Announcements

What’s New for Your Well-Being This Semester

January 22, 2026
Logos for University Life, Columbia Student Health on Haven, and Columbia Health on a blue background

Dear Students, 

Welcome to the new year and a new semester at Columbia!

In this message, you’ll find tips for starting the semester strong, important resources to support your well-being, and new opportunities to engage with your health and the community. Whatever you’re facing, we’re here to help you navigate it.

Announcing Wellhub access for all students!

Beginning today, you have access to Wellhub, a wellness platform that helps you take care of your physical and mental wellbeing. With Wellhub, you have discounted access to a wide variety of wellness apps, gyms, and workout classes near campus or home! 

Want to learn more?
Explore subscription options and more by following the steps below.

  1. Download the Wellhub app via the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  2. Register using your Columbia email address to unlock your discounted student access.
  3. Explore plans and choose one that fits your budget (including free and low-cost options).
  4. Keep an eye out tomorrow morning for an email from Wellhub with more information!

Please note: Some gyms in NYC require a higher subscription tier than locations outside of the city. Make sure you’re choosing a tier that allows you to attend the gyms in your area!

Columbia LENS Survey begins February 11

The Lived Experiences and Needs of Students (LENS) Survey is a University-wide effort to assess student experiences and needs at Columbia to help inform policies, programming, and services. The survey runs from February 11 through March 13. Look for your unique survey link in your Columbia email inbox and share your experiences for a chance to win prizes! Learn more and see 2024 results at lenssurvey.columbia.edu.

Protect yourself against the flu

In light of high rates of flu and other respiratory illnesses, please get your flu shot if you haven’t already. The higher the rate of vaccination, the lower the impact on the community. Schedule with your campus health service or schedule an appointment with a local pharmacy. 

Protect yourself and your campus community by practicing these simple steps:

Navigating a new year at Columbia

New to Columbia or want to check in on your progress? Download this first-semester checklist for suggestions on making the most of your semester, personally and academically.

Need well-being support but unsure where to begin? Schedule a Health Promotion Appointment (Morningside/Manhattanville students) or a Well-Being Strategy Session (CUIMC students).

Generate connection and build community
  • Did you know that University Life hosts events that are open to all students from all schools across all campuses? Whether you’re a graduate student or an undergraduate, you’re welcome to attend. Check out a Welcome Week event and learn more about the latest University Life events and opportunities via the weekly newsletter!
  • Events for your health and well-being
    • Breaking Down the Behavior: What Media Gets Wrong (and Right). Tues., January 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
      Swing by Lerner Ramps to spin the wheel, watch a short media clip, and decide: healthy behavior or stalking? Grab swag and treats and chat with Sexual Violence Response staff about resources, prevention, and ways to look out for yourself and others.
    • The Longest Table at CUIMC. Thurs., January 29, 12–1:30 p.m. 
      CUIMC is hosting its first-ever Longest Table, a shared meal designed to spark conversation, connection, and a strong sense of belonging across campus. A limited number of CUIMC students from all CUIMC schools and programs will be selected by lottery to participate. Interested? Enter by 12 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026. Selected students will be notified the following week to confirm their spot.
    • Insurance after Graduation. Thurs., January 29, 2 p.m.
      Learn more about health insurance options after you graduate in this 20 minute webinar. Q&A will be held at the end.
    • CUIMC Knits. Want to learn a new hobby to support your well-being, but not sure where to start? CUIMC students of all experience levels are welcome to join a CUIMC knits session—materials will be provided! If you are interested in joining us this spring, please fill out our CUIMC Knits interest form.
       
Get to know your student health services 
 

Get help when you need it. You have access to medical care, counseling, health education, disability accommodations, violence prevention and advocacy, support for health insurance concerns, and numerous workshops and trainings to help you thrive.

  • Morningside/Manhattanville students: make an appointment with Columbia Health, attend drop-in hours for health education, mental health, or accommodations, or sign up for an upcoming workshop or support group.
    • Have an urgent medical concern? Call us first at 212-854-7426, available 24/7. Walking into the clinic without an appointment during business hours may lead to delays in your care.
    • Have an urgent mental health concern? Call 212-854-2878, available 24/7.
    • Notice anything different about the Columbia Health website? The recent website refresh makes the site easier to navigate and understand, so you can access the care and information you need more easily. 

      Can’t find something? The update changed a number of links on our website. Redirects have been set for the most visited pages. If you use a search engine to get to specific pages, there will be a few days delay as Google re-indexes the pages on the updated site.
       
  • CUIMC students: make an appointment with Student Health on Haven, sign up for the weekly Well-Being and Health Promotion newsletter, or learn about our groups and support spaces.
    • Have an urgent medical or mental health concern after hours? Call 212-305-3400; select option 7 for mental health concerns and option 8 for medical concerns.
    • You also may access well-being resources, online fitness classes, and 24/7 mental health support via chat and phone through TELUS Health Student Support.

Your health and well-being influence your Columbia experience so please, make room for it this semester. Lean on the resources from your student health services, peers, advisers, and other campus services and reach out whenever you need support. We're here to help you thrive.

Be well,  

Melanie Bernitz, M.D., M.P.H.  (she/her/hers)
Executive Vice President, University Life and Well-Being
Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine (in the Center for Family and Community Medicine) 

Marcy Ferdschneider, D.O. (she/her/hers)
Assistant Vice President, Student Health on Haven
Assistant Professor of Medicine at CUIMC