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

September 09, 2025

Dear Students,

We hope your semester is going well and that you're finding time to connect with friends, and take care of yourself. We’d love to see you at some of the upcoming events listed below!

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

  • 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 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
  • Yoga Class (In-Person). Take a break to relax and refresh with yoga in Earl Hall, offered every Thursday evening during the fall 2025 semester. Thursday, September 11, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register here
  • 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 Café 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
  • SNAP and The Food Pantry (Online). Learn about SNAP, a federal program that provides monthly food benefits, at a virtual workshop hosted by the Center for Student Success and Intervention. The session will also cover Columbia’s Food Pantry and local resources for addressing food insecurity. Monday, September 15, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Register here
  • Community Connections: Hispanic Heritage Month (In-Person). Join The Graduate Initiative to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an afternoon of conversations, engaging activities, and light bites. All graduate students are welcome. Wednesday, September 17, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Register here.
  • Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway (In-Person). Ready to spend some time near a different part of Broadway? Head down to the Theater District to see Hell’s Kitchen, a musical inspired by New York native Alicia Keys’ life and music. Thursday, September 18, 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. Register here.
  • 2025 George Van Amson Fellows Showcase (In-Person). Attend the 2025 George Van Amson (GVA) Fellows Showcase to see Barnard College and Columbia University fellows share their summer experiences with local nonprofits and the meaningful impact of their work on the community and themselves. Friday, September 19, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Register here
  • Park Clean Up & Picnic (In-Person). Get some fresh air and show Morningside Park some love! After the cleanup, plan for a casual picnic in the park to relax and connect with others. Friday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register here.
  • Apply to become a Campus Conversations Facilitator. Want to create spaces of connection and understanding at Columbia? Apply to be a Campus Conversations Facilitator and build skills in active listening, navigating tough conversations, and exploring identity in meaningful ways. The application is open for graduate students and is open until October 6, 2025. Learn more.
  • Become a 2025-2026 Student Conduct Navigator. Apply to be a Student Conduct Navigator (SCN) and support your peers through the student conduct process, answering questions and providing guidance after hearings. SCN’s also help develop restorative programs and serve as campus-wide resources on ethics, integrity, and community standards. Learn more.
  • Curious about opportunities with Religious Life? Undergraduate or graduate students who are work-study eligible and interested in supporting interfaith programming are encouraged to apply for a program associate position. Learn more.
  • 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
  • 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.

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.

  • 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.
  • ISSG Drag Performance Workshop (In-person). In preparation for the ISSG Drag Ball to be held on September 19, students are invited to a workshop featuring Theydy Bedbug and Issa Big Dragon. Hone your performance techniques and learn more about the history of drag culture. All students are welcome to join, whether it's your first time in drag or you just want to meet others before the big night. Thursday, September 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register here
  • Ride Your Bike To Campus: CUIMC (In-Person). Join Public Safety for Security Awareness/Ride Your Bike to Campus Day at Haven Plaza to learn how you can keep yourself and your property safe during your time at Columbia. Friday, September 12, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Learn more
  • Ride Your Bike To Campus: Manhattanville (In-Person). Join Public Safety at Lenfest 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 17, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Learn more

Campus Resources to Support You

  • Stay Alert and Informed with Public Safety. Request emergency services instantly, access maps, shuttle schedules, crime alerts, campus safety updates, and more. These resources are designed to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident as you move through campus. Learn more
  • Get organized for the Fall Semester with the Student Service Center. Your go-to hub for everything from course registration and ID services to billing, financial aid, and international student resources. Whether you need official documents, campus guidance, or support navigating campus life, the SSC makes it simple and accessible. Learn more

We hope you enjoy meeting new people, trying new things, and learning all about life at Columbia.

Wishing you all the best, 

University Life