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Orientation

What should I do if I must arrive before NSOP?

If you must arrive before the general move-in date, are not participating in a special program and do not have special permission from the Housing Office, you will need to secure off-campus accommodations. A list of area hotels and other options is available on the Columbia University Travel Portal.

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First-Year Student Orientation

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Are there shuttle services from local airports to campus?

There are no shuttle services from the airport to campus, but cabs are readily available. Ask the driver to take you to "Columbia University at 116th and Broadway."

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How do I register for NSOP?

By completing all the necessary steps listed in your Countdown to Columbia checklist, you will be automatically registered for NSOP.

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When does NSOP officially begin and end?

NSOP 2020 will be held virtually. It will begin on Sunday, August 30 and end on Monday, September 7.

We will update students should any changes be made to programming in response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. We thank you for your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to campus!

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What is NSOP?

The New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) is a required program for all undergraduate students in Columbia College and Columbia Engineering.

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What should I be doing to prepare for my classes?

Your advising dean in the Berick Center for Student Advising will reach out to you over the summer with the steps you should take to get ready. Be sure to check your LionMail account for his or her email! You can also take a look at these FAQs on advising and classes from incoming students.

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Who can I talk to if I’m having a hard time adjusting during NSOP?

Being anxious or nervous is completely normal, and we’re here to help you in any way we can. Our NSOP staff and volunteers have all been in your shoes at one point.

We recommend reaching out to to your orientation leader (OL) or resident adviser (RA) with your concerns. If you would like guidance from a full-time administrator, staff are easy to locate and approach. Still not sure who to contact? If you email NSOP, a handful of individuals will receive your inquiry, and someone will follow up with you. We’re here to support you!

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Will we learn how to navigate the subway lines, buses, and commuter rail system during NSOP?

One of the best parts of living in New York City is the ability to explore everything it has to offer simply by having a MetroCard and understanding how the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) works. Our OLs can teach you how to use a MetroCard machine, which has a simple touch screen interface. They can also help you understand how the various bus routes and subway lines, how they operate, and how to read an MTA map.

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I heard that I’ll be meeting a lot of new people. Do you have any tips on how to remember everyone’s name?

Don't fret! This is why name badges were invented. Both staff and students will wear one throughout orientation week. They are required for all NSOP events, so people’s names will always be accessible.

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First-Year Student Orientation

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Will I have time to relax during orientation week?

With NSOP 2020 being held virtually this year, you will be able to set your own schedule with both mandatory and social programs. While most days are packed with mandatory programming, we have made a sincere effort to add numerous breaks to the week. To plan your week, we recommend marking required programs, events of interest to you and all of the breaks in your schedule to make the week seem less hectic. Making time to relax and meeting new friends is an important part of NSOP!

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Orientation

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First-Year Student Orientation