Gender Preferences in Shared Housing

Columbia Residential is committed to fostering student choice and engagement in housing decisions. Gender preferences can expand housing options and ensure students can select accommodations that best suit their needs.

Columbia Residential offers Gender Neutral Housing, allowing students to reside with others regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. This option is designed for students who wish to share a room or apartment with others who identify differently than themselves.

  • Students must opt in to be considered for Gender Neutral Housing.
  • If you have opted into gender neutral housing, you will be shown single gender units specific to your eligibility and gender-neutral units.

Single-gender housing is the default setting for housing applications. Students who do not opt in for gender neutral housing will only be able to view and select single-gender units.

Single-gender housing does not restrict residents from having guests of other genders as long as they are in accordance with the Columbia Residential Guest Policy.  Residents in apartment shares are encouraged to discuss their guest preferences and needs early to establish clear expectations and promote a respectful living environment.

  • In apartment shares, Gender Neutral Housing is available in two- and three-bedroom apartments.
  • In dormitories, most suites are gender neutral; however, individual bedrooms remain single-gender.
  • Housing selection listings will indicate whether a unit is single-gender or gender neutral.
  • Residents who are open to sharing common spaces with students of any gender can expand their housing options by changing this preference in the Housing Portal, navigating to the Tenant Profile, and selecting “YES” for Gender Neutral Housing.   
Tab to Update Gender Preference
Button to Update Gender Preference

Columbia Residential discourages students in romantic relationships from living together in shared apartments or dormitories, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Instead, students in romantic relationships who wish to live with their partner are encouraged to apply for couples housing.

Applicants are encouraged to review this information carefully to select the gender preference option that best meets their needs. For additional guidance or questions, residents may contact Columbia Residential at [email protected].