Orientation

You're In. Here's How to Get Ready.

Prepare. Connect. Launch... Your Path to Day One.

You made a great decision — and we're already getting ready for you. Orientation at Columbia College is your bridge from accepted to day-one ready. Whether you're an on-campus student, finishing your degree online, or starting a graduate program, we've designed a clear path to make sure you feel prepared, connected, and confident before your first class.

On-campus students move through three stages — Prepare, Connect, and Launch — that take you from confirmed to move-in ready. Online and Graduate students follow a streamlined onboarding path with a dedicated advisor guiding every step. No matter how you're starting, you'll know exactly what to do and who to call.

Step 1: PREPARE

Get a Head Start Before You Arrive.

Prepare is your self-paced online orientation in Canvas — and it's your first real experience as a Columbia College student. Once your email is activated after confirmation, you'll have access and can proceed at your own pace. By the time you're done, you'll know how everything before you ever steps on campus.

• Activate your Columbia College email and set up your student portal
• Understand your financial aid package, billing, and payment options
• Connect with your academic advisor and build your first-semester schedule
• Learn about campus resources, student support, and what to expect in your first week

By the time you finish Prepare, you'll know how everything works, where to find help, and exactly what to expect when you step on campus for the first time. Think of it as your personal guide —  one you can come back to anytime.

Step 2: CONNECT

Meet Your People. See Your Campus.

Connect is your in-person orientation day on campus. This is where Columbia College stops being a website and starts being your home. You'll spend the day meeting faculty and staff, touring campus, finalizing enrollment steps, and connecting with the classmates who'll be right beside you this fall.

• Tour the campus and learn your way around before classes start
• Meet your academic advisor and student success team face-to-face
• Finalize any remaining enrollment steps
• Discover the clubs, organizations, and traditions you can be part of

Families and supporters are welcome and encouraged to attend. We've built dedicated sessions for parents and families covering financial aid, campus safety, student support services, and how to be the best support system during this transition.

Connect sessions are scheduled throughout the summer. Check your email for available dates and register through Prepare. Spots fill up, so register early to get your preferred date.

Step 3: LAUNCH

Move In. Show Up. Begin.

This is where it all becomes real. For residential students, Launch starts with Move-In Day — the moment you carry your things into your residence hall, meet your hallmates, and officially start life as a Koala. From there, it's a week of welcome events, sessions, and traditions designed to make sure you walk into your first class feeling like you've been here for months.

• Move into your residence hall and meet your hallmates and student leaders
• Attend welcome events, social activities, and your first campus traditions
• Go to sessions on academics, wellness, involvement, and navigating your first semester
• Connect with upperclassmen, mentors, and the people who'll have your back all year
• Walk into your first class knowing exactly where you belong

Commuter students: Launch is for you, too. Every event, every session, every tradition —  you're part of all of it. No matter where you live, this campus is yours.

By the end of launch, you won't just know your schedule. You'll know your people, your places, and exactly where you belong. 

Your Pre-Arrival Checklist

Activate Your Columbia College Email & Student Portal

Your Columbia College email is your lifeline from now through graduation — every important update, deadline, and next step comes through it. After confirmation, you'll receive your email credentials and student account login information. Activate both right away, then download the Canvas app and log into Koala Connection (KC). You'll need email access before you can start Prepare, your virtual orientation. Check your personal email for setup instructions, and if you don't see them within a few days of confirming, contact your admissions counselor.

Complete Prepare (Virtual Orientation)

Prepare is your self-paced online orientation — and it's required before you can register for a Connect session. Access it through Koala Connection (KC) using your Columbia College email login. Prepare walks you through everything you need to know: academic expectations, campus systems, financial aid basics, student resources, and how to get the most out of your Columbia College experience. It takes about 45 minutes and can be done on your own schedule. The sooner you finish, the sooner you can register for Connect.

Submit Your Housing Form

Your housing form is how we match you with the right residence hall and roommate. Submit it as early as possible — students who complete it before the priority deadline get the best selection. If you need any accessibility accommodations for housing, submit your request at the time of confirmation so we can plan ahead. You'll receive your housing assignment via your Columbia College email after the priority deadline closes. Commuter students can skip this step.

Send Your Final Official Transcripts

We need official transcripts from every high school and college you've attended — including AP, IB, and dual credit records. "Official" means they come directly from your institution to Columbia College, not hand-delivered copies. If you're having trouble requesting them, your admissions counselor can walk you through the process. At minimum, have them sent or have proof of your request on file before the clearance deadline.

