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Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus centers on the National Historic Landmark Low Memorial Library, its Alma Mater statue watching over students, with first-year students housed in halls including Carman, John Jay, and Furnald - John Jay itself once home to writers Federico García Lorca and Jack Kerouac.
Enrollment
9,111
Total Students
Freshman Class
2,278
Approx.
Move-In Dates
August 30 - August 30, 2026
Fall 2026
Acceptance Rate
4%
Most recent cycle
Move-In
Fall 2026 Move-In Dates
All students will be assigned a move-in day after receiving their housing assignment. Convocation, the formal celebration of students' arrival, is held on Low Plaza the same day, open to students and families. NSOP (New Student Orientation Program) 2026 continues through September 7 with two-day Immersion Experiences - students receive a questionnaire in June to be placed into a themed experience, such as Explore NYC.
August 30 - August 30, 2026
Check your assignment in the housing portal for your specific date and time.
Move-in day tips
- Arrive during your assigned window - early arrivals often just wait longer.
- Bring a rolling cart or hand truck; loading-zone carts run out fast.
- Parking near freshman halls fills up quickly - have a backup plan or drop-off spot.
- Loading zones usually enforce a strict time limit (often 30 minutes) before you're expected to move your car to long-term parking.
- Activate your student ID online before you arrive - many schools require it for building and elevator access from day one.
- If you want your bed lofted or the frame height adjusted, check whether your school needs that request submitted online in advance - most won't do it on the spot.
- Check your school's specific package-acceptance window before shipping anything ahead - most won't hold early deliveries outside a set date range.
- Unpack essentials first: bedding, toiletries, and chargers, before anything else.
Housing & Dorms
- Photo coming soon
Carman Hall
Suite-style · Coed
First-year only John Jay Hall
Traditional · Coed
First-year only- Photo coming soon
Furnald Hall
Traditional · Coed
Housing Links
Links open Columbia University's website - not always the exact page, but a real starting point.
Orientation
New Student Orientation Program (NSOP, required)
All new students are required to attend one orientation session.
August 30 - September 7, 2026
Orientation tips
- Register as early as your class allows - popular session dates fill up first.
- Bring a parent/guardian if separate family programming is offered.
- Check whether placement testing or advising sign-ups happen the same day.
Costs
Room & Board
$20,000
Estimated / Year
Nearby Essentials
Nearby data coming soon.
More Links
Checklists
Get the Ultimate College Move-In Checklist
A free, printable packing checklist covering everything from bedding to important documents - built for any freshman, including yours at Columbia University.
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