Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
contents
Getting Started Program Description Location Program Requirements Academic Calendar: New York & Paris Tuition and Fees Scholarships & Financial Aid Passports and ID French Student Visa Medical Coverage
contents
Fall Term 2014 : New York
Spring Term 2015 : Paris
Arriving in New York
Arriving in Paris
Transportation
Transportation
Orientation, Registration
Orientation
ID Cards
Life in Paris
Life in New York
What to Bring
What to Bring
Weather, Computer Facilities, E-mail
Money, Finances
Money and Finances
Weather
Employment
Computer Facilities
Readings
Living Costs
Employment
Food
Living Costs
Student Activities
Student Activities
Housing Opportunities in Paris
Housing Opportunities in New York
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
getting started Program Description
The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris Program is a two-semester course of study whose curriculum is focused on architecture, planning and the urban social and political environments of the cities of New York and Paris. Directed by the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University, the program is open to intellectually committed students who are currently enrolled in a university or who have completed a bachelor’s degree. The course is rigorous in its intents and allows for several courses to be transferred for graduate credit, depending on the individual school’s criteria. Many New York / Paris students go on to study at top architectural institutions in the U.S. and Europe. A full year of academic credit (32 points) to be completed in two consecutive semesters is offered through a carefully constructed program of history, theory and studio courses conducted in English. Students are given academic preparation to enter leading graduate programs, especially in the fields of architecture and urban planning. Instruction is given by Columbia University faculty and members of the architectural communities in New York and Paris. Rooted in a comparison of the urban contexts of New York and Paris, the fall semester of the program is carried out in New York at Columbia University, while the spring semester is based at Reid Hall, Columbia University’s center in Paris. The curriculum of the program explores these two cities through their built environments: associations with history, intellectual and literary invention, architectural and technical skill, and contemporary social and political struggles. Courses in New York and Paris include architecture or urban studies studio, lecture and seminar discussions, city walks exploring the city center and outskirts, and guest lectures on the contemporary buildings, planning and preservation in these cities.
location New York
Paris
During the fall semester students live and study in New York and use the resources of Columbia University and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. At Columbia, the students have access to Avery Library, the nation’s foremost architecture and planning research collection; the Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture; the Graduate School of Architecture’s Lecture Series; and the University’s gym, computer labs and other facilities.
During the spring term, students live and study in Paris and their classes are held at Reid Hall, located in the center of the Montparnasse District in the sixth arrondissement. Reid Hall is owned and administered by Columbia University and is located on the rue de Chevreuse near the Luxembourg Gardens. The building is open every day and available for student use until 11:00 PM . The original building was constructed in the early eighteenth century. It now has a 4,000 volume library, classrooms, studio space, reading rooms, administrative offices and an interior courtyard and garden. In addition to extensive field experience of Paris’ historic center and its expansion in the new cities of the banlieu, events for New York/Paris students have included guided visits to the major works of Le Corbusier, including the Villa Savoye and the monastery at La Tourette; the revolutionary city of Chaux by C.N. Ledoux; as well as contemporary urban projects such as those in Lille by Rem Koolhaas and Bernard Tschumi.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
program requirements
The Shape of Two Cities: Directed by the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University, the program is open to intellectually committed students who are currently enrolled in a university or who have completed a bachelor’s degree. All students applying to the program must choose either the Architecture Option or the Urban Studies Option. Each option provides 32 points of course work to be completed in two terms. Courses are taught by faculty members of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, and by professional architects, planners, and preservationists in both cities. No studio experience is required to attend the fall semester, however if students are interested in attending only the spring semester in Paris they must prove they have had architecture or urban design studio experience.
academic calendar
Fall 2014 | New York*
Spring 2015 | Paris* (Dates are tentative, please expect changes)
August 29 Orientation January 7 Orientation September 2 First day of classes January 8 First day of classes November 3-4 Fall break 1 week in March (TBA) Spring break November 27-28 Thanksgiving May 15 Classes end December 5 Last day of classes December 8-17 Exam period
*Note - this calendar is based on the 2013 / 2014 academic year. It is meant to serve as a guideline; however, dates for the 2014 / 2015 academic year will be subject to change.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
scholarships and financial aid
If you are currently receiving financial aid from your home institution (US only), you may be able to continue this support while studying at Columbia University. You should discuss your intention to enroll in The Shape of Two Cities Program with your school’s financial aid officer since Columbia may be able to sign a consortium agreement with your home institution. If you are pursuing post baccalaureate studies, you may be eligible for student loans. Limited partial tuition “need-based” scholarships are available from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Those wishing to apply for a scholarship should submit a scholarship application (available online).
