Move In | Students

Columbia Residential welcomes students to their new home in university housing. To help ensure a smooth transition, residents are encouraged to review the guidelines and steps outlined below and prepare in advance for their move.

Move In Guidelines

  • Move-in appointments and key pickups are available Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM-3:00 PM (EST), excluding holidays.
  • Moving companies, or individuals moving large items or furniture must complete the move-in during business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
  • Moving companies must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance at least 48 hours prior to move.
  • Residents can move small items (such as luggage or small boxes) at any time.


Residents will receive detailed move-in instructions by email two weeks before their scheduled date and again 48 hours before their appointment. To ensure a smooth transition, incoming residents should also review the information below.

Preparing to Move In

Housing agreements are automatically sent via email through DocuSign within 24 hours of accepting a housing offer for students. All agreements are delivered to the Columbia email address associated with the resident.

  • The housing agreement must be signed within 14 days of receipt. Residents experiencing issues accessing the document should contact Columbia Residential promptly.
  • Once processed, a copy of the executed agreement will be emailed to the resident.
  • Requests to modify the move-in date after the agreement is signed will be approved in limited situations. Please review the changing move-in dates for details.

 

Residents are encouraged to review the following policies in advance of booking travel to ensure a smooth arrival and move-in process:

  • Verify that the housing agreement has been signed; keys will not be released otherwise.
  • Plan travel to arrive on time for the scheduled move-in appointment, allowing for possible delays. (traffic, luggage retrieval, immigration and customs processes, etc.)
  • Special moving procedures apply at Lionsgate and New Residence Hall; residents should review and follow their respective guidelines.
    • Lionsgate (520 West 112th Street): Follow the Lionsgate Move-In/Move-Out Guidelines.
    • New Residence Hall (517 West 121st Street): Refer to the Teachers College Housing Move-Out Guidelines.
  • Ensure moves involving moving companies or large items are scheduled during business hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).
  • If using a moving company, residents must submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) to Columbia Residential at least 48 hours before the move.
  • Review the Furnished Unit inventory (if applicable) and resident responsibilities to determine what items you will need to pack or purchase.
  • Consider temporary accommodation in case of travel delays.  See Columbia University's Visitor Center for a list of accommodations with discounted rates.

Columbia Residential housing is billed monthly through Student Financial Services (SFS), with charges available in Student Services Online (SSOL).

  • Rent is posted mid-month for the upcoming month and is due on the first day of each month.
  • The first month’s rent is prorated based on the move-in date.
  • The $750 reservation fee is credited to the account after move-in.

Incoming students should review the Billing and Payments Information page for full details.

Residents should review both optional and required insurance to ensure they have coverage that meets their needs.

  • Renters Insurance: Renter’s insurance is strongly recommended for students. It provides coverage for personal belongings in case of damage, loss, or theft, as well as liability protection if someone is injured in the apartment.
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI): Residents using a moving company must submit a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) to [email protected] at least 48 hours before the scheduled move-in date.

Packages cannot be accepted prior to move-in. Incoming residents should make arrangements for secure delivery and holding options.

On Move-In Day

Residents will receive move-in appointment instructions via email two weeks before their scheduled move-in date and again 48 hours before their appointment to help them prepare. Move-In instructions designating the location, time, and superintendent information will be provided in advance by email.

  • Residents must arrive on time for their appointment.
  • Delays should be reported to the superintendent listed in the appointment email. If unavailable, contact the backup superintendent or Columbia Residential at (212) 854-9300.
  • Residents must arrive on time for their appointment.
  • Any delays should be reported directly to the superintendent listed in the appointment email. If the superintendent is unavailable, residents should contact the backup superintendent or Columbia Residential at (212) 854-9300.
  • Residents arriving after 4:00 p.m. must arrange alternative accommodation until the next business day. Columbia University's Visitor Center provides information on nearby accommodations, including options with discounted rates.

New residents will receive keys during their move-in appointment.

  • Only the tenant of record may pick up keys, with verification required via Columbia University ID or government-issued ID.
  • Single residents receive one set of keys; couples or families receive two sets if all residents are present at pickup.

Street-parking is standard in NYC and is extremely limited. Residents with vehicles should ensure they read all parking signs carefully, do not leave illegally parked cars unattended, and avoid blocking other vehicles or obstructing the road while unloading.

For any building-related issues on move-in day, residents should contact the Superintendent for assistance or submit a Maintenance Request.

Columbia Residential is excited to welcome students into their new homes on campus. Moving to New York City and starting a new chapter can feel like a big transition, and our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible. By preparing in advance and following the guidelines provided, residents can look forward to a successful move-in experience and a comfortable start to their time in University housing.

If questions come up before or during move-in, students are encouraged to reach out to Columbia Residential for guidance—we are here to help every step of the way.