Rat Rock (Morningside Heights)

Rat Rock, also known as Uris Hall Rock, is a large outcropping of Manhattan schist located on the Columbia University campus in Morningside Heights, New York City. Situated between Uris Hall and the Business School, it is a popular spot for students and visitors to relax, eat lunch, study, and socialize. The rock provides an elevated vantage point with views of the surrounding campus and, in some spots, the city beyond. The origin of the name "Rat Rock" is disputed, with some attributing it to the presence of rodents in the area, while others suggest it's a more recent and ironic nickname. Despite the somewhat unflattering name, Rat Rock is a well-known and frequently used feature of the Columbia University campus.