Real people live here, too!

In our final installation of Barnard Housing Reviews we present one of the more *unique* dorms: 601 West 110th Street (it’s 110). This dorm can be a bit of a gamble, but you might get lucky. Read on to find out just what makes 110 so special. 

Location: 601 W 110^th St (Between Broadway and Riverside)

Nearby dorms: Mcbain and Nussbaum, as well as all the frats/srats on 113th. Your friends from Plimpton will likely crash with you after a long night out so be prepared for guests.

Stores and restaurants: You’re in the heart of Columbia’s “night life,” right across the street from Mel’s, a block away from the Heights, a block away from 1020, 3 blocks from Cannons, and right next to the subway. Oh and don’t forget you’re only footsteps away from Chipotle, Starbucks, Koronets, and Westside.

Cost:  $9,230 (multiples), $10,712 (singles), $16,000 (studio singles)

Amenities:

• Kitchen/Bathroom/Lounge space: Generally the “living space” is decent. Every suite has a kitchen of some sort and 1-2 bathrooms, but not all have lounges.
• Laundry: In the basement. You will have to get a new card, since you can’t use the ones from your first year.
• Computers/Printers: You will have to bring your own.
• Gym: None, but you’re only a block away from Riverside and a couple blocks from Central Park. You also have to walk a couple of blocks to get to campus so you’ll get some daily exercise in whether you like it or not.
• Intra-transportation: Two relatively slow elevators whose janky-ness fit right in with the 110 vibe.
• Wifi: Fast. You get your own router. (ProTip from a resident: write the password somewhere in your room and hang it up for visitors because you will not want to check it every time someone wants to access wifi.)
• Hardwood/Carpet: Again, it depends.

Room variety

• A mix of studio singles, walk-through doubles, and suite-style apartments
• There are definitely hidden gems within 110, but you either have to shell out cash for a studio or opt to stay in a double. The rooms are all different.

Numbers

• Total mix of Barnard sophomores/juniors/seniors. You don’t feel like you are in a dorm and you will be around ~actual~ New York residents and families.

Bwog Recommendations

• One of the closest dorms to key Columbia night life spots (Mel’s, 1020, The Heights, etc.)
• It may not be the most up-to-date of all the housing options, but you’ll probably have a good time if you choose the right roommates.
• You will also be living in an actual New York style apartment/studio and you will be responsible for taking care of yourself.
•  If you’re the type of person who hates walking, generally stays on campus, and loves dining hall food, 110 is probably not the best fit for you.

Resident Opinions

• “Say goodbye to free toilet paper and quiet nights.”
• “You get used to the walk.”
• “Choose your roommates wisely.”
• “If you’re on the street side you will literally hear everything. EVERYTHING. Ear plugs won’t really do much if you’re on the lower floors.”
• “Your RA will likely live far away and probably will be chill (unless you’re me and get written up 3 times… ProTip: hide your toasters.)”
• “110 is a blessing for some people and a nightmare for others.”
• ” The kitchen will likely be janky and some things will probably be broken. But why would you live anywhere else?!”