New Student Checklist

New Student Checklist

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Columbia University Doctor of Physical Therapy program! Now that you have made the decision to join the Columbia community, please refer to the checklist below for helpful tips on what to do next:

Item 1: Submit your deposit via the payment portal: Tuition Deposits for Programs in Physical Therapy

  • $1,000 - due by January 15
  • $500 - due by April 1

Item 2: Send Final Official Transcripts via email to: ptadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu. This includes:

  • Pre-requisite coursework that was incomplete at time of application
  • Degree conferral

Item 3: Connect with your cohort!

  • Join the Class of 2029 Facebook Group (Coming Soon)
  • Follow us on Instagram 
  • Participate in Class of 2029 Town Halls (Coming Soon)

Item 4: Activate Uni

Your UNI (University Network ID) is your login name and password to access many online services at Columbia. You will receive your UNI and steps to activate via PTCAS email. 

If you have received your UNI but have difficulty activating it, please contact 5-Help (212-305-4357), option 5.

Item 5: Provide Required Health Information

Students must complete a two-step process to submit all required health information. Failure to submit this information by stated deadlines will result in delays to course registration and on-campus housing access.

For more information about the Columbia University requirements, please visit the Student Health website.

Item 6: Find housing as needed

On-campus and Off-campus housing options are available. Deadlines apply to on-campus housing opportunities. Many DPT students often live together as roommates. Students have opportunities to connect through social media platforms (GroupMe and Facebook) and our virtual Town Hall meetings. 

If you have additional questions regarding on-campus housing, please email: housingservices@cumc.columbia.edu.

Item 7: Submit two photos by required deadlines 

University ID Card Photo (Deadline Coming Soon)

Submit your ID photo (used for building access and as your Columbia ID card) through the Columbia University ID Center's online systemPlease note you can only access this portal if your UNI has been activated. For additional information, visit the ID card office website

ID Card Photo Requirements:

  • Must be a color JPEG file
  • Plain, light-colored background (no landscapes or distracting backgrounds)
  • Face straight ahead, with your head and shoulders clearly visible 
  • No sunglasses or hats
  • You can upload a selfie or select a photo from your photo gallery
  • File size must be under 100kb

Class Composite Photo (Due August 1st, 2026)

In addition to the ID photo, please email a headshot photo for the Class of 2029 composite roster to ptadmissions@cumc.columbia.edu by August 1st, 2026. Please note that this image will represent your professional presence at the University. This can be the same photo you use for your ID card if it meets the following criteria: 

  • Avoid tank tops or sports logos (a button-down or solid-colored shirt is preferred)
  • Use a plain, light-colored background
  • Face straight ahead, with your head and shoulders clearly visible
  • Leave some space above your head and crop the photo at chest level

Item 8: Review Important Program Dates

All first-year students are required to attend our on-campus Orientation Week, which is held for four days during the week prior to Labor Day (Monday-Thursday). Orientation Week includes training sessions, campus tours, and plenty of opportunities for socialization and fun! Academic classes for all cohorts begin the Tuesday after Labor Day. For more details, please refer to our Academic Calendar