Registering for your first semester can feel overwhelming. We will guide you through the process so you are prepared when registration opens. Use the resources below to prepare your fall schedule and consider potential courses of study.
Before you register for classes, you will meet virtually with your CSA adviser to ask any questions you may have about courses of study, life at Columbia, potential majors and anything else affecting how you plan for your class schedule. You’ll sign up for classes during your assigned registration windows, which will be listed under “Reg Appts” in Student Services Online (SSOL). You will need your assigned UNI (Columbia login and email address) and password to log in.
Not sure what classes to take? It is common for an incoming student to have an incomplete schedule at the end of the first registration period. You will have the opportunity to finalize your schedule during the first two weeks of classes, called the "Change of Program Period," when students adjust their schedule, try different classes and more.
Before your meeting with your CSA adviser, please review the Academic Planning Guide, an essential resource for your first year at Columbia that covers all requirements and policies specific to your term of entry. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help you make the most of your one-on-one time with your adviser.
Your school's Bulletin will provide detailed information about required courses and prospective majors. It is your official source on these programs, as well as on the rules, regulations, and disciplinary procedures that govern your school.
View the Columbia College Bulletin
View the Columbia Engineering Bulletin
Vergil is your central hub for shopping and registering for classes, allowing you to search for courses by instructor, date and time, department, subject area, key words and more. Vergil’s Course Planner and graphical calendar interface enable you to keep track of courses of interest and export your projected schedule to your other calendar apps. You can also browse courses, syllabi and textbook information, export your course selections to SSOL and be ready to register as soon as your appointment time arrives.
Watch a video on how to use Vergil:
The Directory of Classes contains the schedules for all courses offered in all undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbia University (with the exception of Teachers College). Students should use their respective school Bulletins for registration purposes, as not all courses in the Directory of Classes are open to undergraduates. Contact your CSA adviser if you have any questions about which courses are available to you.
Student Services Online (SSOL) provides access to your student records, including grades, registration appointments, class schedules, financial aid information and account details. Official transcripts may also be ordered via SSOL. To access this information, you must first activate your Columbia UNI at uni.columbia.edu. Among the many useful tools in SSOL is the Degree Audit Report (DAR). The DAR is a way for students to monitor their progress toward degree completion. Keep in mind that the DAR is a tool and not your formal transcript. All degree and major requirements are set forth in your school’s bulletin.
The Columbia University Bookstore, located in Lerner Hall, is your source for course materials. Your professors will provide information about required materials on course syllabi, which you will receive on the first day of class. Visit the Columbia University Bookstore website to buy or rent your materials and choose to have them delivered or pick them up in-store.