Frequently Asked Questions
The Undergraduate Schools
What should I know about Barnard College?
Barnard College, founded in 1889, is a liberal arts college for women that is a partner of Columbia University. Named for the tenth president of Columbia University, Fredrick Barnard, the college provides women with an intimate liberal arts education with the resources of a major research university. While Barnard students get a Columbia University diploma (yes, it is in Latin), Barnard College has its own president (Debora Spar) and its own board of trustees (chaired by Anna Quindlen). Barnard first years all live in the Quad, which is made up of four connected residence halls--Sulzberger (the really big tower), Brooks, Hewitt and Reid Halls. First years are required to take a First Year Seminar and a First Year English course, as well as complete the broad distribution requirements of The Nine Ways of Knowing and a culminating senior project. CC and SEAS students can also use their many, many meals at Hewitt dining hall in the basement of Hewitt residence hall.
What should I know about Columbia College?
Columbia College was founded in 1754, and it remains the oldest part of the Columbia University system. In the early part of the century, the Core Curriculum was conceived as a synthetic approach to war and peace studies. Since World War I, the Core has been a distinguishing feature of the college. When they aren't busy studying the Great Books, Columbia College first-year students reside in Carman, John Jay, Furnald, Hartley and Wallach Halls on the main campus quad—overlooking South Lawn. Columbia's meal plans range from meal options in John Jay Dining Hall as a first-year to enjoying cuisine in Ferris Booth, Café 212, Uris, Hartley Kosher Deli, and other locations across the Columbia campus. Columbia College students hail from all fifty states and many foreign countries—they are united by their common intellectual experience in the Core.
What should I know about The School of General Studies?
The School of General Studies, also called GS, is the finest liberal arts college in the country dedicated specifically to top-quality, degree-seeking undergraduates who have had a break of one year or more in their education. The school was founded in 1947 to meet the needs of GIs returning from World War II. GS students range in age from 17 to 65 and represent every walk of life, from retired dancers and firefighters to military veterans and entrepreneurs. GS students take the same classes with the same faculty and earn the same degree as all Columbia University undergraduates. Their academic program is composed of a major, the GS Core, and electives. Most GS students commute to campus from all over the New York metropolitan area, while others, many of whom moved to the city from around the U.S., live in University residences. GS boasts 17% international students hailing from over 75 countries. The school has a joint degree program with List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
What should I know about The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science?
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science was the first of Columbia's undergraduate schools to go coeducational. The Engineering School, known affectionately as SEAS, is the oldest engineering school in New York City. Included in the original charter for King's College, SEAS was established as a separate school, the School of Mines, in 1864. Graduates of the school have gone on to design the New York subway system, build the FM radio, and influence New York City and the world in increasingly important ways. SEAS students live in Columbia's undergraduate dormitories with Columbia College students and they frequent John Jay Hall for meals. Engineers have many, many exams and very few papers. Make sure you come out in support of SEAS during E-Weeks—an annual celebration of the Engineering School at Columbia.
What should I know about The Barnard-Columbia Relationship?
As an incoming student, you may have questions about the relationship between Barnard and Columbia. During your first days on campus, you will notice that students on both sides of the street participate in many of the same academic classes, activities, and clubs. So, with all these shared experiences, what is the formal relationship between these two schools?
Columbia University was founded by royal charter as King’s College in 1754 and renamed in 1784. Barnard College was established in 1889 as both an independently incorporated educational institution for women and as one of the four official colleges of Columbia University. Each institution has its own applicant pool and admissions process; is governed by its own Board of Trustees; has its own budget; raises its own funds; and builds its own endowment.
The partnership between Barnard and Columbia extends to many aspects of university life. Students from both schools participate in the NCAA approved Columbia-Barnard athletic consortium and compete in Division I athletics. Students may take classes on either campus and cross-registration for courses is seamless. Each campus benefits from the other socially because most clubs, organizations, and events are open to all students. The myriad advantages of this partnership are due to the fact that the resources, experiences, and abilities of each institution strengthen the other.