If a scholarship grant is awarded, it will be applied as a credit toward tuition: one half of the scholarship being awarded at registration for the autumn term, the other half at registration for the spring term. For those students who have already graduated with an undergraduate degree there is financial aid available. Once accepted to the program students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Planning at Columbia University for assistance with the financing process. The web address is www. http://www. columbia.edu/cu/sfs/
passport and other i.d.
Passport (U.S.) All students must have a passport. If you do not already have a passport, you must apply for one. If you have one that will expire within 90 days of your planned date of return to the U.S., you will need to renew it before applying for a visa. International students must obtain a US student visa to enroll in the program. Please check requirements on the ISSO website www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/ To apply for a passport, obtain an application form at a passport agency. U.S. passport agencies are located in many large cities, including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Stamford, and Washington, D.C. Certain large post offices may have application forms and may be able to accept your completed application. If you have difficulty finding an application, contact the Passport Office, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20524. You may also look online for a listing of passport agencies. The passport application form contains complete instructions regarding application requirements and what is required (photos, proof of citizenship, application fee, etc.). Do not delay in submitting your application - the process takes time and you cannot obtain a visa without a passport.
If you already have your passport (or when you receive your new passport), make a copy of the sections with your photograph, biographical information, signature, and French visa. Have the copy notarized and take this with you to Paris (along with your original passport). If you lose your passport, this information will help you to obtain a new one. Guard your passport carefully. Getting a new one is difficult, even with a photocopy. In France, you must carry official national identity papers with you at all times. For U.S. citizens and other non EU citizens, this means a passport. For the most up to date information on obtaining a passport please go to http://travel.state.gov
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
french student visa - campus france
Obtaining a Student Visa for France As a student for a time period of more than 3 months, you must have a student visa to live in France and it must be obtained before you depart from the U.S. (or your home country). Visas cannot be issued in France. Specific information regarding obtaining student visas will be provided during the fall semester.
Non-U.S. Citizens: If you are a non-U.S. citizen, contact the consulate in your home country or the Consulate General de France in New York regarding a visa for your stay in France. Be aware that in some cases, it may take up to 12 weeks to obtain a visa. U.S. Citizens: If you wish to stay in France longer than 90 days, you must apply for a long-term student visa.
As the rules and regulations for obtaining a Visa keep changing it is important to check the French Consulate’s web site for the most current information, http://www.ambafrance-us.org. Also check http:// usa.campusfrance.org/ for specific student visa requirements, forms, and documents. Consulate General de France - New York - Visa Services 10 East 74th Street (between. 5th & Madison) New York, NY 10021 Tel: (212) 606-3600 or 3689 Fax: (212) 606-3620 Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday 9 A.M. - 1 P.M. Phone Inquiry Hours: 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
medical coverage
Medical Care and Insurance The University has developed a program of medical care to protect and promote the health of its students. The University Health Services, on the 3rd and 4th levels of John Jay Hall, provides students with a broad range of outpatient care with its own staff of nurses, physicians, and specialists. The Health Service plan includes medical and psychological consultation; health education and outreach groups organized around topics of interest to students; and an extensive program of women’s health care. The Health Service has laboratory services, a dispensary, and daily clinics organized around allergies and foreign travel. The full range of services is described in the Health Service brochure issued yearly and available at registration or from the Student Affairs Office. Columbia’s Student Medical Insurance covers certain hospital and emergency expenses arising within the policy year. Further details about insurance coverage can be obtained by calling the insurance coordinator at (212) 854-3286, or visit the web at www.health. columbia.edu. The full Health Service fee is charged to all full-time students both fall and spring semesters regardless of Health Insurance status. All full-time students are also enrolled in the Student Medical Insurance plan unless they can prove comparable coverage (see next page). The Health Service fee contains the premium for basic accident coverage and the catastrophe insurance plan.
A student already covered by a health insurance policy may be exempt from paying the Student Medical Insurance premium if he or she completes the insurance waiver questionnaire provided during registration and if the policy described is accepted by the University as being comparable to the Student Medical Insurance program. Students who do not know the provisions of their policy or the extent of their coverage will have the SMI premium billed as a charge until they can provide sufficient information for a waiver to be granted. In order to receive an insurance waiver at registration, the name, number, and provisions of the policy must be known.
Medical Coverage in Paris Columbia’s Student Medical Insurance Fee, Basic Insurance Coverage, and Catastrophic Coverage, or a comparable policy approved by Columbia is required by Columbia University in Paris for Columbia students. In addition, the French authorities require evidence of adequate health insurance coverage for a visa. The Columbia University insurance package (which includes the Student Health Service Fee, Basic Insurance Coverage, and Catastrophic Coverage) satisfies the French requirements. If you elect to get Columbia’s package, the insurance company will provide a letter outlining that coverage for the French authorities (students must attain this letter from health services). Note that autumn term coverage remains in effect until spring term registration; spring term coverage remains in effect until registration the following autumn.
