Thinking about how to build a college list? Thinking about how to pick colleges to apply to? Thinking about how to pick the right college? In this series, Life of a Matriculate Student In College, you will get a first-hand perspective of our Matriculate students at their different campuses. Get a glimpse into Barnard college campus life!
THE WHY: Why did you decide to commit to Barnard? What factors drew you to Barnard?
When I was first picking colleges to apply to, I was drawn to Columbia College because it checked many of my boxes. It had an incredible political science department, it was close to home and my family in Brooklyn, and it offered access to a wealth of resources and world-renowned professors. However, a few concerns came up: the large class sizes, the fact that undergraduates often weren’t prioritized due to the large graduate student population, and the rigid Core Curriculum. As a first-generation, low-income student, I worried about getting lost in such a massive university setting.
When I brought this up with my Matriculate Advising Fellow, he told me about Barnard—a small liberal arts undergraduate college within Columbia University. With a more intimate Barnard student population of about 3,000, Barnard offers an interdisciplinary Foundations curriculum that provides flexibility and allows students to carve out their own individualized paths. This was especially appealing to me as someone with wide-ranging interests in history, international relations, anthropology, public health, and policy. At Columbia College, I feared I wouldn’t have enough room in my schedule to explore all of these fields while meeting the Core Curriculum requirements.
What sealed the deal for me, though, was Access Barnard and their Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). As a first-generation and low-income student from New York, if I met certain academic criteria, Access Barnard would offer me financial aid and academic support. Through HEOP, students receive generous financial aid packages that cover tuition, room, board, and other educational expenses, making a Barnard education more accessible. Barnard students also have access to both Barnard’s faculty (who are known for being highly accessible and engaged) and Columbia’s faculty. Having dual access to enhanced academic opportunities and networking while still benefiting from Barnard’s smaller, more focused advising system is exactly what I need as a first-generation, low-income student.
As I learned more about Barnard and Access Barnard, I knew this was the place for me. The flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum, small class sizes, and the unique combination of a liberal arts college experience with Ivy League resources made it the perfect fit. I applied Early Decision to Barnard, realizing I’d never known a school could feel so right. I just hoped Barnard felt the same way about me.
BARNARD ACADEMIC LIFE: Can you share more about your experiences with classes, class size, lectures, and professors?
This semester, I’m taking 15 credits and using the opportunity to explore different subjects before committing to a major (which I declare in my second semester of sophomore year). My largest lecture right now is Intro to Psychology, with about 150 students. The professor is fantastic, with very accessible office hours, so we can easily reach out if we have any questions. We’re also assigned a TA, and the class is split between two TAs to ensure we get the support we need. Professors at Barnard genuinely care about YOU—they’re committed to supporting your success and making themselves available to answer questions and offer guidance.
In addition to that, Barnard’s Academic Resources Support office provides peer-to-peer tutoring and help rooms for subjects like calculus and chemistry. The Barnard Writing Center also offers Writing Fellows to help with essays, Speaking Fellows for presentations and public speaking skills, and Science Writing Fellows for assistance with lab reports or science courses. There’s a strong emphasis on seeking help when needed, and a variety of resources are available to make sure students can access the support they require.
BARNARD STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: What about clubs and extracurriculars - what has your experience been in finding meaningful organizations and clubs and contributing to them?
When it comes to clubs and organizations, Columbia’s large club fair at the beginning of the year is an awesome opportunity to explore different interests and meet people. Columbia has over 500 student-run organizations, ranging from pre-professional clubs to dance and affinity groups—there’s something for everyone. Personally, this semester, I’ve joined Columbia University Global Health Equity in Medicine (as a Fundraising Committee member), Columbia University Doctors Without Borders (as an Outreach Committee member), the Muslim Student Association, and the Pakistani Students Association. Club events are open to all students, so even if you’re not deeply involved, you’re welcome to participate as much as you want. Since the Barnard student population has access to all Columbia classes and clubs, it creates a seamless experience while still benefiting from the smaller, more focused environment at Barnard.
POST-COLLEGE LIFE: How has your college prepared you for obtaining internships and a career post-college?
In terms of internships and post-college opportunities, Beyond Barnard offers lifelong support to students and alumni as they navigate their careers and communities. Whether it’s internships, student jobs, careers, graduate or medical school, fellowships, or more, Beyond Barnard is a constant resource. I’m only halfway through my first semester and have already visited Beyond Barnard a few times to get my resume reviewed and talk with a Peer Career Adviser about courses and resources that align with my interests. Barnard’s supportive environment ensures that students receive the guidance they need to succeed both during their time here and beyond.
Remember, succeeding in college doesn’t mean having everything figured out—it means knowing when to ask for help and making the most of all the resources available to support your success.
BARNARD CAMPUS LIFE: Tell us more about the dining hall and dorm situation! How is the food - are there enough options for those with dietary restrictions? What is the dorm and housing situation like?
