By: Trisha Sudeep, Summer Semester Visiting Student
As a premed student from Baylor University in Texas, the idea of spending a summer semester studying in New York City felt both thrilling and intimidating. When the chance came to study at Columbia University as a visiting student, I jumped at the opportunity. Although commuting one and a half hours each way (into Penn Station, followed by a subway ride uptown) to take Organic Chemistry I and Abnormal Behavior was demanding, the experience turned out to be far more rewarding than I ever expected.
Organic Chemistry I has a reputation for being one of the most demanding courses for science students, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, especially joining a class that included both Columbia students and other visiting students like myself. The course quickly exceeded my expectations. Our lecturer had a unique gift for making the material come alive. Instead of dry memorization, the class was an engaging journey through the molecular world, sparking a genuine passion in me for organic chemistry that I hadn’t anticipated. The lecturer’s enthusiasm was contagious, and I found myself excited to study reaction mechanisms and molecular interactions in a way that transformed my perspective on the subject.
Meanwhile, the Abnormal Behavior course offered a fascinating look at the complexities of human psychology. It was refreshing to balance the hard science of organic molecules with a subject rooted in understanding human behavior and mental health. Each lecture peeled back layers of the human mind, examining disorders and psychological conditions through scientific and clinical lenses. The course content resonated deeply, encouraging me to think critically about how science explains and addresses abnormal psychological phenomena.
Alongside these courses, I was also part of the Foundations for Pre-Medicine Focus Area, which added a rich community experience to my academic journey. The program hosted some really cool events that made it easy to connect with other premed students. Plus, they handed out fun and practical merch, like umbrellas and notebooks. One of the highlights was an MCAT prep session, which was incredibly helpful in sharpening my test-taking strategies and boosting my confidence for the exam ahead.
Although the commute was long, it became a meaningful part of the experience rather than a burden. The daily journey through Penn Station and the New York subway system offered me a chance to mentally prepare for the day ahead and reflect afterward. The hustle of the city and the rhythm of the commute became an unexpected comfort, anchoring my routine and allowing me to transition from my life in New Jersey and Baylor to the fast-paced academic environment of Columbia.
Beyond the classroom, living in New York City gave me the chance to explore far beyond the typical tourist spots I had visited before. Weekends and free afternoons were filled with wandering through vibrant neighborhoods, discovering quaint coffee shops, and immersing myself in the city’s rich culture. This opportunity to truly experience New York’s energy and diversity enhanced my academic journey in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Looking back, my session as a visiting student at Columbia was a challenging yet immensely rewarding chapter of my college experience. The rigorous academics, combined with inspiring teaching, supportive premed community events, and the vibrancy of New York City life, made every moment and every mile of that commute worthwhile. It showed me the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing new environments to grow both intellectually and personally.
