Student Life in the Summer
Student Life in the Summer
Get to know classmates over lunch, find a favorite study spot, and discover campus beyond your classroom. Student life at Barnard gives you opportunities to build friendships and become more comfortable in a college setting.
Whether you commute each day or live on campus, you’re part of the Pre-College community. Explore what your summer can look like, from campus activities and time in New York City to the resources and support available along the way.
The Commuter Experience
Spend your day at Barnard while returning home or to your local accommodations afterward. Weekday campus dining is included, giving you time to share meals with classmates. You’ll also have access to campus and library resources for studying and completing assignments between scheduled commitments.
Planning Your Day
Plan your commute around your program’s full schedule, including required activities beyond class meetings. Students and families are responsible for arranging daily transportation to and from campus.
The Residential Experience
Make Barnard your home during your institute session. Living on campus gives you more time to get to know other students after the academic day ends, whether you’re catching up with roommates or joining an evening activity.
Residential staff help you settle in and navigate daily life in a shared community. Organized evening and weekend activities offer opportunities to spend time together and experience New York City.
Included With Your Stay
Residential enrollment includes campus housing, meals seven days a week, and linens. You’ll also have access to Barnard’s LeFrak Center Gym.
Housing assignments, arrival instructions, and residential policies will be shared with enrolled students before the program begins.
Explore New York City
Get to know New York City with your Pre-College community. Staff-led outings offer a break from academic work and time to connect with other students while exploring together.
PCP excursions are included in tuition. Examples could include:
- Park outings: Spend time in Central Park or explore the High Line with your group.
- Museum visits: Discover art, science, or New York City history at cultural institutions.
- Neighborhood walks: Get to know different parts of the city through staff-led exploration.
Optional Excursions
The Premium Excursion Package includes a ticket to a Broadway show, subject to performance dates and ticket availability, and a trip to either The Edge or the Empire State Building.
A separate Luna Park in Coney Island outing is offered on July 4, during Session I.
These experiences carry additional fees.
Support and Well-Being
You’ll have people to turn to as you settle into life at Barnard. For commuter and residential students, the Pre-College team is a starting point for everyday questions and help finding additional support.
Foundations for Well-Being
Preparing for college includes understanding what helps you feel supported and ready to learn. This workshop series offers space to reflect on your well-being and explore practices you can use during the summer and beyond.
Planning for Individual Needs
Contact the Pre-College team early in the enrollment process to discuss accessibility or dietary needs. Staff can explain how to request accommodations and connect you with the appropriate campus offices to discuss arrangements.
Community Expectations
Being part of Pre-College means contributing to an environment where others can learn and feel welcome. Students are expected to attend required classes and activities, respect shared spaces, and follow program conduct policies.
Navigating Campus and the City
Students practice greater independence within clear program guidelines. Residential life includes curfews and sign-out procedures, while off-campus exploration follows established travel and safety expectations.
Enrolled students receive detailed policies and review expectations with staff during orientation.
Student Life FAQs
Find answers to common questions about commuting, living on campus, and spending your summer at Barnard.
Commuter students participate in their program’s required classes, activities, and core PCP excursions.
Information about commuter participation in optional evening and weekend activities will be shared with enrolled students.
Residential students stay in air-conditioned Barnard residence halls and share rooms with other Pre-College students. Housing assignments and details about your room will be shared before the program begins.
Roommate assignments consider the information students provide during the housing process. You may request to live with a friend, provided that you both request one another. Roommate requests are considered but cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Linens are included in residential enrollment at no additional charge. Review the program’s packing guidance for the personal items and other essentials you should bring. The package includes:
1 Twin XL fitted sheet and top sheet, a pillow, a blanket, a towel, and a washcloth
There are also a variety of stores in the area where housing items can be purchased.
Yes, during approved free time and within program travel guidelines. Students must follow sign-out procedures, travel with another Pre-College student, and stay within approved areas.
Required classes and program activities take priority over independent exploration.
Residential students must complete nightly sign-in and follow the designated times for returning to the residence hall and being in their assigned rooms.
The schedule and procedures are shared with enrolled students and reviewed during orientation.
Family visits and overnight absences are subject to the program’s visitor and approval policies. Contact the Pre-College team to discuss your plans in advance.
Any required permission must be confirmed before arrangements are made.
Morningside Heights is the 5th safest precinct in New York City. For further information, please see information from Community Safety.
Campus dining offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher options. Share food allergies and dietary needs during enrollment so staff can discuss available options and help coordinate appropriate arrangements.
Your Pre-College ID provides access to the Barnard and Columbia campuses. Students can use both institutions’ library resources in person and online.
An OMNY transit card is included for commuter and residential students in the noncredit institutes. Residential institute enrollment also includes access to Barnard’s LeFrak Center Gym.
Outside scheduled academic commitments, students have opportunities to spend time with classmates, join staff-led activities, and explore New York City. Campus community events and group outings help you get to know other students, while free time gives you space to catch up on assignments or relax.
Evening and weekend programming offers additional opportunities to connect with the Pre-College community. Activities vary by session, and some program events are required. Residential students may also explore independently during approved free time, following the program’s travel, sign-out, and curfew guidelines.
Contact the Pre-College team early in the enrollment process to discuss your accommodation needs. Staff can explain how to submit a request, identify any required documentation, and connect you with the appropriate campus offices.
Review our International Student FAQs for information about eligibility, required documentation, health insurance, and preparing for your arrival.
International students must have health insurance that covers them in the United States for the full duration of the program. Students and families are responsible for arranging travel and transportation to campus. Residential students should plan around their assigned check-in and check-out windows, as early move-in and extended stays cannot be accommodated.
Contact pcp@barnard.edu with program-specific questions before finalizing your arrangements. For visa and entry requirements, consult official U.S. government resources.
Questions About Student Life?
From planning your daily commute to understanding residential life, our Pre-College team can help you prepare for your summer at Barnard. Contact us with questions about campus life, student activities, or your individual needs.
Already admitted? Visit the Admitted Students FAQ for packing guidance, travel information, and next steps before your program begins.