My biased two cents:
The area around NYU is very safe. There are numerous bars/restaurants/nightlife in the area so there are always people around at all hours. In NYC, people mean safety. The village in general is one of the nicer areas in the city. I live a few blocks from school and have walked home at all hours, never feeling unsafe at all. As far as the building security, I dont think its that big of a deal. How often do you plan on checking guests into school? There isnt housing at school. The areas immediately around Columbia are safe, but you are a stones throw from Harlem. Not the best of areas. On other metrics, there are pluses and minuses to the schools, but on location and safety, NYU is where you want to be.
kfire wrote:
I also want to throw in some feedback on Stern and Columbia. After visiting both schools (among others) I noticed that Stern has a lot more security. Being in downtown Manhattan (is that the proper terminology?) I expected there to be security. It was a little bit different from other schools. You could not get into many of the buildings without an NYU ID as there were guards and gates at every entrance. Visitors had to sign in at the security desk or be brought in as a guest. This could be a plus or a minus for people.
plus: you are more safe, no crazy's from the street (or just solicitors)... or
minus: hassle to check in guests when they visit, the area might actually be less safe.
At Columbia (and other schools I visited), I was able to roam pretty freely around campus walking into the different academic buildings, libraries, etc with ease. I still felt safe at Columbia, but it was during the day. Not sure at night though as it is right next to Harlem.
I still like NYU and didn't find it to be a hassle or to be less safe. Just something that was dramatically different and stood out for me.
Anyone else notice this?