screenings: Columbia’s School of the Arts and campus venues like Miller Theatre occasionally host free screenings of documentaries or international films, which align well with SIPA’s global focus. Off-campus, theaters like Film Forum offer student discounts with your CUID, typically saving $3-$5 per ticket. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore cinema beyond mainstream releases.

For updates on the Arts Initiative, you can sign up for emails here!

Discounts to Ease Grad Life

NYC’s cost of living can be daunting, but Columbia provides discounts that help grad students stretch their budgets:

• Transportation: Columbia offers a 25% discount on NJ Transit monthly passes, perfect for commuting to internships or visiting nearby cities. Enroll through Columbia Transportation’s website. Discounted Citi Bike memberships are another gem, making short trips around Manhattan or Brooklyn affordable and eco-friendly. I’ve used Citi Bike for quick rides to meetings, saving on subway fares. While MTA Student MetroCards aren’t discounted, Columbia’s intercampus shuttles (Morningside to Medical Center) are free with your CUID, a handy option if you’re taking courses across campuses.
• Dining and Shopping: Around Morningside Heights, businesses like Joe Coffee, Dig Inn, and Community Food & Juice (and more) offer occasional student discounts, usually 10-15% off with your CUID. It’s not always advertised, so ask at checkout. A little student discount can go a long way, and I like to use mine on Just Salad. Online platforms like Student Beans provide deals at retailers such as ASOS and Nike. I grabbed discounted winter boots last year, a must for NYC’s slushy streets.

Access to Columbia's Private Spaces and Events

Columbia also has some incredible spaces and experiences that are only available to students.

• The Faculty House & Low Library Events: Occasionally, students get invited to exclusive receptions, lectures, and networking events in Columbia's most historic buildings.
• Dining at the Penn Club: While Columbia no longer has an official club in Midtown, students can still access the Penn Club through university partnerships, offering a private space for dining, networking, and socializing.
• Lectures from World Leaders: Columbia regularly hosts heads of state, Nobel laureates, and Fortune 500 executives, and as a student, you can attend these events for free.

These experiences aren’t available to just anyone, and they make being a Columbia student feel even more special.