Proof of Immunization Under New York State law, as of September 1991, any student born after 1957 and enrolled for six or more credits must be vaccinated against measles. If you cannot prove that you have been vaccinated twice or have had the measles or are immune to them, you will not be able to register. New students will be able to get the vaccination during the registration period.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
fall term: new york city
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
arriving in new york Orientation Meeting Transportation from Airports to Manhattan Most students will arrive in New York at John F Kennedy International Airport, La Guardia Airport, or Newark International Airport. For students traveling with luggage, taxis or SuperShuttles are your best bet. Taxis at the taxi stands will charge a fixed rate to travel into Manhattan (approximately $45). Expect to pay an additional $5.00 for tolls. It is customary to tip the driver. Both types of transportation can be arranged from the Ground Transportation desk in your arrival terminal. SupperShuttle cost form $13 to $22 and will take you directly to the address you provide. Reservation must be made in advance either over the phone or on the web at www.suppershuttle. com.
Transportation in Manhattan Typically, students will move around the city by walking, riding public transportation and occasionally taking taxis. New York City has a very good public transportation system that runs 24 hours a day. In most areas of Manhattan, the subway is safe from rush-hour until midnight. After midnight, it is safer to travel in pairs or groups. Generally, busses are safe at all times of day. The fare for both bus and subway is $2.50 per ride. With the “Unlimited Ride Metro-Card” riders can buy weekly or monthly passes which allow for an unlimited number of rides and free transfers between bus and subway. Taxis are expensive, but are a very fast way to get around the city when traffic is light. On average, a ride from Columbia to Midtown would cost about $10-15 with tip; a ride from Columbia to SoHo (downtown) would cost $15-20 with tip. Nearest subway stop: Red line #1 to 116th Street Station Nearest bus stop: Bus M104, M4, or M60 to 116th Street and Broadway Stop.
The orientation will include a lecture, introduction of faculty and staff, walking tour of the Columbia campus and neighborhood, and a welcome lunch. The orientation is very comprehensive and carefully structured to get your stay in New York off to a smooth start. Please be sure to schedule your travel so that you arrive in time to attend it in full.
Registration Students will be advance registered for required NY-Paris core courses, and can pick an elective at this time. As an elective students may enroll in any lecture course within Columbia University (including Barnard and Teacher’s Colleges). Seminars and other studios are not open to NY-Paris students. Those students who are not fluent in French are strongly advised to enroll in a French course. Students also have the option to take French as a non-credit elective.
ID Cards Following registration, students may obtain a Columbia University ID Card. The CU ID card grants access to the gym, libraries, various campus services, as well as 24-hour access to Avery and Schermerhorn Halls (computer labs and architecture studios).
life in new york city What to Bring
Computer Facilities and Email
water-resistant shoes a few pairs of comfortable shoes (there are many walking tours) folding umbrella winter gloves, scarf, and a warm hat warm all-purpose jacket pants, shirts, sweaters, etc. outfit to wear for dressy occasions bag for daily use You may want to consider laptop computer camera drawing and architectural tools, i.e. mayline, triangles, scale, etc. (Students with no background in studio will be given a materials list in their first design studio session, and will be advised on what materials are mandatory and where to purchase supplies.)
After registering as a full-time Columbia University student, you will be given an e-mail account free of charge. There are computers located in the main libraries that are accessible to all students. The computer rooms in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation are closed to students who have not taken or are not currently enrolled in the GSAPP FuDD course; however, computers are located in studio, as well as a color printer and scanner to which all students have access Employment The Center for Career Services, East Campus, maintains an extensive listing of available jobs for undergraduates and graduates. Students seeking part-time positions should visit the Center for Career Services. There are also a limited number of parttime positions available to the Shape of Two Cities students in the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. These jobs entail controlling lights and running slide projectors during lectures, and pay $10 to $12/hr. Please contact Danielle Smoller if interested. Lastly, additional positions working with faculty in the GSAPP are posted during the first week of class. NY/P Students meeting the specific requirements may apply at that time.
Weather The climate of New York can change drastically over one semester. It is not uncommon for it to be extremely hot in the beginning of September and extremely cold in December. The school is well airconditioned and heated, but remember that you will be outside frequently during walking tours and site visits.
