You're not new to college, but you are new to Columbia and possibly New York City as well. To help you get excited for (and to demystify) a new campus, we've provided some key information below.

Tip #1: It's different when you go here.

While watching videos online and touring the campus in person can give you an idea of what Columbia will be like, nothing can match the feeling of sitting on the Low steps on a sunny fall afternoon or being on College Walk on an early, quiet morning. You'll find it's a different experience when you know this is your campus and your home. It belongs to you.

Tip #2: Columbia loves acronyms.

The four undergraduate schools are CC, SEAS, GS and Barnard. You'll manage most of your accounts through SSOL. CSA and CCE are campus centers you'll turn to often for advice. You see how it works.

Tip #3: The Morningside campus has two main sections.

Anything north of College Walk is considered "upper campus," and everything south of it is called "lower campus." Also, some gates on campus are open 24 hours, while others close at night or over the weekend.

Tip #4: Familiarize yourself with your housing.

Transfer, exchange and combined plan students can reach out to Columbia Housing with questions if they have elected to live on campus. Visiting students and others living off-campus can check out Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance.

Tip #5: Get to know your neighbors.

Learning about their experiences prior to Columbia will help you understand their perspectives or why they may behave a certain way. Making a request of someone is easier if you have developed a relationship.

Tip #6: Plan what you'll pack and what you'll ship.

Visit Countdown to Columbia's "Moving In" page for help on key items to bring, New York City's weather conditions, seasonal clothing and shipping to campus. Remember to bring with you what you’ll need during the first few weeks of school because shipped items may not be available immediately upon your arrival. And if you’re from a warm climate, think about buying your cold-weather clothing items here so you don’t have to pack or ship them. It may also be cheaper to wait and buy some things in New York City.

Tip #7: Insure your belongings before arrival.

Insure your items through your preferred vendor if your belongings are not already insured through a parent or guardian’s homeowner’s policy.

Photo credits (top to bottom): (1) Gabe Gomez, (2) Ben Hider, (3 and 4) Michael Edmonson CC’20/Columbia College, (5) Barbara Alper