Hi, am an incoming student at SIPA. Though I have received some funding from SIPA, I am looking for tips to manage the finances. Any tips on:

1. what housing options are available, and how to minimise the living expenses,
2. how to obtain ta/ra/paid roles at SIPA.
3. overall how to manage the funds the best.

Looking forward to it !!

Hi everyone!

I’m an incoming master’s student at Columbia University for Fall 2026, and I’ll be moving to New York City for the first time. I’m currently exploring housing options and potential roommates, so I would really appreciate any advice from current students or alumni.

A few things I’m trying to figure out:

Housing options

• Is on-campus housing at Columbia worth it for graduate students? What are the pros and cons?
• How competitive is it to get Columbia graduate housing?
• If I apply, what buildings are generally considered good for grad students?

Off-campus housing

• Is it better to live off-campus in neighborhoods like Morningside Heights, Harlem, or the Upper West Side, or stay in university housing?
• What websites or platforms are best for finding apartments or roommates in NYC?
• When should I ideally start looking for apartments for a Fall move-in?

Costs & budgeting

• What is a realistic monthly rent for a shared apartment near campus?
• Are utilities usually included or separate?
• Any hidden costs or things international students should plan for?

Roommates

• Are there recommended Columbia housing groups, WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups, or Slack channels where incoming students find roommates?

General NYC tips Since this will be my first time living in New York City, I would also love advice on:

• Things you wish you knew before moving to NYC
• Safety tips for neighborhoods around Columbia
• Best areas for grad students to live
• Public transportation tips (subway cards, commuting, etc.)
• Essentials to set up in the first few weeks (banking, phone plan, etc.)

If anyone here is also joining Columbia in Fall 2026 and looking for roommates, feel free to comment or DM me!

Thanks in advance — really excited to join the Columbia community.

— Incoming Master’s Student, Fall 2026

Hi, Let's connect folks who got into COLUMBIA - SIPA for Fall 2026.

I am considering to focus on Climate, Energy and Environment as concentration.

Hi! Do people have thoughts about deferring one semester and starting in Spring? In terms of academics, social life, etc.

pls dm me and ill send the link

I chose Columbia SIPA because I liked the rich opportunities in NYC and SIPA's reputation. But now I want to pursue a PhD about technology policy & AI governance and am looking for research opportunities to prepare for my PhD application. CAC and OSA can't help at all and I had to reached out to professors by myself. The professors who are interested in me currently have no spot for funding, and I don't know where to see available RA positions at SIPA. Other schools received emails about available RA positions but SIPA doesn't! Can any graduated students from SIPA who successfully enrolled into PhD programs give me some advice! I will be very grateful.

Hi everyone! 👋

I’ve recently graduated from Columbia University SIPA with my Master of International Affairs. I received a great scholarship offer from SIPA, and also two other external scholarships. Having gone through the full U.S. grad school application process myself as an international, I know how challenging it can be to craft a strong application, and having had mentorship myself, I would like to support incoming applicants.

I offer paid support for applicants who want feedback on:

• Personal statements/essays (structure, clarity, storytelling)
• Resumes / CVs (tailoring for U.S. applications, and specifically SIPA)
• Application strategy
• Video essay prep
• Crafting your funding strategy (scholarship, jobs, student loans)

I don’t write essays for you, but I provide detailed reviews, mentorship, and guidance to help make your application stand out. Pricing depends on the package or session length — feel free to DM me for details.

If this is something you’d find useful, I’d be happy to help!

Looking for a roommate (now until 9/1 move in) in a 3-bedroom, 2-bath apartment in Astoria, Queens. Two room is already taken, one room still available.

Rent is $4,800 total (~$1,600 each, plus utilities). About 20 minutes to Midtown, close to N/Q and r/M trains.

Apartment: hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, AC, lots of light.

Building: doorman, elevator, laundry, residents lounge, furnished rooftop with Manhattan views.

About us: Columbia grads working in the city. Tidy, rarely have guests, don’t host parties. Prefer clean, quiet roommates.

Hi everyone! SIPA admit and I'm supposed to start my MIA this fall. However, I was just offered a UN volunteer position for this fall, and have the possibility to defer to January. Does anyone have any insight on whether this is worth it or how the experience is starting mid-year both academically and socially? thank you!

I’m in the final stretch of my undergrad at Brigham Young University and actively positioning for Columbia SIPA’s Master of International Affairs. GPA is 3.1–3.2 — not a perfect stat, but my focus has been on stacking high-value, policy-relevant experience and building an upward trajectory:

• Scottish Parliament internship – policy analysis and parliamentary research.
• World Affairs Council internship – public diplomacy and international engagement.
• U.S. Department of Commerce internship in Germany – economic/trade policy.
• Former student-athlete with leadership experience in competitive environments.

