Guide To Undergraduate Student Resources

Where do you start when you need support?

During NSOP week, you’ll probably be presented with lots of information about campus safety, various campus offices, and support structures—but once the semester begins, it can be difficult to know where to start when you need help. To help you navigate the resources available to you as a student, we’ve put together a guide to undergraduate student resources for everything from academics, to careers, to meeting basic needs, and more.

While Columbia’s undergraduate schools share many resources, some categories specify those available at Barnard, Columbia, and GS. Many of the items listed under “Columbia” are available to all students, but if you’re unsure or if it’s not indicated below, be sure to check the official websites or ask around about your fellow student’s experiences. The information below is also by no means comprehensive or indicative of the full range of support you may need during college, and experiences with how these resources work in practice can differ. Trust your instincts when it comes to seeking out support that works for you, but also know that there’s no shame in utilizing the network of support that comes with being a student here.

Academic resources

Barnard

Guide to office hours: An overview of what office hours are, why to attend, and what to expect!
Subject tutoring help rooms (Computer Science, Econ, Math, Stats, Spanish, Physics, Organic Chemistry)
Peer-to-Peer tutoring: Request to be matched with a tutor at peertopeer@barnard.edu
Academic Coaching: Coaching in time management, executive function, motivation, campus resources, and success strategies. Book an appointment online.
- Strategies for Success webinar
- Senior Thesis support group (information posted semesterly)
Barnard Writing Fellows: Support for academic, creative, and science writing assignments. Book one-on-one, hour-long sessions online. Information about workshops, group tutoring sessions, and drop-in hours is sent out via email and posted on Instagram. (You may also have one assigned to a course!)
Barnard Speaking Fellows: Support for presentations and other public speaking. Book workshop sessions online. (You may also have one assigned to a course!)
Find your personal librarian based on your program online. Support for navigating the library, online archives, and the research process. (You may also have one assigned to a course!)
Academic Advising
Dean’s Office for Advising and Support: (212) 854-2024, doas@barnard.edu

Columbia

CC/SEAS Help Rooms (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Econ, Math, Physics, Spanish, Stats, Writing Center)
GS Academic Advising through the Dean of Students Office
- Peer Advising: Walk-in hours and appointments, gspeeradvising@columbia.edu
- GS Academic Resource center
- Technology lending library
Center for Student Advising: (212) 854-6378, csa@columbia.edu
- General and preprofessional advising
- First-in-Family programs: Academic support, professional development, cultural enrichment
Columbia Writing Center (CC, SEAS, GS): writingcenter@columbia.edu
- Schedule appointments online.
- Six-week repeating appointments available to international students, thesis and dissertation writers, first-generation college students, Mellon Mays fellows, Justice in Education students, military veterans, Pell Grant recipients, and those referred by the Office of Disability Services.

Accommodations and Disability Resources

Barnard:

Center for Accessibility Resources & Disability Services (CARDS): (212) 854-4634, cards@barnard.edu, open 9 to 5 pm
- Information on how to register an accommodation with CARDS can be found online.
- Academic (requesting a note-taker, testing accommodations, etc.), housing (service and support animals, single room, wheelchair accessibility, low floor level, bathroom style, proximity to campus, etc.), and dining accommodations (allergies and dietary restrictions, etc.)
- Accommodations typically must be re-registered each year
- Campus accessibility map and event accessibility information
- CARDS resource and form directory
Disability & Access guide
You can register for email alerts for issues impacting accessibility on Columbia’s campus (gate closures, construction, etc.) here.

Columbia:

Columbia Disability Services: (212) 854-2388, 108A Wein, disability@columbia.edu
- Accommodations include note-taking, housing, sign language interpretation and speech-to-text, assistive technology, and academic support
- Registration for an accommodation can be done online
Columbia dining: Gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-containing, halal, and kosher foods are marked in every dining hall. Contact dining@columbia.edu with questions about dining accommodations, and see their website for additional information about food allergy handling.
Disability Access Map
You can register for email alerts for issues impacting accessibility on Columbia’s campus (gate closures, elevator maintenance, construction, etc.) here.

