Canceling Housing | Students
Columbia Residential understands that students’ academic and personal circumstances may change during their time at the University. To help residents plan ahead with confidence, this policy outlines how housing can be canceled, when fees may apply, and the steps residents should take if their housing situation changes.
Key Information
- Cancel anytime: Students may cancel housing at any time, but fees and deadlines may apply.
- Before Move-In: Reservation fees are non-refundable. Rent will be charged from the scheduled move-in date until cancelation is confirmed if advance notice is not provided.
- Move-Out Deadlines:
- Within 30 days of a change in affiliation, eligibility, or withdrawal (unless otherwise specified).
- Graduating students must follow the move-out period tied to their degree conferral (May, October, or February).
- PhD/Doctoral students must move out within 60 days of their defense.
- Overstays: Failing to vacate on time may result in a $1,000 overstay fee and possible legal proceedings.
- Fee Waiver Requests: May be considered in cases of unexpected extenuating circumstances, or for students participating in fieldwork, externships, or academic exchange.
Residents should review the full details below for a complete understanding of these policies.
- Students who accept a housing offer but later decide not to move in or attend the University must notify Columbia Residential by email.
- Residents who do not provide advance notice will be responsible for rent from the scheduled move-in date until the cancelation is confirmed.
- Please note that the reservation fee is non-refundable.
Residents who cancel their housing must:
- Submit a Move-Out Notification in the Housing Portal .
- Follow the Columbia Residential Move-out guidelines.
The chart below outlines when cancelation fees apply and how rent will be prorated.
Cancelation Fees and Rent Proration
- Reason for Move-Out
- Graduation
- End of Agreement
- End of Housing Affiliation
- Fee
- None
- Rent Proration
- Billed until the end of agreement or eligibility
- Reason for Move-Out
- Transfer to another Columbia Residential unit
- Required military service
- Official leave of absence or medical leave of absence
- Voluntary withdrawal
- Disciplinary separation including suspension or expulsion
- Fee
- None
- Rent Proration
- Billed until officially moved out
- Reason for Move-Out
- PhD defense
- Move-out within 60 days of defense date
- Fee
- None
- Rent Proration
- Billed until officially moved out
- Reason for Move-Out
- Any other time, including moving off-campus for any reason
- Fee
- $1000
- Rent Proration
- Billed until officially moved out
Unless otherwise specified, residents must move out within 30 days of a change in housing affiliation, eligibility status, or withdrawal.
- Students who graduate before their listed affiliation end must inform Columbia Residential by email and follow the move-out period tied to their degree conferral date:
- Degree Conferred
- May
- Move-Out Period
without Cancelation Fee - May 1-31
- Degree Conferred
- October
- Move-Out Period
without Cancelation Fee - August 1-31
- Degree Conferred
- February
- Move-Out Period
without Cancelation Fee - December 1-31
Failure to vacate within this period may result in a cancelation fee or overstay fee.
- Must vacate within 60 days of their defense date, regardless of when their degree is conferred.
- Must have an active housing agreement that includes that 60-day period to remain eligible.
Residents who do not vacate by their required move-out date may be charged a $1,000 overstay fee. In addition, the University may initiate legal proceedings if a resident remains in housing beyond their required move-out date.
Residents experiencing significant, unexpected, extenuating circumstances that require them to break their lease or cancel a housing offer may request a fee waiver.
Residents participating in Fieldwork, Externships, or Academic Exchange may also apply for this fee waiver. To be approved, students must meet all eligibility requirements and move-out deadlines associated with this process.
Request Process:
- Residents must submit supporting documentation with their request.
- Requests must be submitted within 10 days of the cancellation.
- For submission guidelines, refer to Fee Waiver Request.
Residents are encouraged to review the Moving-Out page for step-by-step guidance on next steps.
Columbia Residential is here to support students through every stage of their housing journey. By understanding these cancelation policies and communicating changes promptly, residents can plan their next steps with confidence and avoid unexpected fees.