<p>when is the orientation/moving in day? how is this going to work? how should one prepare to go for the 2009 year? do we have a summer reading list like nyu?</p>
<p>The first day of orientation and moving in is Aug. 31st. We’ll have a week of orientation and start classes on Sept. 8th, I believe. Beyond that, I’m not sure. I know last year there was a book that all the incoming freshman were supposed to read. I think we’ll get more information in May and throughout the summer about what we should be doing to get ready.</p>
<p>Don’t sweat it! The book you will be sent (if it’s like in years past) is one to read for your own personal enjoyment…not an “assignment”. It’s by a Barnard graduate.</p>
<p>Orientation week is awesome, in my own mom-type opinion. On move-in day, you will be greeted by legions (well, not legions…but plenty!) of students working on the orientation committee to help you move your stuff in. It’s very organized. On that first day there will be meetings and things for your parents and for you (some together , some apart), and then there will be a specific time for your parents to say goodbye to you and leave. Then you have an entire week of stress-free NYC time with all sorts of activities and tours and events set up for you. It’s a fantastic time to meet people from all over the Columbia University community, as some events are University-wide and some are just Barnard. So don’t use this time to explore NYC on your own…you will have lots of time (4 years!!!) for that later on. Orientation is your time to get to know new people.</p>
<p>Have a blast!!!</p>