Columbia University: Grad Students And Dorm Living

Housing is a significant concern for graduate students at Columbia University in New York City. While the university offers a range of housing options for its students, it is important to note that Columbia Housing does not accommodate graduate students. This means that graduate students need to explore alternative housing options, such as off-campus accommodations or private rentals. However, the university does manage a large number of apartment buildings in the surrounding area, providing a variety of housing options for students, including shared apartments, studio units, and family accommodations.

Graduate students are not housed by Columbia Housing

The university does offer housing to first-year students, requiring them to live on campus and guaranteeing them housing for up to four years, provided they maintain their eligibility. First-year students have five residence hall options: Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, John Jay Hall, Wallach Hall, and Hartley Hall.

Columbia Residential manages 150 apartment buildings, most of which are located in the neighbourhoods of Morningside Heights, Manhattan Valley, and Manhattanville. University housing is also available in Riverdale, a 20-minute shuttle bus ride from campus. Apartment shares are the most common form of student housing, with residents responsible for cleaning common areas and their own rooms.

While Columbia Housing does not cater to graduate students, specific schools within the university offer housing for their graduate students. For example, Columbia Law School students can reside in Lenfest Hall, a luxury high-rise with furnished studio and one-bedroom units. The Law School also owns apartments in Morningside Gardens, providing private and shared apartments for eligible law students.

Additionally, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has made arrangements with Teachers College to lease a limited number of efficiency units at their New Residence Hall. These units are only available to students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of General Studies.

Graduate students can apply for housing at the New Residence Hall

Graduate Students at Columbia University

Graduate students at Columbia University cannot live in undergraduate dorms. However, graduate students can apply for housing at the New Residence Hall, which is located at 517 West 121st Street. This residence hall is specifically for students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the School of General Studies.

The New Residence Hall offers efficiency units with private bathrooms. The smaller units, averaging 200 square feet, have shared common kitchens, while the larger units, averaging 250 square feet, feature private kitchenettes. All units come furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair, table and chair, floor lamp, chest of drawers, and a closet/wardrobe. The monthly rent for these units includes utilities.

While the New Residence Hall does provide an option for graduate student housing, it is important to note that Columbia Housing does not accommodate graduate students. This means that graduate students seeking housing will need to explore options beyond the traditional university housing system.

In addition to the New Residence Hall, graduate students at Columbia University can consider other housing options such as apartment shares, studio apartments, or one-bedroom apartments. These options are available in various neighbourhoods, including Morningside Heights, Manhattan Valley, and Manhattanville. The University also has housing in Riverdale, the Bronx, which is a short shuttle bus ride from campus.

When considering housing options, graduate students should review the student housing policies and explore the different residential buildings offered by Columbia Residential. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that priority for specific housing types, such as studio and one-bedroom units, is given to couples and families.

First-year students are guaranteed housing for up to four years

Housing for first-year students at Columbia University

First-year students at Columbia University are required to live on campus and are guaranteed housing for up to four years, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. The university offers a range of housing options to cater to the diverse needs of its first-year students. Here is everything you need to know about housing as a first-year student at Columbia University:

On-Campus Housing Guarantee

First-year students at Columbia University are guaranteed on-campus housing for their first year and up to three additional years, totalling four years of guaranteed housing. This guarantee provides a sense of security and convenience for incoming students, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits without worrying about accommodation.

Residence Period

The residence period for first-year students typically begins in late August and continues until mid-May, including all university holiday breaks. This extended period ensures that students have a consistent place to call home during their entire first academic year.

First-Year Residential Options

Columbia University offers five different housing options specifically for first-year students: Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, John Jay Hall, Wallach Hall, and Hartley Hall. These residence halls are conveniently located near essential campus facilities such as the Butler Library, Alfred Lerner Hall, and John Jay Dining Hall, fostering a strong sense of community.

Application and Assignment Process

The housing application process for first-year students typically begins in early April, with notifications of assignments sent via email by July. Students can indicate their preference for a particular hall and may also request to participate in Bag Drop Day, allowing them to access their rooms early to drop off their belongings.

Special Accommodations

Columbia University provides various special accommodations to meet the diverse needs of its student body. Disability accommodations are available for students with disabilities that may impact their housing arrangements. Additionally, the university offers accommodations related to gender expression or identity, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Commuter Options

While most first-year students are required to live on campus, there are exceptions for those with extenuating circumstances. Students who wish to commute from their parent's or guardian's home must obtain approval from Residential Life and complete the Housing Application, indicating their request for commuter approval.

In summary, first-year students at Columbia University can rest assured that they are guaranteed on-campus housing for up to four years. The university provides a range of housing options, a straightforward application process, and accommodations to ensure a comfortable and convenient transition into student life.

Students with disabilities can request accommodations

Graduate students at Columbia University do not live in dorms. The University's Housing department does not accommodate graduate students. However, the University provides housing accommodations for students with disabilities. These accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the student's needs.

The types of housing accommodations provided depend on the student's specific needs. Examples of accommodations include wheelchair-accessible rooms and bathrooms, flashing fire alarms, and reduced number of roommates or single rooms.

Students requiring assistance animals must also participate in the Room Selection process. Columbia Housing does not offer special accommodations for approved assistance animals, but they do notify future roommates to avoid potential conflicts.

Students with approved air conditioners must also participate in Room Selection, as no special accommodations are provided for this.

The University is committed to providing educational opportunities and a positive experience for all students, including those with disabilities. It complies with relevant legislation, such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, to ensure accessibility and reasonable accommodations.

Students can seek off-campus housing through Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance

Graduate students at Columbia University cannot live in dorms on campus, as Columbia Housing does not accommodate them. However, students can seek off-campus housing through Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) programme. OCHA is a free service that helps students find rental housing in non-university-owned buildings in the metropolitan area.

OCHA provides an online database of available housing, as well as advice and resources to help students make informed decisions about their off-campus living arrangements. The programme's website includes an apartment hunting tool, the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace, which lists available rooms and apartments, as well as sublets in Columbia-managed housing. Prospective roommates can also post and search profiles to find suitable matches.

In addition to the online resources, OCHA also maintains regular office hours, providing students with in-person support and guidance. While OCHA does not function as a real estate or rental agency, it offers valuable assistance to students navigating the off-campus housing market.

It is important to note that Columbia University does not own, approve, or endorse the properties listed on the OCHA website. The university also does not inspect the rental units and disclaims any responsibility regarding the condition or quality of the accommodations. Students are encouraged to exercise their own judgment when evaluating prospective rentals and to ensure that all rental agreements are in writing.

By utilising the resources and support provided by OCHA, graduate students at Columbia University can confidently explore off-campus housing options and make well-informed decisions about their living arrangements.

Frequently asked questions