Columbia Traditions
We are excited for you to take part in all of Columbia’s traditions.
Activities Day
Early in the academic year, more than 350 clubs and student organizations set up tables on the plazas of Low Library and Butler Library to introduce themselves to incoming students. You’ll collect lots of information and swag — and leave buzzing about multiple activities you’ll want to try.
Columbia Homecoming
Each October, students gather with the entire Columbia community, including alumni, students, and family members, for a fun-filled weekend at Baker Athletics Complex to embrace the spirit of the Lions. Highlights include activities and food under the Big Tent, a variety of athletics competitions, and cheering on the Lions at the Homecoming football game with Columbia mascot Roar-ee.
Morningside Lights
Morningside Lights, a co-production of Columbia University’s Arts Initiative and Miller Theatre, is an annual outdoor procession featuring dozens of lanterns built by members of the Morningside community during a week of free public workshops. Students, families, and community members are all welcome to attend the workshops and procession.
Tree Lighting
Just after Thanksgiving Break, the trees on College Walk are lit for the winter at a beloved annual community event that includes beverages and tasty treats and musical performances by students.
Glass House Rocks
Students are treated to a spectacle of food and fun as dance troupes and musical groups put on a dazzling show on the brightly-lit ramps of Alfred J. Lerner Hall, the student center.
Bacchanal
Celebrate the approach of the end of the school year with this annual student-organized music festival. Past performers include Rae Sremmurd (pictured), Vampire Weekend (four College alumni!), Big Sean, The National, Snoop Dogg, and Doeechi. Each year, campus groups compete to see who will perform as the opening act.
Varsity Show
With few exceptions, the Varsity Show has taken place annually since 1894, when it was founded as a fundraiser for Athletics. This annual show “satirizes life at Columbia through its takes on politics, student groups, administrators, and other aspects of campus life.” Many notable alumni have been writers or performers in the Varsity Show, including Oscar Hammerstein II CC 1916, Richard Rodgers CC 1923, I.A.L. Diamond CC’41 , Terrence McNally CC’60, Tom Kitt ’96 and Kate McKinnon CC’06.
Class Day
Class Day is the graduation ceremony held by each school. More personal than the University-wide Commencement ceremony, Class Day incorporates keynote speakers, remarks from graduating students and school deans, and the reading of every graduate's name. It is often considered the most meaningful part of Commencement Week.
Finding the Owl
An owl is within the robe of the bronze sculpture of Alma Mater. Legend has it that the first incoming student to find it is destined to become valedictorian. (Well, at least those who find it have a secret to hold over the heads of next year’s incoming students!)
Basketball Mania
Instead of Midnight Madness, Columbia celebrates Basketball Mania, the annual kickoff for the basketball season, in Levien Gym. The pep rally features performances by student groups and clubs, giveaways and contests, and culminates with the introduction of the men's and women's basketball teams.
Primal Scream
Primal Scream is an end-of-semester tradition that takes place at midnight on the last Sunday of the semester. Students open their windows and release stress by screaming as loudly as they can for as long as they can. It has been known to last up to five minutes and be heard throughout campus.
Dining Special Events
Columbia Dining makes every meal special, but sometimes goes overboard. The team is known for several extraordinary annual events that are student favorites. Check out the highlights from the biggest events and watch for updates on the calendar!