Watch a new video where Amaris Benavidez SEAS’19 gives tips about move-in and the rest of the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) on the Columbia Undergraduate Student Life Facebook page.

As you're getting ready for your move to campus, we've collected a few frequently asked questions. Aaron Gomes and Andrew Brugman, two of the staff members who work with the student committee on NSOP, share their answers:

What should I expect at NSOP from my orientation leader group?

Aaron: Your orientation leaders will help guide you throughout the week of NSOP, and your orientation leader group (OL group) will be part of a track of 300 students who will go through NSOP programming with you as a cohort.

Will I have much free time during NSOP?

Andrew: There are pockets during the week of NSOP when you won’t have required programs, and these are great opportunities to be social. Connect with your peers at trivia nights, outdoor movies, music performances and much, much more! Additionally, we will open up a lottery to see free Broadway shows as a sneak peek to our Urban NY program. We encourage you to not plan personal activities during the week so that you don’t miss out on the free, exciting opportunities available to you!

How should I budget for outings during NSOP?

Aaron: Most admission fees and tickets to off-campus events will be covered, but you will be responsible for buying and refilling your own MetroCard for the subway. We suggest loading $10–$20 on your MetroCard and refilling as needed.

Outings are planned around meal times so you will be able to eat before and after events. If you are interested in trying some food around NYC, you'll need to bring spending money.

When can I move in?

Andrew: It is extremely important that you arrive to campus during the time slot you selected with Columbia Housing. If you need to confirm your move-in time, check what time you registered for on the Columbia Housing Portal.

What should I expect at check-in?

Andrew: After registering for check-in, you received Columbia Housing’s confirmation email, which included a map based on your residence hall that shows where to enter by car, check in, unload items and enter your building. Once the vehicle is unloaded, you will need to find parking if you rented or drove your own car. Check out the locations of area parking garages.

If arriving by public transportation at 116th Street and Broadway, you'll see the campus once you exit your bus or subway. Once on campus, orientation leaders can help direct you to your residence hall and your check-in location.

Orientation leaders will be ready to provide you with bins to transport your belongings and will help you unload your car. From there, you will check in with Columbia Housing and NSOP to receive your Columbia University ID card and other orientation materials.

What can my family do on move-in day?

Aaron: Family Orientation will take place throughout move-in day on Sunday, August 26. It concludes with Convocation, where we welcome you and your family members to the Columbia community, 6:30–8:00 p.m.

Want to publicly thank your family for helping you get where you are today or share things that you are looking forward to? To celebrate the start of your Columbia experience, we’ll be displaying a live social media feed at Convocation that will highlight messages! Submit your text and/or photos for consideration to be posted on our official accounts and shown at Convocation by using this form by Friday, August 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT and/or the hashtag #Roar2022 on your own posts from a public Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account leading up to and during the event.

If you have friends and family members who are unable to join us in person, share this Convocation live webcast link with them so they can watch while off campus.

After the ceremony, there will be a moment for a family farewell before you begin your orientation programming. NSOP starts immediately after this, and programming lasts the rest of the week.

How do I pick up my mail or packages?

Andrew: Please refer to the email Columbia Housing sent with your mailbox number and instructions for shipping packages to campus.

Mail and packages are delivered to your mailbox in the Student Mail Center, located in the lower level of Wien Hall.

Your packages may begin arriving on campus up to two weeks before your move-in date.

Photo credits (top to bottom): (1 and 2) Barbara Alper