All Barnard first-year students living on campus stay in the Quad, which is essentially four halls connected together. I’m currently living in a single in Hewitt, and I love my dorm! I have a gorgeous view of the Hudson River and get to watch the sunset almost every evening if I’m back in my room by that time. The communal bathrooms are, well, communal bathrooms—definitely not my favorite thing on Barnard campus, but they aren’t awful. Since the Quad is all connected, you can use the bathrooms in any hall. They’re cleaned every morning, and overall, the cleanliness is maintained well.
As for Barnard’s dining on campus, the situation is great! Barnard has two main dining halls and a café. Hewitt Dining Hall is extremely popular, not just among Barnard students but also with Columbia students, especially athletes. Many Columbia students actually prefer Hewitt over their own dining halls. Everything at Hewitt is certified Halal, which is super important to me as someone who only eats Halal. Most dining halls also offer Halal options, so I haven’t run into any issues finding something to eat as a Muslim student. There’s also a kosher station, and they’re very strict about following all the necessary guidelines. Diana has amazing food too, and it’s a favorite spot for their Chipotle-style bowls and smoothies. Liz’s Place is my go-to for bagels and coffee when I’m running late to class.
Across the street on Columbia’s side, there are 11 dining facilities on campus. My favorites are JJ’s, which is open almost 24 hours (they only close for a couple of hours to clean) and is everyone’s go-to for late-night fries, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and smoothies. Chef Mike’s Sub Shop is another hit for its customizable subs and delicious cookies.
After freshman year, most students move into suites or off-campus housing!
BARNARD SOCIAL LIFE: Share more about the social scene - how did you make friends? Do most people join Greek life or are there ways to make friends outside of Greek life? What is there to do for fun both inside and outside of the college? What do you and your friends do outside of your academic life? Does the college host any free events that you look forward to every year?
As an HEOP student, I moved in about a month early with around 40 other students, which really helped me find a community early on. We were all from similar backgrounds—New York State, low-income, and first-generation students. That month of programming included two weeks of classes to help us adjust to college-level academics, along with community-building events, which made the transition to freshman year much less overwhelming.
At Columbia, most students don’t join Greek life, so it’s not a big part of the social scene. However, for those who do, it can be an important aspect of their social life. But at Columbia and Barnard, being in Greek life doesn’t determine whether you make friends—there are plenty of other ways to connect with people. Being in the heart of New York City, there’s always something to do both on and off campus. Student life events often happen on the lawns, and clubs are constantly hosting activities.
My friends and I love hanging out at Qahwah House, just a few blocks away, enjoying Yemeni Khaliat Nahal and pistachio lattes while furiously typing away on our laptops. Barnard also hosts many free events throughout the year, in addition to Columbia’s. Recently, Barnard held a block party on Futter Field with roller skating, carnival games, and, best of all, free food like cotton candy, caramel apples, and snow cones. Another favorite tradition is Midnight Breakfast—on the night before finals, students all over campus gather to study and eat late into the night. I’m also looking forward to Barnard’s Big Sub, one of the College’s most unique traditions. Last year, the sub stretched 850 feet around the Barnard campus, and I can’t wait to see how long it is this year!
MATRICULATE: How did Matriculate help you get to Barnard?
My Advising Fellow was absolutely integral to my college application process. He walked me through how to build a college list, how to pick colleges to apply to, and how to pick the right college. Since he was a Columbia student himself, he had invaluable insights about both Columbia and Barnard—insights that would have required a lot more research on my own. Even though he didn’t apply to Barnard and had different application questions, the student experience at Columbia and Barnard is so interconnected that he was able to guide me in highlighting the best version of myself for my application.
After initially getting rejected from QuestBridge, I was heartbroken and felt like my chances of attending a great school were over. My Advising Fellow helped me review my application, focusing on the parts that truly represented me and helped me strengthen it in a way that reflected my most authentic self. He ensured that everything I submitted reflected what I genuinely believed and wanted to share with the college. For that, I am incredibly grateful.
NEED FREE COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT?
Matriculate is a national nonprofit that offers 1:1 support throughout the entire college application process! If you’re a high school student, check out our application and resources HERE.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Anaya Qayyum
Anaya Qayyum is a first-year student at Barnard College, Columbia University, where she is an HEOP Scholar. As a first-generation, low-income (FGLI) student, Anaya is the first in her family to attend college. Her experience with her Matriculate adviser, who also attended Columbia, was instrumental in guiding her through the application process and helping her find a supportive community at Barnard where she continues to receive valuable support.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Anaya is passionate about public health, politics, law, and international relations. She is actively involved in nonprofit work, focusing on advancing community initiatives. In addition to her interests in public health and law, Anaya is dedicated to helping other FGLI students access higher education opportunities and navigate the college application process. She aims to leverage her expertise to create impactful, evidence-based policies that drive meaningful change in underserved communities and to build networks that promote social justice, equitable health outcomes and expanded access to education.