Families and guardians are invited to join students, administrators, and staff throughout Countdown to Columbia for the Summer Webinar Series. These sessions offer an opportunity to connect with the people who will support your student; learn about academics, campus resources, and student life; and get answers to your questions. Recordings will be available within a few days following each webinar.
As Move-In approaches, we will share details about Family Orientation, including how to register. For now, please carefully review the important information below and explore Columbia Housing’s Move-In resources to help you and your student prepare for a smooth transition to campus. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Saturday, Aug. 29
Bag drop for students confirmed by Columbia Housing
Sunday, Aug. 30
Class of 2030 Convocation
Following Convocation, families are encouraged to say their goodbyes quickly and depart campus so that students can begin their New Student Orientation Program experience and connect with their new Columbia community.
Please note: Some students, including those participating in athletics and other specialized programs, might be required to arrive earlier than the standard move-in date.
Tuesday, Sept. 1
Check-In for transfer, Combined Plan, visiting, and exchange students
Residential students: Check-In with Columbia Housing. Instructions will be emailed to students this summer.
Non-Residential students: Check-In will be at 11:00 a.m. in Alfred J. Lerner Hall, Room 555. Attendees should check in at the table outside Room 555.
After your student has settled into their residence hall, we look forward to seeing you at the Deans’ Welcome Event later that afternoon.
We are excited to welcome families and guardians to campus as students begin their Columbia journey. Below, you’ll find information about Columbia Family Welcome events on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30. Registration for the events will open in early August. Please note, you do not need to register your student for Family Welcome Events.
Families of students selected for bag drop by Columbia Housing are welcome to help their student throughout the Move-In process on Saturday. However, along with their student, all families must leave campus at the end of the day and return the following day for Convocation activities. More information about Bag Drop Day is shared on the Housing website.
Saturday, Aug. 29
Check-in: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EDT
Dinner: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EDT
Families of international first-years are welcomed to campus on Saturday, Aug. 29, with the full slate of events on Sunday, Aug. 30. Events will conclude with the Class of 2030 Convocation on Sunday evening, when students and families or guardians will gather on Butler Lawns and hear remarks from Columbia College dean Josef Sorett and Columbia Engineering dean Shih-Fu Chang, among others.
Date and time: Sunday, Aug. 30, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT
Family Orientation is designed to help you prepare for your student’s transition to Columbia and introduce you to the many resources and people who are here to support them. A full slate of events will be held for families and guardians of first-years on Sunday, Aug. 30.
At this celebratory ceremony, students, families, faculty, and University leaders will gather on Butler Lawns to formally welcome incoming students and families and guardians to the Columbia community. You will hear remarks from Columbia College dean Josef Sorett and Columbia Engineering dean Shih-Fu Chang.
Families should plan to depart campus after Convocation concludes so that your student can begin their New Student Orientation Program experience.
Date and time: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT
This official welcome ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 1 will recognize the beginning of your student’s undergraduate experience.
Check back here to register for Transfer and Combined Plan Students Family Welcome, held on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Date and time: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Alfred J. Lerner Hall, Room 555
Join us for a student welcome event! Attendees should check in at the table outside Room 555.
Undergraduate mail is coordinated by Columbia Mail and delivery is available to undergraduate residents of Columbia Housing only.
Before Check-In, Columbia Housing will provide instructions to residential students for shipping mail and packages to campus. Visit the Columbia Housing site for more information.
Items received by Columbia Mail between Saturday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 15 will be eligible for delivery directly to students' rooms. Please do not send items before Saturday, Aug. 1. Items received after Saturday, Aug. 15 may be delivered or may be available for pick-up at the Student Mail Center in Wien Hall or a satellite location. Students will be notified via email when a package is ready for pick-up.
Please note that students must be available to receive special deliveries in-person as residence hall front desks cannot accept deliveries on their behalf. If you plan on sending a surprise (such as flowers or a birthday cake), please let your student know ahead of time.