As a student at Columbia or Barnard you are part of the greater university community in Morningside Heights. This gives you the opportunity to not only enjoy the traditions of your own school, be it the School of General Studies, Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, or Barnard College, but to also participate in the greater community based on the collaboration of these four schools.
General Orientation Information
How can I contact NSOP?
You can contact the 2009 NSOP staff by email at orientation@columbia.edu. Visit the 'Contact Us' page for more information.
When does Orientation officially begin?
Orientation begins on Monday, August 31st, 2009 for First Year and Transfer Students.
When can I arrive on campus?
Arrival for first year students is Monday, August 31st, 2009, with check-in taking place between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Unless you are participating in a special orientation program, such as Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program (COOP) or Columbia Urban Experience (CUE), or have gotten special permission from housing, you may not move into your room before August 31st, 2009. International students and students from a number of distant states will receive and invitation to move in on Sunday, August 30th, 2009 from the Department of Housing during the summer.
When will I receive information about move-in if I'm participating in COÖP or CUE?
If you're participating in one of these special programs, you'll get a letter informing you of your acceptance and your alternate move-in date.
What should I do if I must arrive before August 31st, 2009?
If you must arrive before August 31st, 2009 and are not participating in a special program and do not have special permission from housing, a list of area hotels and other accommodations can be found on the Division of Student Affairs website.
How long does Orientation last?
Orientation begins on Monday, August 31st, 2009 and ends on Monday, September 7th, 2009.
What events will be happening during Orientation Week?
This summer, the Committee is planning a week of activities for Orientation. You will receive an orientation schedulebook upon arrival. For periodic updates, please refer to the Orientation website.
Will there be an orientation program for families and parents?
Family orientation will be on Sunday, August 30th 2009 and Monday, August 31st, 2009 and coincides with the beginning of NSOP. It is a day-long event that includes various workshops, a campus resource fair, and Convocation. Please visit the Office of Parent and Family Programs website for more information.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information about Orientation?
This website (http://www.columbia.edu/cu/orientation) contains up-to-the-minute information about NSOP 2009.
How do I change my address?
If you have already established your UNI (your Columbia email login) you should be able to log on to Student Services Online and change your address there. If you cannot change your address using Student Services Online, email studentservices@columbia.edu. If you haven't yet established your UNI, you can do so at the Academic Information Systems website.
Moving In & Packing
What can I expect once I arrive on campus?
You should first check in at the large tent on South Lawn. Check-in consists of picking up your Columbia University identification card (CUID), the key to your room, and the Orientation packet. The Orientation packet will include a schedule of events for the week of Orientation and other important materials for your first week here. When you arrive on campus you should be sure to go to the proper location to unpack your car. These locations are assigned by the Office of University Residence Halls (URH) to make move-in as efficient as possible. You'll also receive the URH New Student Check-In Guide in early August. This guide will explain all move-in procedures more thoroughly. The University has hired a moving company to assist you in getting your belongings into your dorm room. In addition, Orientation Leaders will be available to assist you in unloading your car and bringing your things to your residence hall. Please be patient, as many students will be moving into the residence halls at once. After move-in, there will be programs and information sessions for you and your family, a complimentary bag lunch, and plenty time for you to start settling into your new home. Keep in mind that you'll have lots of help moving in from upperclass students and the University's moving company, so it's not neccessary to bring the whole family; 2-3 relatives is plenty.
What should I do if I'm coming from far away and can't pack everything?
There are many places right around campus where you can purchase toiletries and other supplies for your room. You may also want to have some of your belongings shipped. You can ship packages to your school address starting two weeks before Orientation.
How do I get to Columbia University? Where do I park?
View and print Travel Directions to Columbia University.
Do I need special sheets for my residence hall room?
Yes. The beds are extra long, so you should purchase sheets that say "extra long" or "college size".
Do I need to bring a refrigerator?
