Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT) provides services, tools, and support to help you succeed inside and outside of the classroom. When you need tech help on campus, you can contact the CUIT Service Desk.
Before classes begin, we recommend you take a few moments to become familiar with some technology basics, from connecting to WiFi to on-campus printing. Learn more about activating your UNI, navigating CourseWorks, safeguarding your electronic devices, and more!
The first and most important step you need to take before arriving at Columbia is activating your University Network ID (UNI). Your UNI is the log-in name and password you will use to access many online services at Columbia. Your UNI is also the first part of your official Columbia email address.
Once you have successfully activated your UNI, you will be able to access Columbia's secure online applications, including Student Services Online (SSOL), CourseWorks, online library resources, and much more.
Your Columbia Gmail, also known as LionMail, is Columbia's state-of-the-art email, contacts, and calendaring system powered by Google. Once your UNI is activated, set up your LionMail @ Columbia account.
High-speed WiFi and Internet access are available to everyone, including visitors, inside and outside most buildings on all Columbia University campuses. On your device, you may join the more secure WiFi option, “Columbia U Secure,” which we recommend, or you can join the open network “Columbia University.”
Students living in the residence halls have access to a high speed 802.11N wireless network. Keep in mind that the use of personal wireless routers is not allowed due to issues of network reliability and security.
If you have not activated your UNI, that is the first step! Once you have an active Columbia email address, all you need to do is log into Columbia’s zoom portal at columbiauniversity.zoom.us. You will be prompted to login with your UNI and password. Please note, a variety of official University virtual programs will require you to log in with this account associated with your CU email address.
Columbia University maintains certain policies with regard to the use and security of its computer systems, networks, and information resources. All students using Columbia's network and systems — regardless of whether you are using a personal device to access them — must adhere to the Columbia University IT policies. These policies govern privacy, data monitoring, acceptable usage, proper conduct, and ways to safeguard your own privacy and security.
PawPrint provides you with a simple and flexible way to print in many locations on campus. Single- or double-sided documents printed in black and white cost 0.10 Printing Dollars per sheet; single-sided documents printed in color cost 1 Printing Dollar per sheet. If you expend your total amount, you can purchase additional Printing Dollars online at the PawPrint Print Center.
You can manage your courses with CourseWorks (also known as “CW” or “Canvas”), which is Columbia's learning management system. On CourseWorks, you can access your syllabi, discussion boards, online assignments, and tests.
You can also find required pre-arrival tutorials, trainings, and forms in CourseWorks. After you log in using your Columbia UNI and password, click "accept" to access the tutorial specific to your school. You will receive an email, sent to your Columbia LionMail, providing access to your required tutorials and forms in July. Contact preorientation@columbia.edu if you have questions.
Public Safety can facilitate the engraving of your laptop, mobile devices or other property with a unique code to make it easy to identify your property if it is stolen. To learn more and make an appointment, visit the Public Safety website.