Events Newsletter 2025-26

This Week at Columbia: Events & Opportunities 8/19 - 9/9

August 19, 2025
events & opportunities on a pink background

Dear Students,

Welcome Week is almost here! September 2–12 is packed with events, and we can’t wait for you to join the fun.

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

  • Resource Fair (In-Person). Join us on Butler Plaza for the annual University Life Resource Fair. Explore campus resources, meet new people, and discover ways to get involved from day one. Tuesday, September 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Learn more. 
  • Speed Friending (In-Person). Looking to meet new people and make meaningful connections? Join us on Math Lawn for a fun outdoor event filled with ice cream, conversation, and good vibes. Tuesday, September 2, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Register here. 
  • Silent Disco (In-Person). Dance the night away, enjoy tasty snacks, and make new friends at our Silent Disco. Headsets available for the first 350 students. Thursday, September 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Learn more. 
  • Dance Fitness Series: Zumba (In-Person). Step into the rhythm this Welcome Week with a free Zumba class, the first in a three-part series of dance fitness classes this semester. Fun, fitness, and movement for everyone, no experience needed. Friday, September 5, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Register here. 
  • Navigating Columbia Resources Workshop (Online). Join the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) for a virtual workshop where you will learn how to connect with Columbia resources and promote your overall well-being. Monday, September 8, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Register here. 
  • Grad Networking: A Cafe Connection (In-Person). Head to Dear Mama for a coffee-themed speed friending event designed to help you start building your network here at Columbia. Friday, September 12, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Register here. 
  • Get Involved with University Life Student Volunteering Opportunities. Looking for ways to get involved with the Columbia community? Join the University Life Student Volunteer Roster to stay informed about volunteer opportunities throughout the academic year, including helping at events, joining focus groups, and being the first to know about upcoming opportunities. Register here. 
  • Apply to become a University Life Communications Assistant. Help share news, events, and opportunities across Columbia’s 17 schools. This role is ideal for students interested in marketing, communications, or higher education. Create social content, interview students, cover events, and assist with campaigns while gaining hands-on experience. Apply here. 

More Events and Opportunities Happening Around Campus

The events below are only some of the free, University-wide events open to all students. For a full list of events, visit the University Events Calendar.

  • Get Started with Health Insurance (Online). Learn how to get the most from the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan in this 20-minute Zoom session, with a Q&A to follow. Open to Morningside/Manhattanville, Teachers College, and incoming students. Thursday, August 21, 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Register here. 
  • Get to Know Your Computer (In-Person). Learn how to get the most out of your computer—new or old. This workshop covers key terms, hardware like RAM and GPUs, the BIOS, and how “the cloud” works, plus your device’s capabilities, limitations, and potential. Thursday, September 11, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Register here. 

Campus Resources to Support You

  • Get started with our checklist. Check out fun and must-do activities to make the most of your first months at Columbia. From exploring campus spots to joining events, this list helps you dive into campus life and begin your Columbia journey. Click here. 
  • Navigate Residential Life. Find everything you need about living on campus, including housing, dining, and community programs. Get tips for making the most of your residence hall experience and staying connected with fellow students. Learn more.
  • Plan Your Trip to Campus. Discover the best ways to get to and around Columbia, from public transit and shuttles to biking and walking routes. Make your commute easy, safe, and stress-free. Learn more.

Student Voices @ Columbia

  • Share your story on the Student Voices blog! We’re looking for students from all schools and backgrounds to highlight their experiences at Columbia. Whether it’s about academics, campus life, personal projects, or something that makes your journey unique, this is your chance to inspire and connect with the campus community. Sign up to share your story and make your voice part of the conversation. Click here.

We’re excited to connect with you soon and eager to hear about your experiences as you explore the Columbia community.

Wishing you all the best, 

University Life