Welcome Back: 15 Photos From Columbia’s Lively First Days of the Fall Semester

Photos crackling with the buzz of our community coming back together again. 

September 12, 2025

The first weeks of Columbia's fall semester brought excitement, reunions, and plenty of Lion pride.

New students experienced their first campus traditions, and returning students jumped back into familiar campus rhythms.

From move-in to the New Student Orientation Program, Convocation to Welcome Week activities, and, of course, the first day of classes, here are 15 photos that capture the buzz of our community coming back together again.

From Morningside Heights to Manhattanville to the Medical Center, campus spaces were filled with conversations, connections, and some serious new-beginning energy. Faculty and staff also welcomed students with events and resources to help set the stage for a successful year.

Here's to the possibility of it all — may the academic year ahead be a wonderful one.

NSOP leaders welcome students by taxi and car.
A group of NSOP leaders cheers for new students on Butler Lawn.
A student pulls a cart with luggage and move-in materials.
Barnard College students enter through the gates
A child in Columbia swag stands proudly on Butler Lawn with her family.
Four general studies students pose at Convocation.
The Kingsmen closed the Convocation program with "Roar, Lion, Roar"
A family says goodbye to their Columbia student after Convocation on Butler Lawn.
Three students pose in front of Kravis Hall
Students head into the Allan Rosenfield Building on the first day of classes.
Teachers College students pose on the steps of Zankel Hall
Students dance during a silent disco on in front of Butler Library.
Roar-ee, Columbia athletes, and CLaire Shipman with treats.