Money and Finances The cost of studying in New York City is chiefly affected by the individual student’s budget. The cost of living in New York City is slightly higher than that of other major American cities. In the Columbia University, Morningside Heights neighborhood there are many banks including Chase, Citibank and Bank of America. Students may opt to open a new bank account or use the ATMs to link to their bank. Students will be advised as to where to eat inexpensively, shop, etc. during orientation. The good news is that there are many good and affordable restaurants in the Columbia University
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
living costs for fall - new york city Housing
Student Activities
Housing costs in New York vary widely, and depend on location, size, and share. Most students can expect to spend between $1000 to $2,500 per month depending on the housing option chosen. Utilities (electric/gas/and water) are sometimes included in the rent, however this too varies. More information regarding housing is listed in the housing New York section. Entertainment Cinema: $12.50 (cheaper rates available for matinee) Theater: $25-$150/ performance (cheaper student rates are sometimes available) Concerts: $25-$100/ concert Sports clubs: $85- $200/ month (Columbia’s gym is free, but locker rental is $30 for the semester) Museums: $8-$10 (less expensive with student tickets or free at specific times) Local Transportation Subway or bus: $2.50 per ride, $1 base-fee for a MetroCard. Weekly and monthly unlimited ride MetroCards cost $30 and $112 dollars respectively. The Long Island Railroad is easily accessible and connects New York City to it surrounding environs including Long Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
Virtually any activity—sports, music, rock-climbing, yoga, cooking—is available or can be made available. Throughout the semester students will be provided with brochures, addresses, and advice upon request. Food (in a café, diner, or average restaurant) Breakfast: $3-$7 Sandwich: $5-$10 Salads: $5-$8 Soft drinks: $1-$2 Coffee: $1-$3 Pastries: $2-$4 Restaurant: $15-$50
housing in new york The Shape of Two Cities Program has an effective system for helping students find appropriate accommodations. We work with a landlord on the UWS to place students in one of their buildings with room options ranging from dorm style to apartment style. If this is not suitable, we have also hired a housing broker to assist students in finding housing. The Broker will search their housing database and match students to appropriate housing. Students will be given several housing options at that time. If these options are not suitable, the broker will work closely with the student to find suitable arrangements. A portion of the housing fee will be paid directly to the broker by Columbia and is nontransferable, the student will have to pay the difference. If you decide not to use the two options above you will have to find living arrangements on your own and pay your own real estate brokers fee. The University and the broker serve as a facilitator in their search but not as a fiduciary. Students are expected to enter into private contracts (leases) with landlords. ô€€?Students will receive more housing information in late June (for fall) and late October (for spring). There are a variety of living accommodations from which to choose, but is important to know that Shape of Two Cities students are not eligible for Columbia University student housing. Each student may elect to rent a share or studio, live in a dorm-like accommodation, or share an apartment with other Shape of Two Cities students.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
Typically, rents in New York City are very expensive and it is difficult to obtain a six month lease. Consequently, most students decide to take shares. In a share, the apartment tenant will rent an extra room. At the beginning of the semester, in the Columbia University neighborhood (Morningside Heights), there will be many listings for shares. Columbia’s OffCampus Registry provides a listing of shares in the neighborhood and throughout the city. Typically, in a share arrangement, the student will get his/her own room and share the common areas of the apartment (kitchen/bath). Some share options do feature private baths. Share rents will typically range from $700/ month to $900/month. Off-campus dorm-like residence halls have also been popular with students. If this option is of interest, make inquiries as soon as possible - these types of accommodations fill-up very quickly. While the housing process in NY may at first seem intimidating, everyone has always found a place to live. Apartments in New York City are normally small, and may not match the standards of space you are accustomed to, but if you approach the situation with maturity, patience, and good humor, your living experience will be a good one.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
spring term: paris
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
arriving in paris The Shape of Two Cities Program Columbia University Reid Hall 4, rue de Chevreuse 75006 Paris FRANCE Tel: (011.33.1) 43.20.83.06 Reid Hall General Numbers: 43.20.24.83 or 43.20.33.07 (in France, replace 011.33 with 0) Fax: ( 011.33.1) 43.20.83.06 E-mail: pro2101@columbia.edu
Transportation to France Columbia University does not make travel arrangements for students. However, for the past several semesters many students have participated in group flights from New York to Paris, and were able to receive substantially discounted prices for round-trip, open-return tickets. STA Travel as well as Bargains & Thrills Travel both offer good prices, and the group flight is arranged while the students are studying in New York in the fall.
arriving in paris Transportation From Airports to Paris
Bus: Air France Bus, Porte Maillot and Etoile (Arc de
There are two international airports in Paris: Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Most students will arrive in France at Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Roissy). Your choice of transportation to Paris will depend on the location of your accommodation and its proximity to an R.E.R or metro station. When you have collected your baggage, look for exit signs (in English as well as in French) directing you to any of the following:
Triomphe) and Roissybus- to rue Scribe (Opera). Just outside the appropriate exit you will find Air France buses and Roissybus leaving every 15 minutes, taking passengers directly to Etoile, or rue Scribe (Opera) in the center of Paris. Usually, you need to buy your ticket (about €15) at the ticket office next to the bus stop prior to boarding the bus. After the bus drops you off, you may take a taxi (there is a taxi stand nearby), the metro, or R.E.R.
