FAQ | 542 West 112th Street Relocation
This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about the upcoming housing transition for residents of 542 West 112th Street. Our goal is to offer clear information and guidance to help you prepare for the move and understand the support available to you.
We will continue to update this page as new details become available.
Please thoroughly review, if your question is not addressed here, contact us directly at [email protected].
Timing & Eligibilty
No immediate action is required.
However, if your affiliation ends on May 31, 2026, and you need housing beyond that date, you must submit an affiliation review request by January 31, 2026 to participate in the Priority Transfer.
You can check your affiliation as well as submit this request within the Housing Portal.
Key deadlines depend on your situation.
- January 31: Critical deadline to submit an Affiliation Review Request and the 542 West 112th Street Transition Form.
- The Transition Form is aimed to help guide you and us through housing selection based on whether you wish to move within or before May 31st.
- Priority transfer rounds will be scheduled based on this form and the needs of the community.
Yes. Residents whose housing eligibility/affiliation extends beyond May 31, 2026 will be eligible for a Priority Transfer into another Columbia Residential unit.
You can check your eligibility/affiliation as well as submit your Transfer Application within the Housing Portal.
It may, as eligibility is determined through the affiliation review process in coordination with your school. If your academic plans are uncertain, you should work directly with your School Housing Liaison so your situation can be reviewed individually.
Transfers & Housing Options
Eligible residents should submit the 542 West 112th Street Transition Form by January 31. Additionally, participants should submit a Transfer application. We will then schedule the Priority Transfer based on the needs of the community.
We will schedule these rounds based on information collected within the 542 West 112th Street Transition Form.
There will be more than one round, and you may participate in as many as needed. To take part, you must submit a Transfer Application.
We will do our best to provide desirable and comparable housing options, but please note that specific unit types or availability cannot be guaranteed.
Yes. Eligible Priority Transfer participants will select their unit from the available inventory through the Housing Selection process.
Please know, not every unit has a floorplan. Residents who would like to View the Unit they select may do so once the apartment’s “Earliest Available Move-In Date” has passed.
Inventory will reflect the units available at the time of selection, and while we cannot guarantee a specific unit type or availability, additional options may become available over time, so we encourage you to continue checking the Housing Portal.
If the available on-campus options do not meet your needs, you may also wish to explore the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace for additional housing opportunities.
Yes. Transfer units will be offered at the rent associated with the new apartment. All transfer agreements will end May 31, 2026. Any renewal for the 2026–2027 year will be subject to the standard annual rent increase (2-5%).
You may apply again, we will schedule more than one round, provided you meet eligibility requirements.
If options within the Housing Portal do not your needs, we encourages exploring the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace for alternative housing opportunities.
Prioritization & Guarantees
Priority transfer means you will participate in a dedicated housing selection period before all other student transfers, with inventory reserved specifically for residents impacted by this transition.
Standard student transfer procedures and guidelines still apply.
Housing beyond May 31 is contingent on housing eligibility and available inventory. While specific types of apartments cannot be guaranteed, Columbia Residential is committed to ensuring eligible residents are able to select another unit that meets their needs.
Move-Out & Logistics
All approved transfers must be completed within 7–14 days of housing selection or offer. If the unit’s listed ready date is later, your move will take place within one week of that ready date. This timeline helps ensure a smooth transition for all residents involved.
All units offered through the priority transfer process will be ready for move-in no later than May 28, 2026, allowing sufficient time to complete your move before the building closes.
No. May 31, 2026 is a firm move-out date, and short-term extensions into June are not available due to required infrastructure work in the building.
Yes. You may vacate at any time before May 31, 2026. We will prorate based on your move-out date and waive the $1000 cancellation fee for your convenience.
Transfers follow the standard student transfer process, and moving assistance is not provided. Residents may choose to move on their own belongings or use a moving company. If you plan to use movers, we recommend selecting a reputable, licensed provider and reviewing pricing, insurance, and customer feedback in advance.
Billing & Agreement-Related Questions
No. You are responsible for rent only for the time you occupy the unit. If you move out at any time before May 31, 2026, we will prorate based on your move-out date and waive the $1000 cancellation fee for your convenience.
Carefully review Moving-Out for further guidance on next steps and fees.
Your current apartment will be pro-rated through your move-out date and rent for your new unit will begin the following day, based on occupancy. Our transfer billing process ensures that you are not double billed during this transition.
Yes. All agreements will end on May 31, 2026.
If you renew for the 2026–2027 academic year, the renewal will be subject to the standard annual rent increase (2-5%).
No. There is no reservation fee required to accept a transfer offer. Carefully review Transferring for further details.
Summer & Fall Planning
If you vacate for the summer, you will need to:
- Submit a new Housing Application for Fall 2026.
- Housing beyond May 31, 2026 is not automatic and requires a new application for review and approval by your school.
- If approved and you remain eligible, you may participate in a Fall Housing Selection round.
Accessibility & Special Circumstances
All approved accommodations will be carried forward. Residents requiring individualized housing considerations will receive direct outreach and may be assigned housing that best meets their needs.
Existing sublets will be reviewed and addressed individually. No new sublets will be approved for this building.
Support & Communication
Targeted emails with next steps, timelines, and selection instructions will be sent throughout this process. Please be sure your university email address is active so as not to miss any updates.
Individualized support will also be provided throughout this process.
You may contact Columbia Residential at [email protected] or (212) 854-9300, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM.
Office Hours
10:00 AM-12:00 PM (EST)
02:00 PM-04:00 PM (EST)