Welcome and Well-being Resources for You
Dear Students,
Welcome and welcome back! Wherever you are in your Columbia journey, University Life is here for you.
As a student, I always found the beginning of each semester to be an exciting time, but it could also be a bit overwhelming–particularly when I was a new student. When I began my undergraduate journey, I didn’t know anyone, and I found the academic load challenging. As a first-generation and low-income student, it took me some time to learn about and connect with University resources to take care of myself. One of the reasons my work at University Life is so meaningful to me is that I can help connect students to resources and communities I wish I had or knew existed when I was a student.
These monthly newsletters are one way we share well-being resources, but you can always find more resources on our website, or reach out to your Dean of Students, me and the University Life team at [email protected].
Student Spotlight
Tanya Kotelnykova on Founding Mentor Ukraine and Supporting Ukrainian Students
As a masters’ student studying human rights, Tanya founded Mentor Ukraine, a program connecting Ukrainian students who want to pursue higher education abroad with student mentors around the world. Tanya fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and wants to support students who face the same challenges. Read more.
“I believe that young people who want to start their adult life outside of Ukraine need to have the opportunity to go out, to study, and to actually recover.”
University Life serves all students across all schools and campuses. If you have been impacted by national and global events, we are here to connect you to University resources. You can always email us at [email protected].
Self-Compassion: Why It Matters and How to Build a Practice
This workshop, hosted by University Life and co-sponsor Columbia Health, will discuss the building blocks of self-compassion and lead participants in exercises they can use to practice self-compassion in their daily lives. Lunch will be provided to registered guests. Wednesday, February 1, 12:00 - 1:30 PM. Register here.
Warming Up NYC
Through February 13, Student Health on Haven’s AIMS Council, in collaboration with Columbia University Care Access Project (CCAP) is hosting a clothing drive to support New Yorkers who are experiencing homelessness in these frigid temperatures. You may donate new or gently used items or send warm-weather items directly via Amazon. Learn more.
Thriving Relationships Valentines
Swing by the Lerner Hall ramps and pick up a kind, affirming, or clever message about consent and healthy relationships for people in your life. These are not your run-of-the-mill valentines. February 14, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Hosted by Columbia Health Sexual Violence Response. Learn more.
Well-being Tips
Staying Organized as the Semester Begins
At 3:00 PM each day, write down your three most important to-dos for the following day. Star the one that’s most important. This tip is from Organize Tomorrow Today.
You Can Make an iGrad Account for Free
iGrad has tools to help you create a monthly budget, identify your financial goals, understand student loans, and more. This resource is available to all Columbia students and stays with you as you become alumni.
Well-being Events, Opportunities, and Resources from Columbia Health
Columbia Health supports the health and well-being needs of students from the Morningside/Manhattanville campuses. Learn more about their services and who they serve.
- AAPI Support Space (Virtual). Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) invites Columbia Morningside/Manhattanville AAPI students to come together and process the recent escalation and visibility of hate crimes and discrimination against AAPI people. Facilitated by Drs. Deborah Ohm and Arthur Roh. Due to the open and online nature of this support space, this workshop is not private or confidential – though participants are encouraged to be respectful and mindful of each other and to practice discretion. Please note that this is a skill building support space; it is not group therapy. Friday, February 10, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Register Here.
- Student Support Spaces (Hybrid). Counseling and Psychological Services providers will guide and facilitate the sessions. Groups include Women of Color Support Group, Managing Social Anxiety, Queer Academics at Columbia, and more. Learn More.
- Health Education Visit. Meet individually with a health educator to discuss health questions and how to access health resources. Visits are a confidential opportunity to discuss strategies for healthy sleep, concerns about a friend’s alcohol or drug use, find reputable resources to better understand a new medical diagnosis, and more. To schedule a visit, complete the Health Education Visit Intake Form.
Well-being Events, Opportunities, and Resources from Student Health on Haven
Student Health on Haven supports the health and well-being needs of students from Columbia University Irving Medical Center Campus (CUIMC). Learn more about their services and who they serve.
- Support Groups and Gathering Spaces. Counseling Services providers will guide and facilitate the sessions. Active groups include Relationship with Food and Body, Connecting Through Loss, and Transitions: Leaning into Change and Growth. Learn more.
- Mindfulness Meditation. Well-Being and Health Promotion will be offering biweekly live meditations for CUIMC students through Zoom. Join the Mailing List to hear about upcoming sessions.
Health Reminders
Protect yourself and prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- The University strongly recommends wearing a high-quality mask in public indoor settings and crowded outdoor settings.
- If you haven’t yet, get the flu vaccine and a bivalent COVID-19 booster from a nearby pharmacy or vaccination site. Appointments are also available at Columbia Health and Student Health on Haven.
- Stay home if you’re not feeling well.
- Traveling? COVID-19 testing is strongly recommended within 48 hours prior to return to campus. Learn more.
Spring Open Enrollment for Student Health Insurance Plans: Now - February 15
- New students: Confirm your health insurance selection by February 15 or submit a waiver by February 1. Learn more about health insurance for Morningside/Manhattanville and CUIMC students.
- Returning students: During the open enrollment period, you can elect into voluntary vision/dental, regardless of your insurance plan. More information for Morningside/Manhattanville and CUIMC students.
Take care,
Joseph Defraine Greenwell, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University Life
Gender Pronouns: He/Him/His