Career

Barnard

Career resources available primarily via Handshake (appointment portal, career resources, job and internship apps, Barnard Babysitting, etc.)
Beyond Barnard: Second floor of Elliott Hall, beyondbarnard@barnard.edu
- Appointments can be made with staff and peer career mentors to discuss resumes, cover letters, interviews, LinkedIn, networking graduate school applications, fellowships, etc. (via Handshake)
- Beyond Barnard Internship Program (BBIP): Stipend and subsidized summer housing for unpaid/low-pay internships
Campus jobs are primarily posted on Workday under “Careers”
- Also be sure to check out the Beyond Barnard newsletter for postings!

Columbia

Job and internship openings and resources via Handshake/LionSHARE.
Columbia Center for Career Education (CCE): (212) 854-5609
- Drop-in hours, virtual and in-person appointments
- General career resources, career fair information, suit rentals, workshops, networking events
Guide to campus jobs
Work Exemption Program: grants for unpaid internships, research projects, and community outreach available to financial aid recipients. Funds are applied to tuition account balance (not paid directly)

Emergency

Barnard:

CARES (Community Safety) emergency line: (212) 854-6666
Barnard Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes: located in or near most residence halls and streets surrounding campus, find full list of locations here.
- To operate: press the red button to speak, release the button to hear response from Barnard Community Safety personnel
Barnard clinician-on-call: (855) 622-1903
Mount Sinai Morningside Emergency Room: (212) 523-3335
- Psychiatric Emergency Room: (212) 523-3347
Columbia Sexual Violence Response (SVR): (212) 854-4357
Counseling and Psychological Services emergency line: (212) 854-2878

Columbia:

CUEMS (CU Emergency Medical Services) and Public Safety emergency line: (212) 854-5555
- CUEMS ambulatory service is free and available 24/7
Public Safety main line: (212) 854-2797
Columbia Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes: 21 locations around campus and residence halls, find full list of locations here.
- To operate: press the red button to speak, release the button to hear response from Columbia Public Safety
Columbia clinician-on-call: (212) 854-7426
Columbia triage specialist: (855) 779-7132
Mount Sinai Morningside Emergency Room: (212) 523-3335
- Psychiatric Emergency Room: (212) 523-3347
Columbia Sexual Violence Response (SVR): (212) 854-4357
Counseling and Psychological Services emergency line: (212) 854-2878

Financial resources

Barnard

Barnard Financial Aid Office: (212) 854-2154, finaid@barnard.edu
- You can schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor online.
- The financial aid portal is accessible via portal.barnard.edu → Finances → Financial Aid → Financial Aid portal. Here, you can find decision letters, the name and email of your financial aid counselor, and upload tax documents. Dates and deadlines are also posted here.
Financial aid estimators
Forms and resources
Barnard Bursar: Billing issues and information. Bursar@barnard.edu
The 116th Initiative: Student-run mutual aid at Barnard and Columbia, unaffiliated with the university.
- Financial support for students experiencing immediate need for rent, food, tuition, healthcare, and other needs.
- Request aid online, Venmo @the116thinitiative to donate
Financial Well-Being center

Columbia

Student Financial Services: Financial aid, work-study, billing, forms, military, and financial wellness directory (CC/SEAS, GS)
Columbia College/SEAS Financial Aid Office: (212) 854-3711, ugrad-finaid@columbia.edu
- Net price calculator
- Admitted student resource directory: access portal, FAFSA instructions, campus jobs, scholarship policy, billing, appeals, appointment information
- Continuing student resource directory
GS Office of Educational Financing: (212) 854-5410, gs_financial_aid@columbia.edu
- Schedule an appointment online.
University-wide financial aid directory
The 116th Initiative: Student-run mutual aid at Barnard and Columbia, unaffiliated with the university.
- Financial support for students experiencing immediate need for rent, food, tuition, healthcare, and other needs.
- Request aid online, Venmo @the116thinitiative to donate

Food and housing insecurity

Columbia Food Pantry: serves all currently registered students at Columbia (including Barnard). Fill out the order form online.
Emergency Meal Fund (CC, SEAS, GS): cc-seas@columbia.edu or gshealthandwellness@columbia.edu
- Request immediate use meal ticket
Columbia Health list of food security resources
SNAP eligibility information
Meet with a CSSI specialist to discuss meeting housing and food needs.
Off-campus housing

