Housing Selection | Students

​​​​​​1. Accessibility

• A computer is strongly recommended for housing selection, as some features of the Housing Portal are not compatible with mobile devices.
• Students may log in to the Housing Portal before their appointment begins to confirm access. The self-selection page should be visible and match the preview provided in the portal.

2. Important Dates

• Students should consider their program’s academic needs and personal timeline in advance so they can select the most suitable move-in date
• Earliest available move-in dates will vary depending on the unit.

3. Participation Guidelines

• Students are encouraged to review the housing terms and conditions ahead of time. This saves time on the day of selection and ensures an informed decision.
• The “Select Unit” button will only become active once the terms and conditions have been accepted.

Students approved for housing may participate in Housing Selection simultaneously with their preferred roommates. They can review available shared apartments, and each select a unit within the same apartment. However, Columbia Residential does not guarantee that applicants will be able to live with their preferred roommate, as housing availability is limited.

Preferred Roommates Applying Together 

Columbia Residential understands that some students may hope to live with a preferred roommate. While this is not guaranteed due to limited availability, students approved for housing may coordinate with one another to participate in Housing Selection together. 

Coordinating Appointments  

• Students should align their login times with one another.
• If selection appointment periods do not overlap, students may email [email protected] to request an adjustment that aligns with the latest scheduled appointment.
• Students may use the “Show Completely Empty Apartments” filter to find options. Once one roommate selects a unit, the others should use the address filter to locate and select remaining rooms in that apartment- as it will no longer be empty.

Preferred Roommates Already in Housing 

Students who wish to live with a roommate already residing in Columbia Residential housing may be able to to select an available unit in the same apartment or suite through the housing selection process. To find the specific unit where their preferred roommate lives, applicants should use the address filter.

Mixed-Gender Roommate Groups 

All members of a mixed-gender roommate group must opt into Gender Neutral Housing and select a fully empty Gender Neutral apartment.

Columbia Residential offers a variety of housing options designed to support the diverse needs of the student community. Because housing inventory changes frequently, advance information about availability in specific units, buildings, or housing types cannot be provided.

Eligible students may view all options available to them during their scheduled housing selection appointment in the Housing Portal. If no units appear after clearing all filters, this indicates that there is no inventory available at that time.

Each unit listing provides helpful information, including:

• Building address, floor number, and unit number
• Apartment type (e.g., shared/private bedroom or bathroom)
• Number of available beds
• Floor plan (if available)
• Monthly rent
• Earliest move-in date
• Unit size and amenities (including whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished)
• Presence of an approved service or support animal 

Students can sort available units by address, size, or rent. They may also filter results by amenities, residence type, move-in date, rent, and unit size, making it easier to find the right fit.

Furnishings

Columbia Residential offers both furnished or unfurnished units.

• A description of included furniture in furnished units can be found here.
• Furniture cannot be removed from furnished units or added to unfurnished ones. Students should select a unit that best matches their needs.
• Bed removal for medical reasons may be requested through the Office of Disability Services. Students requiring additional furniture removal should select an unfurnished unit.

Sample Apartment Photos

Columbia Residential offers a diverse housing inventory with a variety of floor plans and finishes. While photos of individual units are not available, a gallery of sample apartment layouts and finishes can be viewed on the Accommodations page.

Columbia Residential understands that living with others is an important part of many students’ experience. Shared apartments provide an affordable option and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with fellow residents. Successful shared living depends on respect, communication, and collaboration. To help create a positive living environment, applicants are encouraged to complete the lifestyle preferences questionnaire in the Housing Portal to connect with compatible roommates.

Residents in shared units must adhere to the Roommate Rights and Responsibilities, which include:

• Residents are responsible for communicating directly and respectfully with roommates to address concerns and resolve conflicts.
• Columbia Residential does not mediate roommate disputes but can assist with housing policy violations and safety or wellness concerns.
• Common areas must be shared equitably and remain accessible to all assigned residents.
• Residents are expected to maintain clean, safe, and respectful living spaces.
• Privacy must be respected at all times; entry into a roommate’s private room requires permission.
• Residents must adhere to the Columbia Residential Guest Policy.
• All residents must follow University policies and contribute to a harassment-free living environment.

Students who cannot commit to these expectations should not select shared housing.

Roommate Information

• In the Housing Portal, students can view general information and lifestyle preferences of current occupants in shared units by clicking the blue “Select” button. Please note that occupancy details may change as residents move in or out.
• Students who receive a housing offer for a shared apartment will be provided with their roommates’ contact information (name, school, and email). Their own information will also be shared with assigned roommates.
• For dormitory-style suites, roommate contact information is not available, as these are self-contained units.

Once a housing selection is confirmed, students have two days to accept the offer via the Housing Portal. Offers expire at 11:59 PM ET on the expiration date listed in the offer.

Viewing Appointments

If the assigned unit is vacant and not under construction, students may schedule a viewing appointment with the superintendent through the Housing Portal once their housing selection is confirmed. In some cases, a viewing appointment may be scheduled prior to accepting the unit, if availability allows. Please note, however, that the acceptance deadline will not be extended to accommodate a viewing appointment.

• Viewings are available Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, excluding University holidays.
• Same-day appointments cannot be accommodated.
• A proxy may attend the viewing on behalf of the student, provided their name is listed in the appointment section of the offer screen during scheduling.

Steps to Accept the Offer:

1. Select a Move-In Date

• Move-in appointments and key pickups are available Monday–Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding holidays.
• Move-in cannot be scheduled before the unit’s listed availability date, which is determined by the completion of maintenance.
• Residents should select a move-in date that aligns with their schedule and allows sufficient time to settle in before the start of their program or orientation.
• When scheduling an appointment time, residents should account for travel time and potential delays. Residents who do not arrive by 4 p.m. will be unable to move in that day and must arrange alternative accommodation until the next business day. See Columbia University's Visitor Center for accommodations with discounted rates.

2. Pay the $750 Reservation Fee

• The reservation fee is payable by credit or debit card only and will be applied as a pre-payment toward the first month’s rent.
• No refunds will be issued if a student declines to move into the unit after accepting the offer.

Important Note: While unlikely, the University reserves the right to modify student housing assignments at any time before the execution of the rental agreement.

Changing Your Move-In Date

Once a student signs their housing agreement, changes to the move-in date may only be granted in limited circumstances. Columbia Residential encourages students to plan carefully when selecting their move-in date but understands that adjustments are sometimes necessary.

Requesting an Earlier Move-In Date:

• Requests must be submitted at least one week in advance of the desired earlier move-in date.
• Students cannot move in before the available move-in date listed in the Housing Portal.

• If an earlier move-in date is approved, residents will be required to sign and return a new housing agreement within 48 hours to reflect the updated dates.

Requesting a Later Move-In Date:

• Students unable to move in on their original date may contact Columbia Residential to request a later move-in appointment.
• If a later appointment is approved, the billing start date will not change and will remain the same as the date established during the housing selection process.

After accepting a housing offer, students will receive their agreement via DocuSign in their University email by the end of the day. Incoming residents must sign and submit the agreement within 14 days of receipt. Once complete, a copy of the fully signed agreement will be emailed to the residents for their records.

If the agreement is not signed by the deadline, the offer will be canceled, and Columbia Residential will assume housing is no longer needed.

Agreement Duration & Renewals

• Most agreements end on May 31.
• December 31 end dates may be issued for fall graduates.
• Renewal offers are sent 1–2 months before the current agreement ends and will include any annual rent increase (effective June 1).