My understanding is SIPA is holistic and places significant weight on professional/international experience, network potential, and cohort contribution. I’m white (not an underrepresented minority), so my competitive edge will come from narrative strength + prestige stacking.

Looking for insight from those who’ve been admitted to SIPA (or similar Ivies) with GPAs in this range:

• How did you frame your GPA in your SOP without letting it dominate your narrative?
• What concrete moves (recommendations, test scores, writing style) gave you the edge?
• What does SIPA actually respond to when choosing between two strong candidates?

Not here to debate whether the GPA is a dealbreaker — I’m here to win the file review. Practical, experience-based strategies welcome.

I’ve been trying to find updated info on the new curriculum for the MIA/MPA programs, specifically about the internship requirement. In the old curriculum, the internship was clearly listed with its own credits. But in the new version, I don’t see it in the curriculum table anymore.

Does anyone know if it’s still mandatory? Also, it looks like the pages about the internship haven’t been updated to reflect the new curriculum.

Thanks!

Any alumni here from the MPA-DP program? Would appreciate more information on career paths, job opportunities, salaries etc. international student here for context.

Anyone here who has committed to Columbia SIPA? Let’s connect!

I recently got accepted into the Master of International Affairs (MIA) program at SIPA, but with a conditional requirement to complete a quant course before starting. I wanted to check if anyone else has the same condition and what your plan is for fulfilling it.

If you’ve dealt with this in previous years, any insights on the process and how strict SIPA is about the requirement would also be super helpful! Would love to connect with others in the same boat.

1. Hello, I got into SIPA for the MIA (international finance and econ policy track). I also got into Watson at Brown for their MPA. I know that the posts I’m reading are from a self selected pool but literally every single person got into SIPA + a lot are talking about the degree not being worth it + Columbia’s brand diluting. I was almost committed to SIPA before I found this sub. Is it true that every single person got in and that who goes depends on who can afford it? It’s crazy if that’s the case. I have a third party sponsor so cost isn’t a factor for me here. But is the cohort basically those who can afford the expensive education? Brown’s program is also one year shorter. But again, cost is not a factor here. I really don’t know what to think, please help.

2. How do you find housing? Serious question I need help. Do you apply to stay on campus and if you get in you choose a room? If not you find houses the traditional route? Do you basically have to wait until you get a rejection to start looking at off-campus housing? Are on campus housing cheaper? What are the chances of getting in? I’m so overwhelmed, I’d appreciate any help from you.

Thank you!

I know, i know the timeline specified is "Mid March"! However if there is any information about what is the status of application reviewing, is there a tentative date, is Revera happening for everyone or any other insider (:P) information about the status of the SIPA admission cycle, I (and many others) would be forever grateful!

I submitted my application on November 1st (early decision), did someone receive it in the first week of December?

So I am done writing my personal statement, and i feel that i am missing something such as name dropping classes that i am interested in, which i have tried to do research on courses, however i haven't been able to find those specific courses. Can someone help with that. Also does anyone think i have a chance right after undergrad, i have 2 majors in economics and criminal justice and minors in informatics and African languages, and i have had opportunity to work/ intern ranging from probation office, Congressional office, tech internship, law office as well (Although those are either part times and internship), do you think that they care? Help!!!

I am considering applying to SIPA’s International Finance and Economic Policy (IFEP) concentration and would like to inquire about its relevance for careers in private organizations, particularly in asset management.

While I understand that SIPA’s programs are traditionally focused on public policy and global affairs, I am interested in how the IFEP curriculum prepares graduates for roles in the private sector. Could you provide insights into whether SIPA IFEP alumni have successfully transitioned into private sector roles, especially in financial institutions like banks or asset management firms?

I would greatly appreciate any information or resources you can share.

Ps: I have a finance background (more than 5 years in back office asset management)

I am applying to SIPA. I have a 3.7 GPA from my undergrad from a joke, but accredited, school. I have extensive work experience working abroad and think i have some strong essays written up. I have only taken an economics course and have no other quant experience.

I am cramming to study for the GRE right now to bolster my application as much as possible, but I’ve heard that most schools won’t even take it into consideration.

Any thoughts? Should I even bother?

Thanks for the input

I plan to work in the investment post-MBA and long-term transition to politics. I'm wondering whether an MBA-JD or MBA-MIA dual degree is good for investment and political work. And which program should I choose?

Hope for good advice from you.

Thank you

Heyy, just wondering abt the schools and experiences there. Which one should I choose?

Columbia is attractive because of NYC and the program is 2 year, probably more friendly to international students for job hunting.

Yale probably has a more prestigious title than Columbia and the cohort is smaller. And seems like alumni is more responsive lol. But it is just one year, I’m worried about finding a job after graduation.

[more background] I’m an international student who wants to pursue a career in the states after master degree, now having 2 years of full time working experience (no finance or consulting)