International and undocumented student resources

Columbia International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO): (212) 854-3587 for urgent inquiries, isso@columbia.edu. Open M-F 8 am to 7 pm, Weekends 9 am to 4 pm.
- Book an advising appointment
International and undocumented students resource directory
Port of entry challenges: students, faculty, or researchers on a Columbia-sponsored visa who encounter issues at a U.S. Port of Entry should ask the Customs and Border Protection office to contact Columbia University Office of Public Safety at (212) 854-5555, which will immediately alert the ISSO Director on call.
- Comprehensive information on what to expect at U.S. Ports of Entry can be found here.
International Student Hardship Fund
Barnard International Student Services (ISS): Milbank 199, (212) 854-1777, iss@barnard.edu
Barnard protocol and Columbia protocol for Potential Visits to Campus by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agents
Resources for DACA recipients and undocumented students
NIJC Know Your Rights
NYC Know Your Rights resources

Health and Medical Resources

Barnard:

Barnard Primary Care Health Services (PCHS): (212) 854-2091 for appointments
- Comprehensive medical services, including primary care, preventive medicine, gynecologic care, and nutritional support
- No walk-in appointments available
- They sometimes charge a fee for vaccinations, which can usually be accessed for free at nearby pharmacies (CVS, Duane Reade, etc.). Information about November vaccine fairs is sent out via email.
- Insurance information
Denise LeFrak Foundation Alcohol and Substance Awareness Program (ASAP): asap@barnard.edu, appointments can be made via the Furman Counseling Center number: (212) 854-2092 (more info in Mental Health section below)
- Free and confidential services, including assessment, counseling, and recovery support
- Drug and alcohol education, prevention, and intervention
The Wellness Spot: 106B Barnard Hall, (212) 854-3063, TheWellnessSpot@barnard.edu
- Staff office hours (subject to change, check the website for up-to-date information): Monday through Friday 10 to 4 pm
- Peer ed affinity nights (as of Spring 2025): 7 to 9 pm, Monday (FGLI), Tuesday (BIPOC), Thursday (LGBTQ)
- Workshops, events, and information sessions during the semester announced on social media and via a weekly newsletter (email above to subscribe)
- Contraceptive counseling appointments can be made via email or calling
Being Barnard Violence Prevention Program: 106A Barnard Hall, beingbarnard@barnard.edu (not for emergency use)
- Barnard’s sexual violence education, prevention, and outreach program
- Office hours (subject to change): 12 to 4 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
- One on One Interpersonal and Sexual Wellness Education Sessions available via appointment (email)
- Programming and workshops on intervention and prevention, relationships, violence, and wellness
Wellness Coaching: (212) 854-5453, intake form
- Virtual sessions with a Well-being advocate to explore, strategize, and plan out your health and well-being goals. Group sessions are also available
- Free for all Morningside/Manhattanville students
Barnard nutritionist
Barnard’s list of on- and off-campus health resources
Reproductive health and justice resources in NYC

Columbia:

Columbia Medical Services: (212) 854-7426, you can also make appointments via the patient portal
- Routine and urgent medical care, travel medicine, immunizations, sexual and reproductive health services, LGBTQ health care, confidential HIV testing, and laboratory testing (full services directory available on the website)
- Available to CC, SEAS, and GS students
Wellness Coaching: (212) 854-5453, intake form
- Virtual sessions with a Well-being advocate to explore, strategize, and plan out your health and well-being goals. Group sessions are also available
- Free for all Morningside/Manhattanville students
- Drop-in hours available during the semester (will be posted here)
Alice! Health Promotion: alice@columbia.edu
- Events, workshops, office hours, and virtual appointments (available via email)
- HIV testing and treatment, hormone therapy, contraceptive and reproductive health, dog therapy, gender-affirming care, substance abuse prevention and treatment services directory
- Health education and sexual and reproductive health Fall drop-in hours to be posted online
- Go Ask Alice!
- Substance Use self-assessments
Health insurance consultations: email studentinsurance@columbia.edu or call (212) 854-3286
Columbia nutritionist
Reproductive health and justice resources in NYC

