As you prepare to come to campus and begin classes this fall, please refer to this page for updated new student information and resources.
We are excited to welcome you to the community!
New Student Checklist
Admitted students must complete certain required actions before matriculating at Columbia University.
Priority Items
Financial Aid
Not all GS students require or receive financial aid, but for many it is an important consideration. If you are applying for institutional, state, or federal financial aid, please submit your application as soon as possible if you have not done so already. Once you have submitted your application, be sure to verify receipt of your financial aid documents.
Additional Actions
Required
- Complete Required Trainings and Tutorials
- All students must complete several important trainings
- Activate Your University ID (UNI) and Email Account (LionMail)
- Submit a Photo Online for Your Columbia ID
- To get your Columbia University ID card, you are required to submit a current photo online (submitting a photo online requires an active UNI)
- Confirm Enrollment or Request a Waiver for the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan
If Applicable
- Complete the Online Housing Application
- Please note that GS students are not guaranteed University Housing as student demand regularly exceeds the allotment; as such, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible
- Register for a Math, Chemistry, and/or Quantitative Reasoning Placement Exam
- Students should consult with their academic advisor to confirm if they are required to take any of these exams, and should not register without advisor approval
- Review the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) "Getting Started" guide
- Check upcoming events for international students hosted by ISSO
- Visit Immigration Resources at Columbia for recent news, important updates, and additional guidance for international students
- F and J visa holders should review the Understanding the Fixed Time Period of Admission Rule (Replacing Duration of Status) page
COURSEWORKS@COLUMBIA
CourseWorks@Columbia is the University’s learning management system and is how you will access self-paced trainings and resources prior to Orientation. In addition, you will use CourseWorks to access course materials for your upcoming classes.
Incoming students who have accepted their offer of admission and submitted their tuition deposit* will receive an email notification from "Columbia University Canvas" with instructions about how to access the portal in mid-August. You must complete all "priority" items on the New Student Checklist before you will gain access to the portal.
*Your University Network ID (UNI), which is required for access, should be created within one week of completing these steps, after which you must activate it on the CUIT website.
Orientation Programming
The New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) will be held on the Morningside Heights Campus from Monday, August 31 – Sunday, September 6. Mandatory programming will also be held online via the GS Orientation CourseWorks page in advance of Orientation.
*Please Note: All new students must attend mandatory Orientation programming as it is required by the University and in some cases by federal guidelines.
The full schedule for GS New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) events will be available the week prior via Guidebook, an interactive app guide accessible via iOS and Android.
Visit the Orientation page for more information.
International Student Orientation
Friday, August 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Incoming students are invited to attend a half-day orientation aimed at introducing international students to the resources and support available at Columbia. At this program you will learn how to create a meaningful and balanced lifestyle as you navigate Columbia.
Dual and Joint Degree Program Orientation
Friday, August 28, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Incoming students in our International Dual Degree Programs with Sciences Po, Tel Aviv University, Trinity College Dublin, and City University of Hong Kong are invited to attend a panel and reception aimed at introducing them to the resources and support available at Columbia, as well as sharing ways to create a meaningful and balanced lifestyle as they navigate the University.
Veteran and Military-Connected Orientation
Friday, September 4, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Incoming military veteran and military-connected students are invited to attend an orientation designed to introduce to them to their peers, as well as the many resources available to support their transition to student life at Columbia.
Monday, August 31, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
We recognize that the GS community extends well beyond the University, and invite your families and significant others to join us for Convocation and Family Orientation, which features special programming for family members, including welcome remarks from Dean Rosen-Metsch and a faculty lecture, a presentation by the Dean of Students Office, an alumni/student panel, and a campus tour.
Please note that separate registration is required for each family member.
Tuesday, September 1 - Sunday, September 6
Additional optional events offered during the week are great ways for you to learn more about resources at the University and within GS, and meet your peers and the GS Orientation Leaders. These events include resource workshops, panels with faculty and alumni, and social events both on campus and in New York City.
Getting Involved
GS Academic Resource Center Jumpstart Series
Participate in the Academic Resource Center Jumpstart Series. Doing well at Columbia involves highly developed academic skills—skills that are not always intuitive and that go beyond understanding the content of classes. To help Jumpstart your first semester at Columbia and get a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed, new students are invited to attend a week of workshops designed and run by the Academic Resource Center (ARC) to help build academic skills in context.
Student Organizations
Learn about the more than 300 on-campus student organizations, including both GS-specific and University-wide groups open to all Columbia undergraduates.
GS Student Life
GS Student Life, a part of the Office of the Dean of Students, is committed to enhancing the overall experience for GS students by providing opportunities for social and academic engagement. In addition to visiting the website to view upcoming events and opportunities, be sure to check the GS Weekly newsletter, which is sent out every Monday morning during the academic year.
General Studies Student Council
The General Studies Student Council (GSSC) pursues academic, political, social and administrative initiatives, and serves as a liaison between the student body, the GS administration, University offices, and student organizations. Members of the GSSC plan academic and social events, enact policies that positively impact GS students, collaborate with the other student councils at Columbia, and work with University administrators.
Essential Columbia University Policies
To prepare for your arrival to campus, you should familiarize yourself with essential School of General Studies and Columbia University policies
Connect with our Community
From the vibrant diversity of its student body, to the widespread impact of its alumni, GS brings remarkable individuals together to forge a transformative community!
As an admitted GS student, you have access to an exclusive chat channel on ZeeMee for students like you who will be coming to Columbia for the first time. Download ZeeMee and join the chats that apply to you:
Discover the diversity of the GS community and learn about the exciting and eclectic paths GSers take to, through, and from GS:
GS takes great pride in the unique paths our students take to Columbia—and we want to hear yours! Share your #myGSstory with the GS community on Instagram and meet some of your future classmates.
Housing
For incoming students, we are excited to introduce 99 Claremont Avenue, one of Columbia Residential's newest housing options, and the first residence hall dedicated exclusively to Columbia GS students. Designed with student living in mind, 99 Claremont offers a welcoming community environment, contemporary amenities, and a variety of room options to fit your preferences. Once you have completed your steps to enrollment, you can view and select housing options via the Housing Portal.
Accessibility
The School of General Studies is committed to providing an Orientation experience that is accessible for all. If you have any questions, or would like to request accommodations, please email [email protected]. We also encourage you to register with Disability Services, as they will be able to assist with comprehensive accommodations for your entire Columbia experience.