Athletics
At Columbia, we have a long tradition of embracing athletics as a context for the pursuit of excellence and the building of friendships. It’s also a way to attend to the needs of the body, maintaining balance with our pursuit of the life of the mind.
As a student, you’ll find an array of opportunities to get involved, whether on the field or cheering alongside it. From varsity sports to personal training, there’s a way for everyone to share Lion pride and maintain fitness.
Varsity Sports
Columbia is an original member of the Ivy League, competing against other New England schools with proud traditions and a long history of rivalry. We field 31 NCAA Division I varsity teams and have taken home 15 Ivy League Championships since 2007.
As a student at Columbia, tickets are always free. So take a study break and enjoy cheering on your team with friends.
Intramural and Club Sports
You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to play a sport at Columbia. There are 40+ club and intramural sports for you to try with opportunities for students at all levels.
In our intramural programs, compete against fellow Columbia students in sports including basketball, volleyball, and soccer in your choice of leagues from the intensely competitive to the more relaxed and recreational.
Club sports encompass a surprising breadth of activities from rock climbing to rugby to ballroom dancing. Some clubs compete on a regional or even national level.
Fitness
If team activities aren’t your style, consider one of these ways to release stress and add healthy movement to your schedule.
- Fitness Classes — The Department of Physical Education & Recreation offers a number of classes each semester through the Dodge Fitness Center, including indoor cycling, functional fitness, and personal training.
- The Dodge Fitness Center — As a student, you’ll have access to extensive facilities for every kind of exercise, including an indoor track, cardiovascular and strength training equipment, a gymnasium, an Olympic-sized pool, and more.
- Free Pop-Up Classes — Enjoy an easy way to move and discover something new with offerings like Barre, functional fitness, and yoga.