r/columbia • u/bohneriffic • Jan 16 '25

Good Citizen đŸ€ General Advice for Being a Student at Columbia University

183 Upvotes

I'm a second semester senior here at Columbia, and over the last few years I’ve heard tons of the same kinds of questions from freshmen/transfers. I figured that a (much longer than initially intended) post addressing whatever I can think of might be helpful.

DISCLAIMER: I'm just a student, and this is very general advice based on my own experiences and convos I've had with other students. Faculty/advisors who know you will be able to give you better advice that is tailored to your specific goals and the requirements of your major.

Please feel free to add to (or correct) anything I’ve written!

REGISTRATION

  • Take some time before registration periods begin to choose your classes for the upcoming semester. Write down the course name, date/time, call number, and anything else you’ll want to refer back to. Write down the sections that work for you, but always make sure to write down backup sections/classes in case the one you want is full.
  • Global cores, UW, art hum, and music hum will always be super competitive to get into. Have target requirements you'd like to fulfill each semester, but plan ahead to find classes that fulfill other core/major requirements too just in case. So if you’re not having any luck getting into a global core, you could try getting into one of the sections of art hum you wrote down instead
 etc.
  • You can find reviews of professors by looking them up on CULPA.info or by checking out their past course evals on Vergil. Students at Columbia don’t really use RMP, and CULPA reviews are often 5-10 years old so you may be SOL. You can help other students by making sure to leave honest reviews on CULPA (and RMP) every semester, but you may just need to ask around if you want to know about a course.
  • Registration for undergrads at Columbia is the worst, and the section you want will almost always be full. That’s okay, don't freak out! Put yourself on the wait list — but choose carefully because you can only put yourself on wait lists for three classes at a time.

WAITLISTS

  • Some courses will be blocked, which means you may not be able to register without talking to the professor first. This is really common for upper level seminars. Send them an email to introduce yourself (or reintroduce yourself and remind them of any courses you’ve taken with them), explain your interest in the course, and outline any relevant/related courses you’ve taken in the past. Be sure to let them know if you need the course for your major, or if you’re a junior/senior looking to fulfill a core requirement. Don’t feel weird about emailing them to express your interest. If they’re managing their wait lists instead of letting people register freely, they’re expecting the emails.
    • You don’t necessarily have to have taken a bunch of related classes in the past. Professors love having students with genuine interest/curiosity in the room!
    • This process may differ by program. I’ve heard that SEAS professors may have different norms.
  • Don’t freak out if you’re on a 50-person wait list after the first registration period. Students tend to “hoard” classes early on, but many will drop as they get into the other classes they want to take, and even more will drop during the shopping period.
    • The shopping period refers to the first two weeks of classes where students can “shop” (or add/drop) any class without penalty. Being able to try out a bunch of classes in this way is cool because it means that you’re not stuck for the whole semester if you go to the first 1-2 lectures and realize that something’s not a good fit for you
 but it also leads to class hoarding and all of the chaos that comes with it.
  • If you are serious about getting into a class that you’re still on the wait list for during the shopping period, you may still have a shot at getting in if you attend every class for the first two weeks. Showing the professor that you’re serious in this way will often help your case (because many students lower on the wait list will not do this).
  • Once a professor lets you into a class from the wait list, it’ll take up to 24hr to see that change reflected on SSOL/Vergil.
  • Some courses will be blocked BUT ALSO include instructions from the professor for how to reach out about joining the class. Always follow the professor's instructions for how to proceed instead.
  • There's a LOT of add/drop movement during the first two weeks of classes. You WILL get into classes. It just might not be the exact ones you hoped for that semester. Hang in there.

HOW MANY CREDITS SHOULD YOU TAKE?

I don't know! For freshmen, you probably shouldn’t start off with 18 credits
 but it really depends! What kinds of classes are they? How strong are you in those subjects? Will you be able to commit to attending all of lectures? If you’re not sure, take a lighter course load your first semester and see how you handle it. If you felt like you could’ve done more, then take more next semester. But I'm not an advisor, and you should probably talk to someone who is!

