Student Life
On Campus
Take a break from the books and join one of the many events planned on campus this summer. Start with the Mix and Mingle event held at the beginning of each session, where you can meet other students from around the globe, in a relaxed atmosphere, and grab a snack. Campus tours, live music events at noon, and more are being planned.
Career Development
Choosing a career path can sometimes be confusing, but the right tools and guidance can help provide clarity. Unique to the Columbia Summer Session is the Summer Career Design Workshop. Students receive robust and practical career coaching, from individualized instruction on interview and résumé writing, to advice on building your own personal brand, including social media guidance and time with a professional photographer for a polished LinkedIn headshot. Career development programs include: The Importance of Networking Mocktail Party; Acclimating to the U.S. Job Market; and Launching Your Career in NYC.
Excursions
Join in for special excursions around the city to meet and connect with new peers and make new friends. Meet up with others for Theatre Thursdays, and take in a Broadway show, or catch a ball game. NYC boat tours, museum visits, LGBTQ+ history tours, bowling night, and field trips around the city are among the many activities available to visiting students.
At Columbia, students are invited to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities, designed to spark academic curiosity and exploratory learning. Series and events such as the “Summer Ideas Exchange” and the “Religion and the History of Black Music” provide access to the renowned faculty and engaging courses available during the Columbia Summer Session.
From its landmark cultural sites—1,000+ art galleries, 300+ films, 40+ theaters—to financial institutions such as the New York Stock Exchange and historic sites like the Statue of Liberty, New York City is a global hub for go-getters who learn by doing. Your Columbia ID gives you access to perks around the city.
The Sounds of Summer Fest features up-and-coming New York City artists curated across genres to enjoy in an on-campus performance.
Students are invited to attend Broadway shows throughout the summer, with a variety of performances and dates to suit all tastes.
Summer events are happening at Columbia SPS, both virtually and in-person! You can sign up for events, contact organizers, buy tickets, and more all through the new SPS Engage.