Bar Housing Extensions

Graduating Columbia Law School students in good standing with the University may apply for an extension of their housing agreement to study for the New York Bar Exam.

Key Dates and Important Information
  • Application deadline: March 15
  • Extension period: June 1 – July 31
  • Decision deadline: May 5
  • Final move-out deadline: Residents must vacate University housing no later than July 31. Extensions beyond this date are not available.
  • Shorter housing needs: Students who require housing for a shorter period (up to 30 days beyond their agreement end date) should instead submit a  Short-Term Housing Request
  • Bar exam registration: Approved residents must be registered for the New York State Bar Exam by May 3. Students who are not registered must vacate housing by May 31.
  • Agreement requirement: Approved residents must sign the Bar Housing Extension Agreement via DocuSign by May 15.
  • Subletting restriction: Residents approved for Bar Housing may not sublet during the extension period or during the 30 days prior to the end of their agreement..
  • Summer construction notice: Residents should anticipate daytime construction noise during the summer months, which is the busiest period for maintenance and renovation work.

Bar Housing Extensions are limited and subject to unit availability and operational needs.

Financial Commitments

Students approved for Bar Housing Extensions should carefully review the following charges and policies before applying:

  • Monthly rent will be billed at the new academic year rental rate which includes the standard annual rent increase.
  • A 20% monthly administrative fee will be applied for each month based on the updated rent amount.
    • Exception: This fee is waived for students graduating in May 2026 only.
  • Administrative fees for the extension period will be billed to the student account in early June and will not be prorated for residents who vacate prior to the end of the extension period.
  • Residents who remain in housing beyond July 31 will be billed for additional days and assessed a $1,000 overstay penalty.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be in good standing with the University
  • Be scheduled to graduate in May
  • Have no outstanding balance on their student account and be current on rental payments
  • Intend to remain for the full Bar Housing period
  • Successfully pass a unit inspection conducted by building staff

Please note: Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval. All short-term extensions are subject to unit availability and operational needs and therefore cannot be assured.

Residents who wish receive the bar housing extension should submit an application by March 15 for consideration:

  1. Log into the  Housing Portal
  2. Select Tenant Profile and update your affiliation end date to the last day of the Bar Housing period.
  3. Select "New York Bar Exam Housing Extension" as the reason for your request.

Residents will receive a decision via email by May 5.

  • Approved: The resident must sign the housing extension agreement by May 15.
  • Denied: The resident must vacate University housing by May 31

All cancelation requests must be submitted in writing to [email protected].

  • May 1 – 31: Move-out required by May 31; rent will be billed until May 31.
  • June 1 – 30: Move-out required between June 1-30; subject to a $1,000 cancelation fee. Rent will be prorated based on the move-out date.
  • July 1 – July 31: No cancellation fee; rent billed until move-out date.