Train: Roissyrail (line B of the R.E.R.) This is the simplest and least expensive transport into Paris from Charles de Gaulle. However, if you are traveling with many large suitcases, this route may prove difficult. Just outside of the baggage claim exit, you will find the stop for the airport shuttle bus (navette) which makes frequent, circular trips (at no charge) to each of the main terminals of the airport and to the Roissy train station. Get off at this station (about a 5-minute trip from the terminal), study the R.E.R. map to see if and where you need to change lines, and buy a ticket to your destination (about € 8.50). Traveling with a companion will help you negotiate the many turnstiles and gates. When traveling on the R.E.R. trains, be sure to save your ticket. You will need to pass it through a ticket machine in order to exit the station. In addition, railroad inspectors periodically check to see that passengers have valid tickets. You will be fined if you have misplaced or mangled your ticket.
Taxi: Taxis from the airport can be expensive (€3050), especially at night or if traffic is slow, but you may share the ride and the expense with another student. Expect to pay an extra charge per bag of luggage. If your flight lands at Orly, Paris’ other international airport, you will have the same choice of transportR.E.R., Orlybus to Denfert-Rochereau, an Air France bus (€8.50 to Denfert-Rochereau and les Invalides), or a taxi. Your journey will be shorter than from Charles de Gaulle Airport (30 minutes).If you arrive in Paris by train, take either the metro or a taxi to Reid Hall or your lodgings.
Transportation in Paris Nearest R.E.R. stop: Port Royal Nearest metro stops: Vavin, Raspail, or Notre Dame des Champs (2-5 minute walk)
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
Metro and Bus Paris is an easy city to get around. It has excellent subway (metro) and bus systems, suburban rail lines (R.E.R.), and taxis. Pick up subway and bus maps as soon as you can-they are available at airport information counters and at most ticket booths in metro stations. The Paris transit system is logical and clearly marked. Many bus lines stop running at 9 P.M., and subways and trains stop running around 12:30 - 1 A.M. Once in Paris, you will want to purchase metro/bus transport tickets. The Navigo Pass, a monthly commuter card which currently costs €62.00 per month, and allows unlimited use of the metro and bus system within city limits. You will complete the on-line application toward the end of fall semester and your pass will be shipped to you at Reid Hall. The navigo pass starts on the first of every month so if you arrive in Paris near the end of the month, first buy a carnet (10 tickets at slightly more than half the price of individual tickets) or only recharge your Navigo pass for the weeks (17.00€ per week) needed and wait until the start of the next month to recharge your navigo pass for the entire month. During your orientation week in Paris, you will receive more information about purchasing local transportation tickets.
Bicycle The new metropolitan bike pick up/drop off rental system in Paris is called Velib’. You get a membership for €29.00 and can use bikes at any one of hundreds of stands around the city. There’s even one right in front of Ried Hall. You drop off the bike at a stand near your destination. The 1st 30 minutes are free, the next 30 minutes are 1 euro, etc. You can rent without an annual membership too using a bank card for 1 euro for the day, for unlimited use around the city.
Orientation The orientation prepared for you by the Reid Hall staff is very comprehensive and carefully structured to get your stay in Paris off to a smooth start. Orientation dates will be confirmed in the fall. Registration Students may register for any courses offered during the spring semester, including any of the NY-Paris core courses. All students must maintain at least 12 credits throughout the semester. In addition all students will take a French class, either a 1 week or 2 week language intensive offered during the first two weeks of the semester. The levels range from beginner to advanced and will be determined by a French Language placement test given at the beginning of the semester.
International Student ID Card While at Columbia University in New York, apply for an International Student ID Card at the student travel agency. This could help you save money in Europe on trains, in museums, etc.
