Resources for the Start of the Semester
Dear Students,
Whether this is your first or final semester, welcome (or welcome back)! I am writing to share some resources as we begin a new year and semester.
I find the beginning of the semester a great time to reflect on the past year, your hopes for the semester ahead, and how you can reach out for help and support if you need to. Below are some tips, resources, and reflections that I hope you will find helpful.
Please reach out to me and the University Life team [email protected], if there’s any way we can support you this semester.
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Tips and Resources for Navigating a New Semester:
- None of us know exactly what the semester ahead will look like. This can be exciting and/or a little daunting. Check out video from this mental health workshop led by Student Health on Haven Counseling Services for ideas on how to manage some of the uncomfortable feelings associated with uncertainty.
- New to Columbia? Download our first semester checklist for ideas about how to prioritize your well-being. (Or, if you’re returning this Spring, take a moment to review your progress.)
- Looking to build a community?
- Go Ask Alice! has some tips for making meaningful friendships.
- Join us at an upcoming Welcome Home Columbia event.
- Hear from Hanyu (Alison) Ye, CSSW’23, about her experiences with loneliness as an international student.
- Take a moment to reflect by writing a letter to yourself. Prompts are available on our website.
- Need some support for your well-being but not sure where to begin?
- Check out what other services are available at your student health center.
- Morningside/Manhattanville students: Sign up for an upcoming workshop on stress management, sleep, time management, responsible alcohol use, and/or helping a friend in distress. See what else is available at Columbia Health.
- CUIMC students: Sign up for the Well-being and Health Promotion mailing list to hear about upcoming events and resources. See what else is available at Student Health on Haven.
- If you’re setting new goals or trying to establish new habits, think about how to make them realistic, sustainable, and enjoyable.
- Check if your goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
- A good night’s rest makes it all a little easier. Take the online sleep assessment from Columbia Health to learn more about your sleep habits and get individualized feedback about ways to improve your zzzs.
- The Finch app lets you adopt a virtual self-care pet. Completing your goals can help both of you grow.
Upcoming Events to Relax and Get Connected:
Get to Know Us: Center for Student Success & Intervention (CSSI)
Friday, January 19, 2 - 3 p.m.
Hosted by CSSI
Open to all students
Maps & Snacks
Monday, January 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hosted by University Life
Open to all students
Financial Fitness Tips & Tidbits: Student Budgeting & Beyond
Tuesday, January 23, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Hosted by University Life and Student Financial Services
Open to all students
Speed-Friending at CUMIC
Wednesday, January 24, 6-8 p.m.
Hosted by Well-being and Health Promotion
Open to all CUIMC students
Women of Color Meet & Greet
Thursday, January 25, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by University Life
Open to all students
Take care,
Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D. (he/him/his)
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life