Alumni Share Their Welcome-to-Campus Wisdom
With “Welcome Week” fast approaching (September 6-11), the Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) invited alumni to submit their best advice, hacks, and words of wisdom to the incoming students of 2022-23, across schools.
We received numerous responses—most relatable, many touching—and offer a selection here:
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“We can never retrieve lost time. Columbia was a precious and hard-fought opportunity that I believed upon entry I did not deserve. Yet, on that very first day, in my very first class filled with misgivings and trepidation, I realized there are no mistakes … Get as much sleep as you can, it powers the experience… and remember, this is not a dress rehearsal!” — D.P. ’21GS
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“Seize every opportunity—all will teach, not all will come again!” — T.H. ’60CC
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“Courses that have syllabi are your friend. If you can stay at least one week ahead on your reading, in at least one subject, that will help you immensely. The Hungarian [Pastry Shop] on Amsterdam Avenue next to the Green Tree is a gem—and V&T's pizzas are very good.” — H.J. ’69CC
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“Treat the city as your campus. Tackle all projects little by little (instead of the night before). Surround yourself with positive people .... Make as many connections as you possibly can, now … Network is everything. Enjoy!” — L.C. ’86BC
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“Have the assurance that if you made it here, you have potential. Take as many courses as possible, meet as many diverse people as you can. Discover and work to understand varied perspectives. Seek access to reliable information and strengthen your intellect. Stay present and enjoy while you immerse in this experience. Time flies, yet the way of thinking and network Columbia provides will stick with you throughout your life. I hope you start off with the awareness that this school and community supports you beyond your dreams.” — M.T. ’20SIPA
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“Remember to have fun.” — D.T. ’88CC
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“I am a grad of the J-School '56 and was the university's VP for Public Affairs in 1968-9 at the tail of the protest era. Two thoughts: First, make the most of what NYC has to offer. A great place to be at any time. Second, make good use of your class time. Columbia has a great faculty which will both teach and entertain you. Serious, good people always accessible to students. I wish I could be an incoming student again. A great experience and preparation for all that lies ahead.” — T.V.D. ’56JRN
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“College life is not all about classes and studying. Find one or more campus activities that will give you pleasure, and the opportunity to meet other students who share your interests outside of the classroom. You are in the greatest city in the world—explore it! … The university also offers anonymous counseling services. It is no shame to ask for help. Besides, you’ve already paid for it with your tuition!” — A.Z. ’68CC
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“Be Bold! Surprise yourself. Enjoy the rigorous grind. Make forever friends. Make calls to alumni in your field of interest … Go to the Anjelika [Film Center] to see the latest foreign films … Stay connected with what’s going on in the bigger world, and not isolated on campus … Ask your department about work-study opportunities that may not be publicly listed, for lower tuition. Go running at Morningside Park and Central Park. Have fun!” — S.M. ’08SOA
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“Wander from specialized library to specialized library. My favorite was the architecture one [Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library]. You’re here to get an education—reading is fundamental, and the greater variety of things you examine in books (sometimes online), and the more independent learning you do, the more you will get out of your education. Don't worry about getting that grade as much as taking the time to learn—it’s easier when you’re young, and it pays off later, because you’ll know what's going on instead of listening to half-baked sound bites.” — J.S. ’71LS
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“Wishing each and every one of you a warm welcome! Congratulations on embarking on a great journey! May your time here be filled with not only academic success, but also with exponential personal growth, and fun!” — O.J. ’88VPS
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Interested in more great tips for new New Yorkers? Columbia News recently shared NYC Life Hacks, collected from Columbia students, staff, and alumni.