American Hostel Member Card The American Youth Hostel is located at 891 Amsterdam Avenue (at 103rd Street) in New York City. Consider getting an American Youth Hostel membership card. It will give you access to the inexpensive youth hostel accommodations around the world. Please see their website for more details www.hiusa.org
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
life in paris
What to Bring
Consider Bringing the Following Items:
Try to travel light. Once you’ve packed, try lifting all your luggage at once. If necessary, you may ship some items prior to your departure for Paris to Reid Hall, although shipping to France is NOT recommended. You Should Bring the Following Items: - plane ticket, passport and visa - please bring at least three extra passport photos with you. You will need them for purchasing a monthly subway pass and for Reid Hall ID cards. - bring about $100 worth of EUROS with you unless you want to change money as soon as you arrive. You might also want to think about bringing traveler’s checks, although you may use a Visa / Master Card in the many readily available ATM machines. - water-resistant shoes & folding umbrella - a few pairs of comfortable shoes (for walking tours) - winter gloves, scarf, and a warm hat, warm allpurpose jacket, backpack for daily use, pants, shirts, sweaters, etc., socks and underwear & an outfit to wear for dressy occasions - drawing and architectural tools, i.e. mayline, triangles, scale, etc. as well as any other studio supplies that you would prefer not to have to purchase once you arrive.
- camera and extra film-film is very expensive in Paris - laptop computer - non-aerosol deodorant - hair products like gel, mousse etc. - your preferred brand may not be available in France - pocket calculator - alarm clock - voltage adapter (if you are bringing any U.S. electrical devices) - ibuprofen-based medicine (not available over the counter in France) - peeler and can/bottle opener - Swiss Army knife (pack in your checked luggage-not in your hand luggage or on you) - your favorite tea, candy, or other (lightweight) items which may be hard to find in Paris - Extra eyeglasses (& prescription), contact lenses, and saline - Guidebook i.e. Lonely Planet Paris, Time Out Paris, Let’s Go Europe, etc.
Weather The climate in Paris is moderate. Extremes of very hot or very cold weather are uncommon and generally short-lived. There are, however, characteristically long stretches of damp, cool, drizzly weather similar to that of London and Seattle. Keep in mind that Paris apartments, stores, etc. are generally not as well heated as their American counterparts.
Computer Facilities and E-mail The New York/Paris studio at Reid Hall is equipped with four Macintosh design stations (with Xerox Color Laser Printer, Epson Stylus Photo 1280, and scanner) for student use. While students have unlimited access to studio computer equipment, printing is limited and they are highly encouraged to bring their personal laptop computers and requisite cables to Paris. All of Reid Hall is wireless and students will be able to connect to the internet anywhere on campus. Students bringing their own computers should make appropriate arrangements for security/insurance (locks, homeowners insurance) of their personal equipment prior to arrival in Paris.
Employment Registered full-time students may legally work outside of The Shape of Two Cities program for a three-month period if they secure the requisite working papers. For more information, contact the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), 205 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017; (212) 822-2600. In Paris, contact the Work in France Program at Reid Hall.
Money and Finances The cost of studying in France is chiefly affected by three factors: the individual student’s budget, the student’s insurance needs, and the fluctuations in the relative values of the euro and the dollar. Students have different lifestyles as well as different personal resources, and they adapt their standards of living in Paris accordingly. It is impossible, of course, to predict what may happen in the future, but current students are finding the cost of living in Paris, in general, to be slightly higher than that in major American cities. Keep an eye on the rate of exchange as it may fluctuate. Check current rates available from American Express at (212) 640-5130 or www.oanda. com before departing. You may purchase traveler’s checks in various denominations of euros. Some U.S. banks will waive purchase fees for students. These are easy to cash in Paris, accepted by many landlords, and the exchange rate is favorable. Once in Paris, cash your traveler’s checks at the Banque de France-they do not charge a commission. You may also cash them at one of the many bureaus de change, but they charge a commission.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
A banker or teller’s check from your home bank or an international money order, will take approximately 10 days to clear. Personal checks can take up to three months to clear and should be avoided. If you obtain a four digit PIN number, you may take cash advances on your credit cards (American Express, MasterCard or Visa). If your bank is on the CIRRUS or Citibank ATM networks, you may be able to access funds directly from your home bank account through one of the CIRRUS or Citibank ATMs located throughout Paris. Check service fees with your bank first. Past students have found using a credit card or their banking card the most convenient way to manage their funds. Therefore avoiding the trouble and charges of opening a bank account in Paris. Money can also be sent to you via the American Express telex service in Paris.
