General Orientation Information for First Year Students

How can I contact NSOP?

You can contact the 2013 NSOP staff by email at orientation@columbia.edu.

When does Orientation officially begin?

Orientation begins on Monday, August 26th, 2013 for First Year Students.

When can I arrive on campus?

Arrival for first year students is Monday, August 26th, 2013, with check-in taking place between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Unless you are participating in a special orientation program, such as Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program (COÖP), Columbia Urban Experience (CUE), the International Pre-Orientation Program, or have gotten special permission from housing, you may not move into your room before August 26th, 2013. International students and students from a number of distant states will receive and invitation to move in on Sunday, August 25th, 2013 from the Department of Housing during the summer. Students who live more than ten hours driving from the university will be invited to move in on Sunday. If you would like to confirm this, please email the Housing office.

Are there shuttle services from local airports 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.

When will I receive information about move-in if I'm participating in COÖP, CUE, or the International Student Orientation Program?

If you're participating in one of these special programs, you'll get a letter informing you of your acceptance and your alternate move-in date.

What should I do if I must arrive before August 26th, 2013?

If you must arrive before August 26th, 2013 and are not participating in a special program and do not have special permission from housing, a list of area hotels and other accommodations can be found on the Division of Student Affairs website.

What should I do if I have questions about academic advising or the summer reading?

Please review the Center for Student Advising's page and information about summer reading.

How long does Orientation last?

Orientation begins on Monday, August 26th, 2013 and ends on Monday, September 2nd, 2013.

What events will be happening during Orientation Week?

This summer, the Committee is planning a week of activities for Orientation. You will receive an orientation schedulebook upon arrival. For periodic updates, please refer to the Orientation website.

Will there be an orientation program for families and parents?

Family orientation will be on Monday, August 26th, 2013 and coincides with the beginning of NSOP. It is a day-long event that includes various workshops, a campus resource fair, and Convocation. Please visit the Office of Parent and Family Programs website for more information.

Where can I find the most up-to-date information about Orientation?

This website (http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/orientation) contains up-to-the-minute information about NSOP 2013.

Where can I find out more information about housing, dining services, health services and other services offered on campus?

Please visit the New Student website.

How do I change my address?

If you have already established your UNI (your Columbia email login) you should be able to log on to Student Services Online and change your address there. If you cannot change your address using Student Services Online, email studentservices@columbia.edu. If you haven't yet established your UNI, you can do so at the Academic Information Systems website.