University Life Weekly: CCI, a Broadway show, & haunted books

September 29, 2026

Dear Students,

As you settle into the fall semester and midterms begin to come into view for some of you, we encourage you to take some time to relax, meet new people, and make a new memory or two. 

You may have seen yesterday that the Community Citizenship Initiative is running now until November 6. Please take a moment to look over our FAQs and ways to participate, and as always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. While it’s required for anyone new to their degree program, all students are welcome to participate!

University Life Events & Opportunities 
All events listed below are in Eastern Time (ET), free, and open to all students across all schools and campuses.

  • Sacred Music at Columbia (Hybrid). Join Religious Life at St. Paul’s Chapel for a free, weekly Sacred Music concert, featuring artists and musicians from across the globe. TODAY, September 29, 6 p.m. Learn more about Sacred Music at Columbia. 
  • The Self Series: NPRoar (In-Person). Step into our makeshift ULife studio and get behind the mic for an interactive evening celebrating the power of storytelling. Record your own audio session, interview others, and explore the passions, ideas, and everyday experiences that shape our lives. Come ready to connect, create, and share. Thursday, October 1, 6 - 8 p.m. Register for The Self Series: NPRoar.
  • Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break to relax and refresh with yoga in Earl Hall, offered every Monday evening during the fall 2026 semester. Monday, October 5, 7 - 8 p.m. Register for Yoga Class. 
  • Find a Friend: Jazz Junction (In-Person). Calling all jazz fans! Connect with others through music-themed games and activities, add your favorite tracks to a collaborative playlist, and meet someone new who shares your love for this globally influential genre. Instruments are welcome. Tuesday, October 13, 5 - 6:30 p.m. Register for Find a Friend: Jazz Junction.
  • Arts in NY: Buena Vista Social Club (In-Person). Experience the award-winning Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club with University Life! Meet new friends, dive into Cuba’s rich history, and learn about the diasporic communities that have helped shape some of the world’s most influential art and music. Wednesday, October 14, 4:30 - 9:45 p.m. Registration for Arts in NY: Buena Vista Social Club will open on Monday, October 5 at noon.
  • Check out the updated Student Group Accountability Policy. Calling all student leaders! As you’re settling into new routines and completing leadership trainings, be sure to review the updated Student Group Accountability Policy, as some revisions have been made for this academic year. Learn more about the updated Student Group Accountability Policy. 
  • University Life Office Hours (In-Person). Have something you want University Life to hear? Charles Todd, Vice President for University Life, is holding weekly office hours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Bring a question, an idea, or an issue to discuss. No agenda required, and no topic too small. Sign up for University Life Office Hours.
  • Volunteer with University Life this Year! Get involved with University Life through a variety of volunteering opportunities this year, including helping with event setup and activities, sharing your feedback through focus groups, and supporting University Life outreach and promotional initiatives. With no minimum time commitment, this is a great way to engage with fellow students and the broader Columbia community. Sign up to Volunteer with University Life.


Waitlisted Events
Registration for these events has reached capacity, but you may still be able to attend! You can join the waitlist, and we’ll be in touch if a space opens up. Questions? Reach out to the email listed on the registration page.

More Events and Opportunities Happening Around Campus
The events below are only some of the free, University-wide events open to all students unless otherwise noted. For a full list of events, visit the University Events Calendar.

  • Flu Fair - Morningside (In-Person). Columbia Health is hosting walk-in flu vaccination clinics for students from the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses, Teachers College, Lamont-Doherty Observatory, and Nevis Laboratories. No appointments needed, just bring your CUID. Learn more about the Flu Fair - Morningside. 
    • 📍Dodge Fitness Center, Blue Gym, TODAY, September 29, Now - 6:30 p.m. 
    • 📍Dodge Fitness Center, Blue Gym, Wednesday, September 30, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
    • 📍John Jay Dining Hall, Friday, October 2, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Flu Fair - CUIMC (In-Person). Student Health on Haven is hosting a series of flu vaccination clinics for students at the CUIMC campus. Please note: An appointment is needed for the CUIMC campus. Schedule your appointment through the Student Health Portal or by phone at 212-305-3400. Learn more about the Flu Fair - CUIMC.
    • 📍50 Haven Main Lounge, TODAY, September 29, Now - 6 p.m.
    • 📍Inside Buunni Coffee, Friday, October 16, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Gatekeepers: Barriers to Gen Z Representation in Public Office (In-Person). Listen to Samuel Moyn, Chancellor Kent Professor of Law and History at Yale University, and Daniel HoSang, Professor of American Studies and Political Science at Yale, discuss the age division in American politics, with Suzanne Goldberg, Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, moderating. Wednesday, September 30, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Register for Gatekeepers: Barriers to Gen Z Representation in Public Office. 
  • Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR) 2026 Fall Film Series (In-Person). Join the ISHR this semester for a human rights film series featuring thought-provoking films and documentaries, open to all Columbia students. Wednesdays, 7:10 p.m. Learn more about the ISHR 2026 Fall Film Series.
  • Framing October 7: Perspectives from inside the U.S. Situation Room (Online). Tune into a discussion with Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew and Former White House Senior Advisor Amos Hochstein, as moderated by Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies (IIJS) Professor Rebecca Kobrin. Wednesday, October 7, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Register for Framing October 7: Perspectives from inside the U.S. Situation Room.
  • Spoooooky Book Time (In-Person). Join a haunting edition of Columbia Libraries’ Wholesome Book Time gathering to explore rare and unique books from the Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Wednesday, October 7, 5 - 6 p.m. Learn more about Spoooooky Book Time.
     

Campus Resources to Support You

  • Try something new with Wellhub this semester. This offer ends Thursday, October 1, so don’t miss out! Save $50 on Wellhub for three months and get access to discounted gym memberships, wellness apps, and other fitness resources, all through one convenient plan. Explore Wellhub’s plans and find the option that works for you.
  • Focus on your well-being. Columbia offers a variety of ways to support your mental and emotional well-being beyond counseling alone. Through Columbia Health’s Alice! Health Promotion (Morningside and Manhattanville) and Student Health on Haven’s Wellbeing (CUIMC), you can access a number of resources that focus on stress management, self-care, resilience, and overall wellness.
     

Questions, ideas, or just want to say hello? We’re here to help! Reach out anytime at [email protected].

Wishing you all the best, 
University Life