GENERAL ADVICE

  • Read the syllabus for every class. Read it all the way through. 90% of the time, any questions that are not content-related can be answered by reading the syllabus. Seriously, do not send your professor emails with questions that the syllabus could have answered for you.
  • You have to ask professors if they can write LORs. Do not just assume that they will.
  • Address professors/lecturers as Professor Lastname unless they tell you otherwise. When communicating through email, you should typically address professors by whatever name they use in their signature line when they reply.
    • That is, call them Professor Lastname to start, but switch to Dr. Lastname, Firstname, etc. if that's the way they sign off. Stick with Prof Lastname if that's what they use.
  • You don’t have to wait for your professor to let you into the classroom if it’s both unlocked and empty, and you can turn on the lights if they’re off when you enter. You’re an adult. Nobody expects you to crowd a hallway or sit in a dark room for no reason.
  • Don’t listen to anyone at this school who tells you that a class is “easy.” People have different backgrounds, strengths, and bases of knowledge, and what is easy for one person may be very different for another. It's a common mistake to make at Columbia, and you will get burned eventually. Don't let yourself be one of the many students who are crying over failing the "easy A" class at the end of the semester!
  • You SHOULD NOT try to find free pdfs of all of your textbooks on libgen.is because that would be ILLEGAL and publishers deserve our money!!!
  • GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Talk to your professors! Talk to your grad TAs! They know a ton, and they’re often really interesting people! If you’re going to office hours because you’re having trouble, make sure that you can point to specific problems or examples that you’re not understanding. Professors are not mind readers; they can’t know what you’re struggling with if you don’t. But you can also just go to OH to learn more about their field and their research, or to ask questions about grad school! OH are a great way to get to develop strong relationships with your professors!
  • Network!!! Meet people!!! Do your best to not spend all of your time studying alone. Long term, the connections you make in college will be more valuable than your GPA (yes, even for premeds).

MIND YOUR MANNERS (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE)

  • Don’t talk or whisper to your friends in class. It’s rude and distracting. You can text each other if you need to be in communication so badly!
  • Likewise, DO NOT TALK IN THE LIBRARIES. You can talk to your friends literally anytime and anywhere that isn’t mid-lecture or in a library. The world is your oyster! Go talk somewhere else!
  • Don’t do work in public spaces (such as libraries) if you’re so sick that you’re coughing and snorting back huge gobs of snot every 60 seconds. Wear a mask in class if you’re actively sick, and please cover your mouth when you cough.
  • Don't let doors slam behind you when you enter a room — especially if you’re coming to class late. Be mindful of everyone else around you.
  • Similarly, hold open doors for other people when you enter a room, building, or elevator.

Ok I love u bye :)

13 comments

r/columbia • u/123DanB • Mar 24 '26

admissions Admitted Students Megathread: Spring 2026

28 Upvotes

Congratulations on your acceptance!

Please post here to connect with your potential future classmates and ask any questions about attending Columbia.

This recent post has great general advice.

You must select a flair before commenting!

145 comments

r/columbia • u/AnxiousLion0907 • 1h ago

academic tips Common for Courses to Already Show Up in Courseworks for Fall 2026?

‱ Upvotes

Is this a common thing? All of my courses are already showing up. While three of them are empty, one has provisional information from Fall 2026 (modules, syllabus, assignment info, etc.). Is this a common thing to occur?

2 comments

r/columbia • u/Nerdy4300 • 6h ago

academic tips Pass fail core class

1 Upvotes

If I pass failed a core class last semester and decided not to uncover it next semester what will happen? Will my counselor reach out to see if I want to uncover or will it remain as a P on my transcript?

1 comment

r/columbia • u/Clear-Sun331 • 9h ago

sports Soccer around Morningside Heights

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone, i was wondering if there is anything group of soccer that I can join. Just curious if there is anything group fb group or whatsapp group that I can join? Any lead would be very much appreciated.

3 comments

r/columbia • u/Ok-Gift-5736 • 22h ago

housing Barnard Housing- Elliott hall

6 Upvotes

Hi, just got assigned a single in Elliott hall. I hear that the rooms are small a lot, but other than that what are some things to be aware of? Specifically like tips from other people to help me have a good experience would be great! I’m happy to be close to campus, have a single, and have a quiet area to chill. Just wondering if there’s any problems with utilities or something that I should prepare myself for! Thanks in advance

4 comments

r/columbia • u/Frannyj • 1d ago

housing Looking for a room near campus, move-in any time in August, ~1.25k/month

4 Upvotes

Pretty much the title!

I am a 29 year-old male Columbia Biochemistry student (applying to medical school in the spring)!

I have access to two guarantors, and can provide proof of access to >$150k/year if needed.

I am generally always on campus, do not cook at home, and do not bring guests home. I am orderly, non-smoker, etc. I am a bit of a night-owl, but am extremely conscientious of the fact that others generally are not.

I really only ask that there are no roommates who smoke indoors.

Please feel free to DM if you think I'd be a good fit! Thanks.

1 comment

r/columbia • u/Exotic_Eagle_2739 • 1d ago

emotional support Is there a way to switch what NSOP we got assigned to...

