Frances
This is the most diverse, eclectic mix of students I have ever seen. I have never seen so many conservative Orthodox Jewish people in one place, alongside Muslim international students in traditional garb, alongside Africans, African-Americans, Hispanics, country folk, upper class private schooled preps, alongside just your everyday normal people, alongside students from Kenya, Peru, Bulgaria, and Singapore, alongside ex-refugees and sons/daughters of famous people. Its so mixed and eclectic and INSANE and I love it.
One interesting thing is that people don't go to class in sweatpants like at most state schools. People definitely dress up. I don't feel comfortable just rolling out of bed and slouching off to class. My definition of bumming it to class is wearing jeans, tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt with my hair tied up in a scarf so that people can't see its messy, and I feel a little self-conscious.
Its really hard to categorize Columbia students because its so mixed. You can't really stereotype the students here. There IS a large population of older students though (24+). They don't typically mix with the other students because they annoy everyone else.
Blake
It's very easy to find a crowd to fit into at Columbia. Join a bunch of clubs as a freshman and then figure out which people you like the best (it's just like shopping for classes). I don't know anyone who says they couldn't find a group of friends at Columbia.
There is a noticeably large LGBT community. Even within the LGBT community you'll find a diverse array of crowds - the activists, the low-key gays and everything in between.
Lauren
Columbia's student body is unbelievably diverse, so I have dealt with all of the above and there is a general acceptance toward people of all races, religions, socio-economic backgrounds, etc (clearly there have been exceptional circumstances, but for the most part the student body is incredibly accepting). I think the typical high school jock or cheerleader may feel out of place at Columbia. Students wear anything to class. Yes, different types of students interact. Columbia students are from all over, although there is a high proportion from the tristate area. All financial backgrounds are prevalent. Columbia students are EXTREMELY politically aware and active, and mostly left. No, students don't typically talk about how much they'll earn one day.
Whitney
Columbia is very very diverse with all kinds of groups. Unfortunately, there were a string of racist slander at Columbia last semester, though I have never felt that anyone is particularly targeted outside of these crimes. Some students get very dressed up for class, but most don't and no one really cares. Different types of students are forced to interact in discussion-style classes. The dining hall tables are always mixed, but always composed of freshmen because no one renews their meal plan unless they are an athlete. Most Columbia students are from the East Coast or California, but all 50 states are usually represented in each class, as well as a large contingent of international students. Columbia students are usually upper middle class, but all financial backgrounds are represented, and it is definitely the most diverse in the Ivy League. Students at Columbia are the most politically active/aware that I know of, and are predominantly left. Students often talk about how much they will earn, and they will probably earn a great deal of money.