Columbia University in the City of New York

What are the popular events and traditions at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia's recurring traditions include Homecoming, a winter Tree Lighting and Yule Log celebration, and the student-produced Varsity Show. Each offers a different way to participate in campus life beyond classes.

Homecoming brings students and alumni together around athletic and social programming, commonly including a football game. The Tree Lighting and Yule Log events mark the winter season with campus gatherings; their schedules and formats can change. The Varsity Show is a longstanding student-written and student-performed musical that comments on Columbia life and current campus concerns.

These events are not requirements of attendance, and their meaning will differ among students. They do, however, show the range of campus participation - from alumni-centered gatherings to student-created performance - available alongside Columbia's academic calendar.

What are the student housing and dining options at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia provides university-operated undergraduate housing, including residence halls and other configurations, and offers campus dining plans and dining locations. Housing rules differ by undergraduate school and by whether a student is entering as a first-year applicant or a transfer.

Columbia College and Engineering first-year students ordinarily participate in the residential housing process, while later-year students choose among available options under their school's rules. General Studies students should not assume that Columbia College housing policies apply to them. Students considering an off-campus apartment can use university housing guidance, but should account for leases, commuting, and the substantial variation in New York rental costs.

Meal-plan requirements and choices depend on housing assignment and student category. Dining options include residential dining halls and other campus food locations. Applicants should check the housing application calendar, assignment conditions, and meal-plan terms before treating an available housing option as a guaranteed placement or a fixed annual expense.