Mental Health Resources

Barnard:

Furman Counseling Center: (212) 854-2092, counseling@barnard.edu, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 pm (Crisis appointment hours: M-F, 10 am to 4 pm)
- Counseling: initial appointment inquiries and same-day crisis appointments must be made via phone call
  - Short-term individual counseling available for free (typically up to eight sessions), before referral to outside providers
  - Group counseling: free and confidential, inquire via phone call
  - Evaluation for medication: appointments with a Counseling Center psychiatrist are available via referral from a counselor
  - Insurance information
- Psychological emergency line available at the same number after 5 pm and on weekends
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Barnard/Columbia chapter: communal dinners and teaching kitchen events, resource hub
Barnard Self-Help resources: alcohol and drugs, anxiety and stress management, depression, eating disorders, LGBTQ, sleep trouble, student athletes, suicide prevention, trauma, sexual and childhood abuse

Columbia:

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS): (212) 854-2878, Lerner Hall 5th and 8th Floors
- CC, SEAS, and GS
- Services include therapy, psychiatric medication, support group, diagnostic services, self-assessments, and specialists. Full directory can be found here.
- Treatment planning sessions can be scheduled via phone call during regular business hours
- Mental health emergency line available via the same number after business hours
- Urgent after-hours concerns walk-in hours: Lerner 502, M-Th 5:30-8:30 pm
Nightline: (212) 854-7777, 9 pm to 2 am
- Anonymous peer listening hotline staffed by and for Columbia students (not currently available to Banard)
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Barnard/Columbia chapter: communal dinners and teaching kitchen events, resource hub
Columbia wellbeing resource list: homesickness, anger management, anxiety, BIPOC, chronic illness, depression and bipolar disorder, eating disorders, emotional regulation, FGLI, grief, imposter syndrome, LGBTQ, men’s mental health, mindfulness, ADHD and autism, psychosis, trauma, relationships, sleep, religion, student athletes, suicidal thoughts, time management, veterans, women’s mental health

Safety and reporting incidents

Barnard

All students are automatically enrolled in campus alert text messages. Go to the student portal to change your number.
- Sign up for Columbia alerts in SSOL/Vergil
CARES non-emergency line: (212) 854-3362, located on the first floor of Elliott Hall
- Response team, Community Safety, and Preparedness staff
- Call for a mobile safety escort
- Emergency and evacuation information
- Lost and Found: located in the CARES office, lostandfound@barnard.edu.
Barnard Office of Nondiscrimination
- Interim Nondiscrimination and Title IX Coordinator Joanne Delgadillo: nondiscrimination@barnard.edu
- Report incidents (e.g. discrimination, sexual harassment/assault) and be connected with a case manager
- Nondiscrimination and Harassment Resolution Process
- Medical assistance and resources
- Response. Inform. Support. Empower. (RISE) Sexual Violence Resources
Barnard safety tips
Barnard crime alerts
Ombuds office: (212) 853-1252, ombuds@barnard.edu
Campus Map directory
Title IX FAQs
Via free evening shuttle service
Safe Havens

Columbia

Enroll in Emergency text message notification online.
Public safety crime reporting: (212) 854-5555
- You can also call to request a walking safety escort.
Lion Safe App: quick access to maps, shuttles, crime alerts, emergency protocols, etc.
Evening shuttle map
Lost and Found desk located in Low Library, call (212) 854-2797
Campus Map directory
Columbia Preparedness disaster prevention
Columbia crime alerts
Columbia crime protection tips
Columbia Title IX: titleix@columbia.edu
- Report incidents (e.g. discrimination, sexual harassment/assault) and be connected with a case manager
  - Gender-Based Misconduct reporting and information
- Office of Institutional Equity: (212) 854-5511, institutionalequity@columbia.edu
- Confidentiality information
- Title IX FAQs
Columbia Ombuds Office: schedule an appointment online.
Office of Multicultural Affairs bias response team and advocacy services.
File a report regarding violations of the Rules of University Conduct
Via free evening shuttle service
Safe Havens

Additional resources

Again, this list is by no means exhaustive and there are many more resources available through both official university channels and student groups and coalitions. If you know of any important resources that aren’t listed above, comment below!

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