You do not need a refrigerator, but many students choose to have one to keep snacks and drinks in their rooms. You can either buy or rent a refrigerator. Don't forget to talk to your roommate before making any decisions, as most people find that one refrigerator per room is sufficient.
Can I bring a microwave? What about halogen lamps?
No, you should not bring your microwave. Due to fire codes, they are prohibited in individual rooms. Other items you should leave at home are hotpots, coffee makers, air-conditioners, toasters, electric fry pans and candles. Halogen lamps are also not allowed in the residence halls. A more complete, official list of items can be found in the New Student Check-In Guide from URH, which will be mailed to all incoming CC/SEAS students in early August. Barnard students can check here for a list of what to bring and what not to bring to their residence halls.
Do I need to bring a telephone or answering machine?
No. At Columbia each room has a digital ROLM phone, which you will share with your roommate. Your phone number is indicated on your occupancy agreement. The ROLM system serves all of Columbia, including academic and residential buildings on both the Columbia and Barnard campuses. Since the phone service includes voicemail, you do not need to provide your own answering machine.
Do I need to bring a computer?
A computer is not necessary at Columbia, although it is definitely advantageous to have one. There are computer clusters and terminals located throughout the campus. However, most students do own their own computers. For more information, check out this page on the CUIT website.
What about setting up a bank account?
Columbia University has a special banking relationship with Citibank, and you'll find Citibank ATMs on campus. Representatives from Columbia Student Services and Citibank will be available on move-in day to explain banking options to you. Other banks can be found in walking distance of the campus.
Orientation Programs
What is COÖP?
COOP stands for Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program. It is a pre-orientation program that occurs the week before NSOP. New students go on hiking, biking, or rowing trips in small groups with one or two upperclass leaders. Find out more information at the COOP website.
What is CUE?
CUE stands for Columbia Urban Experience. CUE is a pre-orientation program that introduces students to community service opportunities throughout New York City while acclimating them to the city which they will claim as their home for the next four years. Find out more information at the CUE website.
Do I need any money during Orientation?
Your orientation fee covers the cost of the program, but there are events for which you may want additional spending money. This money will cover any special events, subway charges, and possible off-campus dining.
I have special dietary needs. Will I be able to eat during Orientation?
Of course! All types of food will be available throughout Orientation and on the meal plan. Kosher, vegetarian and vegan dining options will always be available.
I am a transfer, visiting, or combined plan student. Are there going to be activities for me during Orientation?
Transfer students have a number of transfer-specific academic and social programs during orientation, including brunches, student panels, advising sessions and joint outings in the city with Barnard and Columbia transfer students. Your orientation group of 10-12 students will consist only of transfers, combined plan students and visitors. In addition, most social events during orientation are open to transfers as well as first-year students. You will receive Transfer Orientation highlights in the packet that will be sent to you later during the summer.
Will there be anyone to answer my questions during Orientation Week?
Your Orientation Leader is a great place to start; he/she is always available to help you. Your Resident Advisor or Resident Assistant (RA) will be another invaluable resource for you throughout Orientation and the rest of the year. In addition, the NSOP office will be running a telephone hotline during the week of Orientation for you to call in with any questions. The First Year/Sophomore Academic Advising Center will be holding drop-in hours for CC/SEAS students throughout the week.
Academics
How do I set up my Columbia E-Mail?
Visit the Academic Information Systems website to set up your UNI, which is also your email address (for example, xyz1234@columbia.edu).
I'm worried about my classes. What should I be doing?
Throughout Orientation you will be introduced to Columbia's academic life through a variety of assemblies, open office hours and a faculty and department resources fair. As a first step in academic preparation, it is extremely important that you read the "Planning a Program" section of the Academic Planning Guide for New Students, which will be mailed to incoming students this summer.
Is there any work I need to do over the summer to prepare for my classes?
Columbia College students must read the first twelve books (chapters) of The Iliad (trans. Lattimore, University of Chicago Press) for the first Literature Humanities class, which will occur during Orientation week. First years will receive free copies of the book this summer, courtesy of the Columbia College Alumni Association.