Just 16 Photos That Encapsulate Our Back-to-School Excitement for Fall 2021

Students have been back on campus for nearly a month already. Here's exactly how that looked. 

By
Eileen Barroso
Kelly Moffitt
Jennifer Pellerito
September 23, 2021

Can you believe it is almost October? It's been nearly a month since we welcomed Columbia students back to campus for Fall 2021, including both the Class of 2024 and 2025, many of whom are accessing Columbia's campuses for the first time. 

We've loved seeing the joy on your faces while reuniting with friends, the rush of students on the sidewalks as classes let out, and the vibrant buzz of chatter we can hear all over our campuses as students have returned in large numbers. 

All along, we've been taking photos of students' experiences back on campus. Below, find 15 of our very favorite shots from this special time. 

Columbia Blue Looks Good On You

A student with blue braids stands with her family holding her hair with a car on moving day.

Move-In Magic

students stand in front of a Columbia residence hall

Breaking Out the Move-In Bins at Barnard

A Barnard student walks a bin full of move-in essentials into her dorm.

A Climate School First

The founders of Columbia's Climate School and their first cohort of students. Photo by Michael DiVito.

Fruit Fuel from Columbia Dining

Columbia Dining staffers stand with a table full of bananas and apples.

Stronger Together With Teachers College

A student poses in front of the Teachers College Welcome sign and balloons.

A Kiss and a Thumbs Up

A student blows a kiss and parents give a thumbs up

A Convocation to Remember

Leaders of Columbia University applaud students during convocation.

Three Glorious White Coat Ceremonies

A Heartfelt Goodbye

A mom hugs her son in a pink shirt while the father looks on.

Back to Campuses Around the World

A South Lawn Gathering

Students gather in a circle on South Lawn.

Columbia Cross Country Is On the Move

Cross Country runners run on Columbia's Campus

Low-Lapalooza Liveliness

Students wave light sticks at a silent disco in September

A Final Moment of Zen

A student meditates on the sundial in front of Butler Library.