Once travel plans and accommodations are nailed down, you can focus on your celebrations to follow Class Day and/or Commencement. Ask your graduating senior about favorite restaurants in Manhattan, and consider making reservations through online resources such as www.opentable.com that allow you to search by time, neighborhood, party size, and more.

Keep in mind that any establishment off of the 1-2-3 subway lines in Manhattan or Brooklyn should be fairly easy to get to, and your brand-new Columbia alumnus/alumna can guide you to many others.

If you are still at a loss for dining options, New York Magazine provides a handy restaurant search tool that allows readers to filter by neighborhood and cuisine. 

When making reservations, consider when the ceremony will end and how long it will take you to find your graduate, take photos, and travel to your destination.

Arts & Entertainment

If you would like to engage in some of the arts and entertainment riches of New York City, the Arts Initiative at Columbia University provides ticket discounts to shows, museums, cultural events, and more. Visit the Arts Access website for details.