What is ISOP?

ISOP is a program designed to help international first year students comfortably transition into the Columbia University community before New Student Orientation Program week. Programs during ISOP range from a cell phone and banking fair, understanding the Columbia academic culture, and getting to know New York City. ISOP participation is determined by application.

What are the current dates/deadlines for ISOP?

May 1, 2013- Application opens to incoming students

June 5, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. ET- Application closes

June 7, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. ET- Deadline to apply for financial aid

August 21, 2013- Incoming student move-in

August 21-25, 2013-ISOP dates

When is ISOP?

Wednesday, August 21 - Sunday, August 25

When can I move-in, if I am participating in ISOP?

Wednesday, August 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Who can participate in ISOP?

Any CC/SEAS first-year student who is not a United States citizen or who, regardless of citizenship, graduated from a secondary school outside the United States is encouraged to take part in the ISOP.

What is the deadline for the ISOP registration?

Applications will be available on May 1st and the deadline to apply is June 5, 2013. 

When do I find out if I have been accepted into ISOP?

ISOP wants to accept as many students as possible. However, space is limited. Students will find out by mid June if they've been accepted into ISOP. ISOP understands the need to want to book your airline tickets sooner than later. If you choose to book your tickets before hearing about your acceptance and don't get accepted, you will need to provide your own housing until the Sunday, August 25th.

Is ISOP mandatory?

No. ISOP is not mandatory. However, if you choose to participate in the program, we expect students to participate in all programs scheduled during pre-orientation. If students choose not to attend mandatory programs, they will be responsible for their housing fees and may be removed from the program.

What if I want to participate in COÖP or CUE?

We encourage students to apply to those pre-orientation programs that they are interested. Information shared during the pre-orientation program will be made available to those international students who do not participate. There is programming during the NSOP week that all international students should attend, especially those who do not participate in the pre-orientation program.

Can my parents attend ISOP?

ISOP is for the students only, however there will be some concurrent sessions and events for families run by the Parent and Family Programs office. Student participants will be extremely busy over the course of the program and we encourage parents to allow students this time to make new connections and become comfortable in their new home. More information will come from the Parent and Family Programs office closer to the start of orientation.

Please keep in mind that parents and family members who travel with their students will be responsible for their own accommodations.

Can I move into my room prior to the start of ISOP?

No. ISOP doesn't officially start until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21. Students can start moving in on Wednesday, August 21 at 9:00 a.m. If you need hotel accommodations, please visit the local hotels list provided by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

 Are there shuttle services offered from airports to campus? Can I use the MTA to get to campus?

There are no shuttle services from campus. Students and their families can use yellow cabs to get to campus by letting them know you need to go to "Columbia University at 116th and Amsterdam." The university also works with a car service where students and families can book a car or van service in advance. Please visit Elite Car Service's website for more information or you can call them at 800-472-1123 or at718-472-2400. If you are traveling from Newark, JFK, or LaGuardia, it is possible to use a variety of buses and trains to get to the university. It will take time though. Please visit http://www.hopstop.com to get a route to campus.