Columbia University is welcoming its Class of 2026 with a comprehensive guide designed to help new students navigate campus life and New York City, framing their arrival as an "adventure, an odyssey." The university emphasizes that there is no single correct way to experience Columbia, encouraging students to find their own path whether in libraries, coffee shops, labs, or on the lawns.
The "Meet Your Mentors" initiative connects incoming students with a diverse group of guides, including a second-year student, two librarians, an alumna, two professors, and a local neighbor. These mentors offer insights on where to go, how to connect with people, discover purpose, and build a life within the university and the wider city, along with recommendations for eating, studying, and relaxation spots.
Among the mentors, Matty Hiroto Inaba (CC'29), a Rubik's Cube solver, provides a student's perspective on quickly making Columbia one's own, advising new students to "Bring a big jacket for winter." Associate Professor of Computer Science Brian A. Smith, who holds four Columbia degrees, encourages students to view life's junctures as "badges that we collect over time" rather than diverging paths.
Librarians Jeffrey Wayno and Sydni Meyer share "hacks, secrets, and best spots" within Columbia's 18 libraries, noting that Butler Library gets quieter on higher floors. Alumna Allia Mohamed (SIPA'18) stresses the importance of utilizing the Columbia network and stepping "outside of your bubble on campus" for career connections. Professor Kristin Myers of Mechanical Engineering highlights office hours as the most underused way to connect with faculty for research opportunities, while Harlem resident Stephanie E. Farmer suggests volunteering with organizations like Columbia Community Service to engage with Upper Manhattan.
This extensive guidance aims to equip the Class of 2026 with the tools and perspectives needed to make the most of their academic and personal journey at Columbia University.