Eurail Pass If you plan to travel long distance during your spring break or after the program ends, investigate getting a Eurail Pass. Any travel agent can help you with this, but it should be purchased in the United States. Please see their website for more details: www. raileurope.com
Readings As a means of familiarizing yourself with the architecture and urbanism of Paris you may want to look at the following books: Martin, Herve. Guide de l’Architecture Moderne a Paris / Guide to Modern Architecture in Paris. 6th Edition. Salvadori, Renzo. Architect’s Guide to Paris. Trans. Brenda Balich. Sevenoaks, Kent, England: Butterworth Architecture. White, Norval. The Guide to the Architecture of Paris. New York: Scribners, Maxwell Macmillan International, 1991. Also as a means of inspiring you to look in-depth at the moods and impressions of the city, we encourage you to read: Chiang, Yee. The Silent Traveler in Paris. New York: W.W. Norten, 1956. Gopnik, Adam. From Paris to the Moon. New York: Random House, 2000. Hemingway, Ernest. A Moveable Feast. New York: C. Scribner’s Sons, 1964. Miller, Henry. Tropic of Cancer. New York: Grove Press, 2001 [1961]. or the anthology of views of Paris by twentieth century writers: A Place in the World Called Paris.
Money and Finances
Entertainment
The term “general expenses” includes the cost of public transportation in Paris, books and supplies, entertainment, etc. It does not include the cost of major purchases of clothing or other items, nor does it cover the expense of weekend or vacation travel in France or Europe. The bottom line of each student’s budget in Paris will be different. All students, however, should approach the prospect of living abroad with maturity and a sense of financial responsibility. It may be helpful to note that the French government requires, as part of the visa application, a notarized financial guarantee from a parent or guardian assuring the applicant a monthly allowance of $750 for the period of residency in France. Students should consider this amount as a minimum monthly expenditure.
Cinema €4.88-6.86/ film (cheaper rates for festivals, etc.) Theater: €12.50-30/ performance (cheaper student rates are sometimes available) Concerts: €22-40/ concert Sports clubs: €55-75/ month Public pools: €1.50-2.50/ day (monthly passes available) Nightclubs: €12-16/ evening with a drink Museums: €9 (less expensive monthly passes available)
Food Eating in Paris is a splendid experience. If you plan to cook at home and frequent the restaurants universitaires, budget €9-18 ($10-$20) per day for food. Like any large city, Paris has numerous restaurants, many of which are quite inexpensive. In addition, there are boulangeries, fromageries, and charcuteries where students can buy food supplies for casual dining. Students often bring food into the Reid Hall garden for lunch. An International Student ID will allow you to eat inexpensively in any cafeteria in the French University system (approx. €3.50/ meal). You will receive a listing of modestly priced restaurants, cafes, and brasseries included in the cultural activities booklet distributed at orientation. The following page lists a sample of some standard food item prices in Paris. Like the U.S., prices vary from store to store, café to café, and neighborhood to neighborhood. Food (in cafes, boulangeries, salon de thes, etc...) Breakfast: €3-5 Sandwich: €4-5 Salads: €4-7 Soft drinks: €1.25-4 Café: €1.25-4.50 Pastries: €0.50-€3 Restaurant: €12-€25 and up
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
Food Prices Loaf of bread €1.00-1.50 Liter of milk €0.90-1.50 Liter of orange juice €1.25-2.25 Liter of imported orange juice €2.25-3.50 pound butter €1-2 pound coffee €2-4 Cup of coffee at a table in a café €1.50-3 Cup of coffee at a standing bar €0.75-1.25 Sandwich at a café or boulangerie €3.50-5.50 Bottle of Beaujolais in a wine store €4 Bottle of house wine €8 in a moderate restaurant €9 Bottle of beer in a café €3.50-4.50 Meal in a subsidized university cafeteria €4 Meal in a moderate café €9-12 Utilities (Utility bills are sent out every other month and vary widely)
Electric/ gas: €30/ month (can be as high as €120/ month if heat is powered by electricity or gas and not included in
Student Activities Reid Hall maintains updated files on activities of interest to students. Virtually any activity—sports, music, rock-climbing, yoga, cooking—is available or can be made available. Throughout the semester or year students will be provided with brochures, addresses, and advice upon request.
Course-Related Excursions All students participate in day trips and overnight excursions to important architectural sites or to regions of France that relate to their course work. Visits to museums, monuments, art exhibits, galleries, theatres, and the cinéma are also organized for various courses. In most cases attendance is required.
Mail We discourage you from mailing anything to Paris, however if you need something sent from the US, you are encouraged to use Reid Hall as your mailing address for the duration of your stay in Paris. Please note; mail is not forwarded from Columbia University in New York to Columbia at Reid Hall. You must use the following address: c/o The Shape of Two Cities Program Columbia University Reid Hall 4, rue de Chevreuse 75006 Paris FRANCE Note: Shipping boxes to Paris can be both expensive and labor-intensive. It may be worth your while to bring everything with you on your flight and simply pay the extra luggage fee that the airline charges for any pieces over the two that you are allowed. Check with your airline for weight limitations and fees.
