University Life Weekly: Welcome Week starts today!

Dear Students,

Welcome, Lions! We hope that you’ll join us for Welcome Week, which officially kicks off today! With a full lineup of events designed to help you settle into life at Columbia, connect with new and familiar faces, and make lasting memories, there’s plenty to look forward to. While some  events are currently waitlisted, we encourage you to sign up as spaces often open up at the last minute!

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

• Speed Friending: Endless Summer Social (In-Person). Make new friends, enjoy seasonal treats, and complete a beach-themed scavenger hunt! Join us for fun and games with fellow students. TODAY, September 8, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Register for Speed Friending: Endless Summer Social. 
• Religious Life Activities Fair (In-Person). Interested in spiritual life at Columbia? Come to St. Paul's Chapel plaza to learn about resources, connect with student groups, and meet different faith leaders on campus. Wednesday, September 9, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Learn more about the Religious Life Activities Fair. 
• Religious Life Information Session (In-Person). Head to Earl Hall for dinner, easy conversation, and an introduction to Religious Life at Columbia. Learn about student groups, prayer and meditation spaces, interfaith programs, campus faith leaders, and more! Tuesday, September 15, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register here for the Religious Life Information Session. 
• Sacred Music at Columbia (Hybrid). Join Religious Life at St. Paul’s Chapel for the first Sacred Music concert, which kicks off a free, weekly concert series featuring artists and musicians from across the globe. Thursday, September 17, 6:00 p.m. Learn more about Sacred Music at Columbia. 
• Student-Parents: Come Connect and Celebrate! (In-Person). Connect with the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) for an opportunity to meet fellow student-parents who are navigating the unique experience of balancing academics, family, and campus life while building a supportive community. Friday, September 18, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. Register here for Student-Parents: Come Connect and Celebrate!. 
• Volunteer with University Life this Year! Get involved with University Life through a variety of volunteering opportunities this year, including: staffing and supporting events, sharing in focus groups, participating in campaigns and videos, and more. With no minimum time commitment, this is a great way to try something new and to engage with the broader Columbia community. Sign up here 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.

• Arts in New York: MoMA Scavenger Hunt (In-Person). Explore the iconic Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and discover new favorites, new friendships, and fun facts through a scavenger hunt. Friday, September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join the waitlist for Arts in New York: MoMA Scavenger Hunt.
• Find a Friend: Threaded Together (In-Person). Interested in the fiber arts (knitting, crocheting, sewing, you name it!) and looking to meet new friends? Head to Earl Hall Auditorium and bring your latest project or try your hand at one of ours, and stitch together new connections. Monday, September 14, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Join the waitlist for Find a Friend: Threaded Together.
• Find a Friend: Film Fanatics (In-Person). Swap Letterboxd recommendations and discuss your favorites with fellow film-lovers. Decorate your own popcorn bucket, enjoy movie snacks, and test your film knowledge with trivia featuring cult classics, recent releases, international cinema, and iconic movie quotes. Wednesday, September 16, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Join the waitlist for Find a Friend: Film Fanatics.
• Grad Networking: Lattes and Creative Connections (In-Person). No matter where you are in your Columbia journey, you’re invited to Dear Mama to meet graduate students from across the University whose work is shaped by creativity and innovation. Through guided conversations, explore how ideas and perspectives from one discipline might spark possibilities in another. Thursday, September 17, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Join the waitlist for Grad Networking: Lattes and Creative Connections.
• Wind Down Weekdays: Paddling Pals - A Kayak Excursion (In-Person). Looking to explore NYC’s outdoors? Join us and Manhattan Kayak at the Pier 84 Boathouse for a fun-filled excursion on the Hudson River. Friday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Join the waitlist for Wind Down Weekdays: Paddling Pals - A Kayak Excursion.
   

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.

• Butler Library Lobby Welcome Tabling (In-Person). Get acquainted with the library systems and Columbia librarians the first week of classes. Learn about research tools, study spots, and other helpful resources. TODAY, September 8 - Friday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Learn more about Butler Library Lobby Welcome Tabling. 
• Learn how to Make the Most of Your Libraries in 15 Minutes (In-Person). Drop in for a 15-minute introduction about how to use your libraries. Offered at the start of every hour with time for questions. TODAY, September 8 - Friday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Learn more about the Libraries. 
• Take a Break: Stretch and Reset (Online). Step away from your desk for a virtual session designed to help you recharge through light stretching and mindful breathing. Thursday, September 10, 12:00 - 12:45 p.m. Register here for Take A Break: Stretch and Reset. 
• Get Started with Health Insurance (Online). Get familiar with the Student Health Insurance Plan and learn how to make the most of it in just 20 minutes. Q&A to follow. Thursday, September 10, 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Register here for Get Started with Health Insurance. 
   

Campus Resources to Support You

• Get Connected with CSSI. The Center for Student Success and Intervention can assist you with community and University resources to help provide support in acquiring basic needs like housing, food, transportation, mental health, and more. Access guidance and information whenever you need it. Learn more about CSSI Basic Needs.
• Navigate Columbia with Ease. Find the spaces you need with these handy links to University campuses, study spaces, prayer and meditation rooms, and libraries. While your first few days on a new campus can feel overwhelming, these maps can help get you oriented quickly. Explore Maps & Locations.
   

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