I am not too concerned about the trip. A greater concern is surviving on very little in an extremely expensive city. Rents I found out range between 1,500 and 1,800 - a single dwelling, of course. This means I may have to share. Well, I guess I will have to wait and see ...
I've heard some great things about the dept and faculty although I'm not sure if my interdisciplinary interests will be best served. I got a couple of other offers and so will have to weigh my decision based on the visit. And you, are you all set on Columbia??