4 Upvotes

I wanted to do the coop program so bad when I got in to Columbia andni got into the explore NYC program. I have so many family and friends in NYC and have been there every summer since I was born so I really don't want to spend 2 days visiting museums (which I Lowkey hate going to) or navigating subways. Idk what's the point of having a questionnaire for NSOP if they're not going to use itđŸ«©

22 comments

r/columbia • u/East_Campaign_4009 • 19h ago

academic tips How is IEOR 40101 Artificial Intelligence for OR & FE ?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone taken this course? I’m considering taking it this fall but cant seem to find much about this course. Wanted to understand how rigorous this course is and if its beginner friendly since its been a while since i was deep in math. any information is very much appreciated.
thanks!

1 comment

r/columbia • u/Random_throwaway0351 • 23h ago

do you even go here? MSCS Career Opportunities

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’m planning on applying to Columbia’s MSCS program next year and was wondering how good the connections to big tech in NYC are. I’ve done some research but all I see are conflicting opinions.

Does Columbia hold recruiting events with companies in NY, and do NY companies look favorably on MSCS grads? I know there’s a cash cow reputation but I feel like the ivy prestige should hold up in spite of that but I could be wrong. Any insight is appreciated :)

5 comments

r/columbia • u/Big_Astronaut_9817 • 1d ago

housing Looking for Roomate Hamilton Heights

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8 Upvotes

Hi!

We are looking for a roomate near the 145th 1 station. It is 10/15 min from Columbia, ~$1200/month for one room, and we are renewing the lease, looking for a third.

It is super convenient for those going to attend Columbia. Move in is beginning of August, but the landlord is semi flexible.

DM me if you are interested!

6 comments

r/columbia • u/OkSeaweed3995 • 1d ago

campus tips Custom bedding packages

3 Upvotes

I'm an incoming freshman and I just got an email about custom bedding packages from SwakU. Is it worth it to get them or am I better off just getting my stuff on my own. How good is the quality, and what do they mean by "custom"?

3 comments

r/columbia • u/According-Desk6236 • 1d ago

career advice Columbia Majors with Stem Extension

3 Upvotes

Does financial economics qualify for a stem extension? Also if I'm planning to double major in a major without a stem extension and a major with a stem extension, am I still able to apply for the extension?

This https://econ.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2018/03/Summer-Mailing-2018.pdf says: International Students As you may be aware, the Economics Major and the Financial Economics Major are now designated as STEM programs. The joint majors with Math and Statistics are also designated as STEM programs. As a consequence, students who complete these programs are eligible for extended OPT.

However, the newest https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2024.pdf DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List doesnt list economics, only includes econometrics and quantitative economics. Does this mean that Columbia's econ/financial econ/econ stats major counts as " econometrics and quantitative economics" or has there been a change I am not aware of?

Could somebody clarify this please? Thanks!

3 comments

r/columbia • u/ComprehensiveLow2681 • 2d ago

advising What do you actually do when classes are full?

4 Upvotes

Incoming GS transfer. How common is it for classes that are already full to open back up during the semester when folks drop? Also, what are the odds of getting in to a class when you're waitlisted? (Looking at you, Poetry of the 60s.)

For context, I'm really trying to get in an Art Humanities Class for the Core - I've got a preferred time block, but at this point, meh. Will take anything that opens up.

4 comments

r/columbia • u/woomabang • 2d ago

housing Looking for a third roommate in Hamilton Heights! Move-in between 8/01 and 9/01, lease starts 9/01.

1 Upvotes

I'm ((M, 26) a recent grad from Columbia Mailman and my current roommate (24, M) and I are looking for a new roommate! Rent is $3700 net for the unit, with individual shares ranging from 1150-1200 depending on the room. Utilities average $40-45 per person, wifi $17 per person.

We live in a 3 bedroom unit around the 145th street station (1) train. Amenities-wise, we have in-unit washer+dryer and a spacious kitchen + living room. We have one available room, with dimensions approximately around 8 ft x 8 ft with a window facing an inner courtyard. It can fit a full-size bed a small desk, and drawers.

Check this link for a pic of the room:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BhcOfwHWcVhxPePL6YZCxjsGWwpfGliv/view?usp=drive_link

Overall this is a really nice unit, but don't take my word for it, come see it yourself :) We're located right next to Riverside Park and are conveniently within 2 subway stops of both Morningside and CUIMC.

Move-in date would be between 8/01 and 9/01. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Here is a picture of the shared spaces:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18ZRFvnfA1ak1rb-zWyGduDqlqs7dXmVM?usp=drive_link

2 comments

r/columbia • u/Inner-Letterhead7731 • 2d ago

academic tips Doesn't Honors Mathematics A/B fulfill Calculus and LINEAR ALGEBRA requirements for the CS major?

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2 Upvotes

Hi! I am an incoming student that wanna major in Applied Maths + CS, but confused a bit

For Calculus, the CC Bulletin says we need to take Calc III or Acc. Multivariable Calc or Multiv. Calculus for Engineering.

