Countdown to Columbia (SEAS)
Students enjoying a meal at John Jay Dining Hall

Once you arrive on campus, you can explore the Columbia Dining website to check out menus, see what locations are open, track nutritional info, leave feedback or learn about resources for special diets and food allergies. In the meantime, be sure to check out the following tips to get a taste of eating on campus and in New York City.

Tip #1: Learn about the Dining halls and plan options

Columbia Dining offers three Dining plan options to first-year students, which you can learn more about on the Columbia Dining website. While plan cancellations are not permitted, you can request a plan change Monday, August 27–Monday, September 10. Dining plan meals are accessed through your Columbia University ID card and allow you to enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining at John Jay Dining Hall, Ferris Booth Commons and JJ's Place.

Tip #2: Get to Know the Columbia Dining Registered Dietitian

Columbia University's Dietitian, Bianca Tamburello

Your dedicated Registered Dietitian, Bianca Tamburello, is available to address individual questions and concerns related to nutrition, food allergies, intolerances and dietary preferences. You can contact Bianca via email (bt2482@columbia.edu) or by phone (212-854-3353) with questions, to schedule a consultation or to discuss personal meal planning.

Tip #3: Follow Columbia Dining on Social Media for the Scoop

Follow Columbia Dining on Facebook or Instagram to stay in the know about daily food highlights, special events, tastings with Chef Mike, visiting chef meet and eats, contests and more. There’s always something fun and delicious happening in the Dining halls.

Tip #4: Review how Dining Dollars and Flex accounts work

Columbia Dining staff at Surf & Turf 2018

Dining plans may include Dining Dollars and/or Flex. Dining Dollars can be used tax-free for any food purchases in any of the 11 on-campus dining locations.

Flex accounts can be used to make food purchases in the same 11 on-campus dining locations, but also at places like the bookstore, vending and copy machines, the Hospitality Desk and a variety of off-campus locations. Flex purchases are subject to sales tax. Check out all your options on the Columbia Dining page for Accepted Flex Locations.

Tip #5: Explore eating off-campus

If you're looking to stock up on snacks, there are many grocery stores to find what you need. A few close options include:

Also, on Thursdays year-round, you can shop at the GrowNYC Greenmarket (on Broadway between 114th and 116th Streets), which features fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, baked goods and much more.

Shake Shack burgersNo matter what food you crave, there's a good chance you can find it in NYC

If you're looking for fast casual (Shake Shack, Chipotle, Dig Inn, Pret A Manger) or sit-down service (Mel's Burger Bar, Tom's Restaurant, Massawa), there are plenty of restaurant options near campus.

And if you’re in a hurry between classes or on your way off-campus, stop by one of the many food trucks situated nearby. Uncle Luoyang, Hooda Halal Cart and KALBI are just a few of the great options to eat while you're on the go.

Virtually Tour These Three Dining Locations

John Jay Dining Hall virtual tour

John Jay Dining Hall

Ferris Booth Commons virtual tour

Ferris Booth Commons

JJ's Place virtual tour

JJ's Place

Photo credits (top to bottom): (1–3) Columbia Dining