Guests & Visitors | Students

Columbia Residential values the sense of community that comes from welcoming friends and family into our residents’ homes. To ensure that all members of the community feel safe, respected, and comfortable, residents and their guests are expected to follow the policies below.

General Guidelines

  • Residents are responsible for ensuring that both they and their guests comply with all Columbia Residential and Columbia University policies.
  • This policy applies to residents in Columbia Residential. Undergraduate students in Columbia College (CC) and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) should review the undergraduate guest policy for more information.
  • Guests must always be accompanied by their host and may not access the building or apartment without the host present. Keys may not be given to guests.
  • Hosts are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times. Guests must follow all Columbia Residential policies as well as federal, state, and local laws.
  • Single-gender housing does not restrict residents from having guests of other genders.
  • Residents may host a guest overnight for up to four (4) nights per month.
    Guests must stay in the host’s room and are not permitted to sleep in empty bedrooms, lounges, or public spaces.
  • Residents may not accept payment, services, or any other form of compensation from a guest in exchange for their stay. Doing so is considered a violation of the housing agreement.
  • Hosting a guest for more than four nights may result in a guest violation and/or referral to Student Conduct.
  • In apartment shares and dorms, residents must notify their roommate(s) or suitemate(s) in advance of a guest’s arrival. Notification is required to promote respect and awareness in shared living spaces, but roommates’ consent is not required.
  • Residents hosting guests in shared spaces must continue to follow all Columbia Residential Guest Policies.
  • Single-gender housing does not restrict residents from having guests of other genders.
  • Columbia Residential encourages roommates to communicate openly and, when possible, establish a roommate agreement at the start of their living arrangement to set expectations and maintain mutual respect. For more information, residents are encouraged to review Roommate Rights and Responsibilities.
  • Residents with concerns about a guest should first speak directly with the host, and if necessary, contact Columbia Residential for support.
  • Failure to follow the guest policy may result in guest privileges being revoked. Students found in violation of Columbia Residential policies will be referred to the Center for Student Success and Intervention.
  • Columbia Residential, Public Safety, and other University staff reserve the right to revoke a guest’s or visitor’s access to the building if they cause disruption or difficulties for other residents.
  • New Residence Hall (517 West 121st Street): Guests are permitted, and guest passes are required. Review the Teachers College Guest Policy, which can be found on their website.

Columbia Residential is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful community where residents can enjoy hosting friends and family while ensuring the comfort and safety of all. Residents are encouraged to be thoughtful hosts, communicate clearly with roommates, and reach out to Columbia Residential with any questions about this policy.