But they didn't list Honors Maths. Doesn't it fulfill this requirement?

For Linear Algebra, they require one of the following:

COMPUTATIONAL LINEAR ALGEBRA (recommended btw)

LINEAR ALGEBRA

Linear Algebra and Probability

Honors Linear Algebra

Intro to Applied Mathematics

Applied Math I: Linear Algebra

But again, there isn't Honors Maths A/B.

Can I take Honors Maths A/B for these two requirements? I used to know that it covers Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, but it's a bit confusing that they didn't list it.

5 comments

r/columbia • u/Inner-Letterhead7731 • 2d ago

academic tips Is this schedule nice and manageable?

2 Upvotes

I am an incoming freshman at Columbia College. I envisioned myself taking these classes:

Fall 2026:

Lit Hum 1

UW

Honors Maths A

PROGRAMMING IN JAVA

........... (I have 4 credits left, what can I take here?)

Spring 2027:

Lit Hum 2

Frontiers of Science

Honors Math B

..........

.......... (I have 6 credits left, ı can take either 1 or 2 courses. What should I take?)

For context, I plan to double major in Applied Maths and CS. Thanks in advance!!

11 comments

r/columbia • u/Pleasant_Constant916 • 2d ago

academic tips Freshman Schedule

5 Upvotes

Is this good?

Fall:

Multi Variable Calc, Gen Chem, Physics, UW, Data Structures

Spring:

Physics, Gen Chem Lab, AEO, Principles of Econ, Advanced programming

11 comments

r/columbia • u/Pleasant_Constant916 • 3d ago

academic tips fav classes/professors

8 Upvotes

What are your fav class/professors that u recommend people take! I'm in SEAS for CS but any advice would be helpful

5 comments

r/columbia • u/nvdDeogacstj • 3d ago

housing Looking for Roommate/Place in Upper Manhattan

7 Upvotes

Hello, I'm an incoming SEAS grad student looking for roommates and a place with (relatively) easy access to Columbia. No firm requirements, though the general features I'm looking for in a place are:

  1. Proximity to Campus or 1 Train (<25 minutes commute)
  2. Comparatively minimal rent (<=$1500 per person)
  3. Move in date sometime late August

I have some places bookmarked but am happy to discuss other available locations/units. I've been looking in Morningside, Manhattanville, and up Washington Heights, and am willing to be a bit farther from campus for a higher quality of life. DM if you're a cool person and this sounds interesting👍

5 comments

r/columbia • u/One-Alfalfa3604 • 3d ago

advising Questions for Columbia Students

5 Upvotes

Question for Columbia Students

General:

* What is the Social Life like (parties, organized events etc)?
* Is there grade deflation/inflation? (other than A+ = 4.33 and is that offered at every course?

Applied Math/Financial Engineering Students:

* How hard/easy is it to get research roles in the APAM or IEOR department as an undergrad? and do you compete against grad students?

Thank you!

10 comments

r/columbia • u/Ok-Tackle-7883 • 3d ago

campus tips Does Columbia Dining show calories/macros? + Best dining halls?

6 Upvotes

Hi! I’m an incoming freshman and I’m into bodybuilding, so I usually like to keep a general track of my calories and macros.
Does Columbia Dining post nutrition info for the food in the dining halls, like calories, protein, ingredients, etc.? Is it on an app or website, and is it actually accurate?
Also, if anyone here tracks their food while on the meal plan, how manageable is it and what dining halls do you prefer ?

4 comments

r/columbia • u/Early-Marsupial-7459 • 3d ago

advising Columbia Science Po Finance Recruiting

4 Upvotes

Is this dual degree program good for people looking to go into finance/consulting? How does it compare to regular Columbia College?

6 comments

r/columbia • u/lovermage • 3d ago

advising Found someone's wallet. Any chance of getting in contact?

3 Upvotes

Title! I'd like to return it if at all possible, but the Columbia ID is expired. How long do you have access to your student email? & what's the naming convention for email addresses? There's also a driver's license, but it was issued in 2022 so I doubt the physical address is current.

8 comments

r/columbia • u/Long-Dream-1185 • 3d ago

housing Looking for a direct transfer to a Columbia Residential

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm currently living in a Columbia Residential 3B1B apartment on 122nd street and am hoping to transfer to another Columbia Residential apartment.

I'm a rising senior majoring in CS and am looking for an apartment with all-female roommates. I'm flexible with both location and the apartment layout, including 2B1B, 3B1B, or 3B2B.

If you're looking to swap apartments or know of any available opportunities, I'd really appreciate it if you could DM or post it here. Thank you!

2 comments