This Week at Columbia: Events & Opportunities 8/26 - 9/12

Dear Students,

Mark your calendars for Welcome Week, which takes place September 2–12, and is packed with events we can’t wait for you to enjoy.

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 University 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. 
• Religious Life Activities Fair (In-Person). Discover religious resources, connect with student groups, and meet with faith leaders at St. Paul’s Chapel plaza. Wednesday, September 3, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Silent Disco (In-Person). Dance the night away with tasty snacks and 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. 
• Religious Life Information Session (In-Person). Enjoy dinner, meet student groups and faith leaders, and explore Religious Life resources at Earl Hall. Tuesday, September 9, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Community Connections BBQ (In-Person). Kick off the year with good food and a strong sense of community at the second annual Community Connections BBQ. The barbecue is dedicated to celebrating the diverse identities of our students. All students are welcome. Wednesday, September 10, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Coffee, Conversation, and Spirituality (In-Person). Explore life, meaning, and purpose over breakfast with Religious Life. No beliefs required, just bring your sense of connection and curiosity. Friday, September 12, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Learn more. 
• 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. 
• Interested in working with University Life? Build your skills and grow your network with University Life for the 2025–2026 academic year. Apply now for positions in events, communications, and student engagement. Learn more. 

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.

• The Listening Tables Orientation (In-Person). Wondering what life at Columbia is really like? Join The Listening Tables Orientation, a hands-on space to get to know Columbia from the inside, meet people, and have meaningful conversations that go way beyond small talk. Friday, August 29, times vary. Register here.
• Treats on the Plaza, Morningside Campus (In-Person). Swing by the Sundial for refreshing summer treats to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year! All students welcome while supplies last. Tuesday, September 2, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Treats on the Plaza, Manhattanville Campus (In-Person). Stop by the Plaza at the Manhattanville Campus for one last taste of summer and some afternoon fun to kick off the academic year. All students welcome while supplies last. Wednesday, September 3, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Ride Your Bike To Campus - Morningside Campus (In-Person). Join Public Safety on Low Plaza for Security Awareness/Ride Your Bike to Campus Day with free bike tune-ups, device protection, safety consultations, resources from NYPD and FDNY, and more. Wednesday, September 3, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Libraries Information Sessions (In-Person). Stop by Butler 202 for 15-minute “How to Use the Libraries” sessions at the top of each hour—learn resources, workshops, and more. Tuesday, September 2 - Thursday, September  4, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Situational Awareness (Online) Perfect for students new to NYC, this Situational Awareness session teaches strategies for how to stay alert and make smart safety decisions. Friday, September 5, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Butler Library Tours (In-Person). Join a 15-minute Butler Library tour and check out the Circulation desk, Ask a Librarian, printers, FLI collection, and stacks. Friday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Learn more. 
• Crafts on The Corner: Sketch Sessions (In-Person). Get crafty at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum for a free, community-focused event series that invites all ages to explore creativity and connect with neighbors through art. Wednesday, September 10, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Learn more.
• 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. Learn more. 
• Explore Welcome Week 2025. From September 2–12, join us for a week full of events, activities, and opportunities to connect with the Columbia community. From campus tours and workshops to social events and student panels, there’s something for everyone. Learn more. 
• Discover NYC for Free (or Almost Free!) New York City offers countless fun & free low-cost events, cultural experiences, and hidden gems. Make the most of your time in the city this fall and try something new! Learn more. 

Student Voices @ Columbia

• We’re sharing this again—your voice is needed! We’re looking for students from all schools and backgrounds to share their Columbia experiences. Whether it’s academics, campus life, personal projects, or anything that makes your journey unique, this is your chance to inspire and connect with the campus community. Sign up to share your story and be part of the conversation. Click here.

We hope that your first few weeks on campus are filled with exploration, new connections, and opportunities to engage deeper with campus life. 

Wishing you all the best, 

University Life