Complete Your Financial Clearance

Before the fall semester begins, your tuition account needs to be settled — either paid in full or with a payment arrangement in place. If you're using financial aid, make sure all required documents are submitted to the Financial Aid office. If you're setting up a payment plan, a 20% down payment is required to activate the arrangement. Bills are generated and mailed in mid-June, so use the time between now and then to get your FAFSA filed (school code: 003430), finalize your aid package, and reach out to Financial Aid with any questions. Don't wait until the bill arrives to start this process.

Register for Connect (In-Person Orientation)

Connect is your on-campus orientation day — and you must complete Prepare before you can register. Sessions are offered throughout the summer, and spots fill up, so register early to get your preferred date. During Connect, you'll tour campus, meet your professors and advisor, pick up your student ID, and connect with classmates face-to-face. Families and supporters are welcome and encouraged to attend — we've built dedicated sessions just for them. Check your Columbia College email for available session dates and register through your student portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I activate my Columbia College email and student portal?

After you confirm your enrollment, your credentials are sent on a rolling basis beginning in mid-March. You'll receive your Columbia College email setup instructions first, followed by your student account and Koala Connection (KC) portal information shortly after. Both are sent to the personal email address you used during your application. Activate your email first, you'll need it to access Prepare, register for Connect, and view your housing assignment. If you've confirmed and haven't received your credentials, contact your admissions counselor.

Q2: What is Prepare, and do I have to complete it?

Prepare is your self-paced virtual orientation, accessed through Koala Connection using your Columbia College email. It covers everything you need to know before arriving on campus including academic expectations, campus systems, financial aid basics, and student resources. It's required for all incoming on-campus students, and you must complete it before registering for a Connect session. It takes about 45 minutes and can be done on your own schedule.

Q3: How do I register for Connect, and when are the sessions?

Connect sessions are offered throughout the summer, and you can register through your student portal after completing Prepare. Spots fill up, so register early to get your preferred date. Check your Columbia College email for available sessions and registration links. Families and supporters are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Q4: When should I submit my housing form, and when will I get my assignment?

Submit your housing form as early as possible. Students who complete it before the priority deadline get the best residence hall and roommate selection. If you need accessibility accommodations, submit that request at the time of confirmation. Housing assignments are emailed to your Columbia College email after the priority deadline closes. If you submit your form after the deadline, your assignment will be processed on a rolling basis.

Q5: Do I need to buy textbooks?

Good news! Virtual textbooks are included in your tuition. Once classes begin, you'll have online access to all your course materials through Canvas. No bookstore runs, no extra costs. Just log in and start learning.

Q6: How does financial aid work, and when do I get my bill?

File your FAFSA as early as possible – Columbia College's school code is 003430. Your financial aid package will be finalized after your FAFSA is processed and all required documents are submitted. Tuition bills are generated and mailed in mid-June, so use the time between now and then to get your aid squared away. If you're setting up a payment plan, a 20% down payment is required to activate the arrangement. Our Financial Aid team is available year-round to walk you through your options – reach out early, not after the bill arrives.

Q7: How do I declare or switch my major?

Meet with your academic advisor — they'll help you officially declare or change your major and make sure your course plan stays aligned with your goals. You're never locked in. You can explore, shift directions, and grow along the way. That's what college is for.

Q8: How do I build my class schedule? Can I add or drop classes later?

You'll build your first schedule with your advisor during Connect, and they'll make sure your courses match your interests and degree path. Once the semester starts, there's a short add/drop period to make adjustments. Check with your advisor before making changes so your progress stays on track.

Q9: What is covered in the meal plan? Are there different types? 

Your meal plan gives you access to campus dining options offering a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the day. Multiple plans are available to fit your lifestyle, whether you’re a full-time resident or a commuter grabbing lunch between classes. Explore all options on the Dining Services page.

Q10: What academic support is available if I need help?

Columbia College has a full network of academic support: the Pearce Communication Center for writing and tutoring help, the Mastery Lab for subject-specific tutoring, study workshops, and success coaching. You don't have to be struggling to use these — the strongest students are often the ones who show up early and often.

Q11: What's your best piece of advice for new students?

Three things: (1) Get involved early — join something in your first two weeks. A club, an intramural team, a campus event — anything. (2) Ask for help before you need it — your professors and advisors want to hear from you, and the earlier the better. (3) Show up — to events, to office hours, to the things that feel optional. The students who thrive at Columbia College are the ones who say yes. You're not just attending this school — you're joining a community that's already in your corner.