Pregnancy Policy | Students

Columbia Residential understands that pregnancy can bring new challenges and changing needs, especially while balancing the demands of an academic program. We are committed to providing flexibility, compassion, and clear guidance to support residents during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Eligibility for Family Housing During Pregnancy

Students who are in their third trimester (within 12 weeks of their due date) are eligible to apply for Columbia Residential family housing.

To confirm eligibility, students should email [email protected] with:

  • Notification of your pregnancy and your expected due date
  • A clear request indicating whether they are seeking:
    • A transfer to family housing
    • Continued occupancy during a medical leave of absence
    • Early cancellation of their housing agreement

Each request is reviewed with care, and Columbia Residential will collaborate with campus partners, including the student’s school, or Title IX to identify the most supportive options.

Transferring to Family Housing

Students in their third trimester may request a transfer to family housing at different points in the application cycle, as outlined below:

  • October through March: Students may submit a general transfer request and update their status to Family with Children, which allows them to view and select from all available family housing units.

  • April through September: Outside of the general transfer period students should email [email protected] to request an off-cycle transfer. In these cases, Columbia Residential staff will work directly with the student to identify and assign a suitable unit from the available inventory.

    To remain eligible for family housing:

    • Dependents must reside in the unit full-time.
    • Within 90 days of birth, residents must complete a Couple and Family Verification to ensure that Columbia’s limited family housing inventory continues to support households with dependent needs.
Continued Occupancy During a Medical Leave of Absence

Students who are pregnant and currently living in Columbia Residential housing may request to remain in their unit during a medical leave of absence (MLOA), provided they are expected to resume enrollment the following semester.

To request continued occupancy, residents should email [email protected].
Columbia Residential will confirm eligibility with the student’s school, and/or Title IX as appropriate.

Moving Out After Graduation or the End of Housing Eligibility

Columbia Residential recognizes that relocating late in pregnancy or during the postpartum period can be especially challenging. While housing agreement terms cannot be extended beyond their scheduled end date, flexibility may be available to support students in planning their move-out.

Students whose housing eligibility ends while they are 32 weeks pregnant through 8 weeks postpartum may request to end their housing agreement early without a cancellation fee to transition to off-campus housing, if that timing better supports their well-being.

Please note that cancellation fees are not applied during the final month of the housing agreement, and rent is not prorated during this period. Residents should plan their move-out accordingly.

To request an early move-out without penalty, students should email [email protected] and include:

  • Notification of pregnancy and expected due date
  • The planned move-out date

Requests related to pregnancy are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure individualized and compassionate consideration.

Columbia Residential is dedicated to supporting students through life events that intersect with their academic journey. We encourage any student who becomes pregnant to reach out to Columbia Residential and the Title IX Office as early as possible to discuss available housing options, eligibility requirements, and planning for the months ahead.

Our goal is to ensure that every student feels supported, informed, and cared for throughout their housing experience at Columbia.