If you plan to ship clothes or books to France, send them in care of yourself to the above address. They will be stored at Reid Hall until you arrive. Do not send more than two small-to-medium sized boxesReid Hall does not have a large storage facility. Warning: Rules and regulations regarding shipping to Paris have changed please consult the USPS for specific details. Also note certain packages are subject to tax and cannot be accepted. They will be returned to the post office, where they will be stored for up to two weeks. Be sure to include with your package a customs declaration marked personal effects-no commercial value. If you plan to ship your personal possessions ahead to Reid Hall, do not use United Parcel Service (UPS) as they charge substantial customs fees. Choose instead one of the competitive international shipping companies such as DHL, Worldwide Express, or Federal Express. Check the yellow pages under Delivery or Freight for a list of shipping companies. Call the company directly for information and rates for delivery to Paris. Be sure to ask whether the company will deliver to Reid Hall, or if you must pick up the parcel(s) at the airport. Also specify insurance costs and duty tax. This will depend on the value you declare on the contents. Be careful-duty tax and value-added tax for goods higher than $50 can be substantial and must be paid before delivery.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
housing in paris
As in the Fall Columbia University utilizes the service of a broker to find students accommodations in Paris. The procedures are the same as in the Fall (please refer to fall housing section of this booklet). There are a variety of living accommodations from which to choose. Each student may elect to live in a Parisian household, rent a studio apartment, or share an apartment with other Shape of Two Cities students. More detailed descriptions of the housing options follow, along with typical price ranges. Reid Hall is not a residential facility for students.
Housing Reservation Forms / Options The Housing Questionnaire will be distributed to students in November during their fall semester in New York. Housing types and approximate costs are listed below.
Foyers Foyers are dormitory residences throughout Paris administered by nonprofit organizations or church groups for the purpose of housing students. They are governmentsubsidized and the number of foreign students allowed to live in them is strictly limited. Unlike American dormitories, the French foyers usually maintain curfew hours, keep a fixed meal schedule, and do not allow visits from members of the opposite sex. The average cost of a space in a double room is €3,000 per semester.
Living in a French Household Living in a French household offers the student valuable exposure to French language and culture. Students are provided with their own bedroom. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are normally available without restriction; in rare instances, students have their own bathrooms. The New York Paris program has arranged an agreement with PS+L Solutions to assist in the “Host Family” placement. They will do all they can to make it likely that both student and host are compatible, and that cost, particular privileges and/or conditions of stay (visitors, telephone, shared meals, laundry, etc.) are agreed upon in advance. The relationship between the host and the student will differ from case to case, depending on individual personalities. Visitors are normally not allowed.
Studio Apartments These are small one-room apartments (approximately 200-275 square feet) with kitchenettes and small bathroom facilities (rarely containing bathtubs). They are adequately furnished with a single bed (double beds are occasionally available), desk, storage shelves, etc. Phone lines are available, and visitation rights are unrestricted. The monthly rent is €660 and up (plus electricity).
Apartments for More Than One Person
Chambres de Bonne
This kind of apartment includes, at minimum, a single bedroom with two beds (or a bedroom with a single bed and a living room with a convertible sofa), a small living room with a kitchenette, and a private bath. Some larger apartments contain more than one bedroom with multiple beds. As with any apartment, cost is determined by the size of the apartment, the quality of the furnishings, and neighborhood. Prices begin at about €1000 per month (plus electricity).
These “maid’s rooms” are usually small rooms (approximately 90-160 square feet) situated on the upper floors of Paris apartment buildings. These rooms, where once resided the maids for the apartment owners living on the floors below, are now rented to students and other people on limited budgets. They are adequately furnished with a single bed, a desk, and minimal storage space, but generally include only a hot plate and a small refrigerator. Toilet and bathroom facilities are usually situated in the outside hallway, although there may be sinks in the rooms. This kind of accommodation permits virtually all the usual privileges associated with separate apartments, including unrestricted visitation rights. Approximate monthly cost: €500900.
Meals Depending on the housing option chosen, students have private or shared kitchen facilities, or eat in modestly priced restaurants or the inexpensive restaurants universitaires. A student with a carte d’étudiant can eat a full meal in any university cafeteria for about three dollars. Detailed information on dining options is distributed during orientation.
A Final Note on Housing: Don’t Panic! Do not feel overly anxious about where you will live in Paris. The good news is that in Paris there is a great deal of furnished temporary housing available to students. So while the housing process may at first seem intimidating, almost without exception, everyone finds housing with the housing service before they arrive in Paris.
Columbia University GSAPP The Shape of Two Cities: New York / Paris 2014/15 Information Booklet
This announcement is intended for the guidance of prospective students in The Shape of Two Cities: New York- Paris Program. The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation reserves the right to depart without notice from the terms of this announcement.