About 30 years before leading the free world, Barack Obama was a Columbia student, living in a 2-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side. If you're looking for new digs, the place can be yours for $2,400/month. It may look a bit dumpy, but think of the cocktail conversation, not to mention the debate parties.

In other news, IKEA expands its solar panel operations in the US, and the Tate Modern has some art in the Tanks. See the headlines after the jump.

• Rent President Obama's College-Era Manhattan Apartment | Curbed
• Ikea installs five more solar power arrays | Furniture Today
• The Tanks: Art in Action | Tate Modern

(Image: via Curbed)