Eligibility | Students

Columbia Residential provides housing for students enrolled in housing-eligible, full-time degree programs. Because eligibility depends on a student’s enrollment status, program designation, financial standing, and school-specific policies, it is important for residents to understand these requirements in order to obtain and remain in University housing.

This page outlines which programs are eligible, the conditions for maintaining eligibility, and the timelines and limits that apply to different types of students. By reviewing these details in advance, students can better plan for their time in Columbia Residential housing and avoid unexpected changes to their housing status.

Housing-Eligible Degree Programs and Schools

  • Columbia Business School
  • Columbia Climate School
  • Columbia Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (graduate programs)
  • Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation
  • Columbia Journalism School
  • Columbia Law School
  • Columbia School of International and Public Affairs
  • Columbia School of Social Work
  • Columbia University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (Morningside campus only)
  • Columbia University School of General Studies
  • Columbia University School of Professional Studies (master’s students only)
  • Columbia University School of the Arts

Students who withdraw, or take a leave of absence are required to vacate within 30 days.  Students who graduate are no longer eligible for housing and must adhere to the move-out date associated with their degree conferral regardless of the current agreement’s end date. 

Not Eligible for Columbia Residential Housing

Some students are not eligible for Columbia Residential housing. We encourage these students to connect with the appropriate offices below (if applicable) for support in securing accommodations:

  • Executive or Online Programs: Students in these programs are not eligible for Columbia Residential housing.
  • Undergraduate Students: Students in Columbia College or Columbia Engineering should apply through Columbia Housing.
  • Graduate Students at CUIMC: Students in programs based at Columbia University Irving Medical Center should apply through CUIMC Housing.

Enrollment Requirements

To remain eligible for Columbia Residential housing, students must be continuously enrolled full-time in a housing-eligible degree program throughout their residency. Changes to enrollment status affect eligibility and may require students to vacate housing.

Please note:

  • Students enrolled in executive or online programs are not eligible for housing.
  • Students who withdraw, or take a leave of absence are required to vacate within 30 days. 
  • Students who graduate are no longer eligible for housing and must adhere to the move-out date associated with their degree conferral regardless of the current agreement’s end date. 

Financial Requirements

To maintain housing eligibility, residents must remain in good financial standing with Columbia University. This includes:

  • Staying current on all rental payments.
  • Having no unpaid balances or overdue charges.
  • Ensuring no active financial holds are placed on the student account.

A student’s time in housing is determined by their program length and the process through which they obtained housing—either through School-Allocation or the Open-Selection Process (formerly known as the Waitlist).

School Allocation vs. Open Selection

School-Allocated Housing: Residents who receive housing through an allocation from their school are typically eligible to remain in housing until their graduation date. However, eligibility may be subject to additional restrictions based on the school's or program’s housing policies.

Open-Selection Housing: Residents who secure housing through the Open Selection process may remain in housing only until May 31, unless their university affiliation ends earlier. 

Columbia Residential does not offer short-term housing. Housing agreements are granted for a minimum of one semester. 

PhD Students

  • Housing Limit: Up to five consecutive years, starting from the first date of registration.
  • Extensions: An additional one or two years (maximum of seven) may be approved by the Dean.
  • Vacating Housing:
    • Students must vacate within 60 days of their defense date, regardless of degree conferral date.
    • Students whose affiliation expires before their defense date must obtain an extension or vacate at the end of their agreement.

Master’s Students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

  • Housing Limit: Up to one year, starting from the first date of registration.
  • Extensions: Students in certain programs may request one additional semester with approval from their school.

Postbac Premed Students

Postbac Premed students enrolled in fewer than 12 credits may be eligible for housing only if they meet both of the following conditions:

  • Enrolled in at least 9 credits, and
  • Completing the clinical volunteer requirement of at least 3 hours per week (42 hours per semester).

Residents are encouraged to review the following information regarding application limitations, residency restrictions, and program changes to ensure compliance with Columbia Residential policies and procedures.

Single Application Limit

Students may submit only one housing application at a time and may be listed in only one University apartment, either as the primary resident or as a partner of a resident.

Current residents of Columbia Residential Housing cannot submit a new application until they have vacated their current unit.

Couple and Family Residents

Columbia Residential housing is available only to eligible residents and their partners and/or dependent children. Students should ensure their eligibility for Couple and Family Housing before applying.

Residents in Couple and Family Housing must immediately notify Columbia Residential of any occupancy changes and may be required to relocate. Failure to report changes may result in agreement termination or other penalties.

School or Program Changes

Housing eligibility is based on a student’s academic program. When a student changes programs or enrolls in an additional degree at Columbia, the new school or program must grant a housing allocation.

To begin this process, the student must submit an Affiliation Change Request. If the new school does not approve housing, the student will be required to vacate at the end of the current agreement. 

Students residing in school-specific housing may also be required to relocate to a unit that aligns with their updated eligibility.

Housing eligibility depends on full-time enrollment, program designation, and compliance with Columbia Residential policies. Because requirements can vary by program or change over time, students are encouraged to review them carefully and reach out with any questions. Our team is here to help make the process clear and to support students in planning their time in housing. For questions about eligibility, please contact us.