Housing Options For Columbia's Graduate Students

Columbia University in New York offers housing for graduate students. The housing is offered through Columbia Residential and is available for students enrolled full-time in a housing-eligible degree program on the Morningside or Manhattanville campus. The inventory consists of apartment shares and dormitory-style rooms, with a limited number of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units for couples and families. The housing application process involves submitting an application on the Columbia Residential website, and students are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and housing policies before applying.

Columbia Residential manages housing for graduate students

Columbia Residential's inventory includes apartment shares and dormitory-style rooms, with a limited number of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units for couples and families. Most of the housing is within walking distance of the campus in the Morningside Heights neighbourhood, with additional housing in Manhattan Valley and Riverdale, Bronx, at The Arbor, where a shuttle service is provided.

The application process for Columbia Residential housing varies depending on the student's program. For example, doctoral students in the Arts and Sciences are guaranteed five consecutive academic years of housing if they apply by the deadline, maintain good academic standing, and meet other criteria. Master's students in eligible programs can apply for housing through a lottery system, and PhD students beyond their fifth year can request an extension.

Students seeking University housing can find more information and apply through the Columbia Residential website. The website provides details on eligibility, available accommodations, and policies governing student housing. Additionally, Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office assists students in finding rental housing in the metropolitan area, offering resources such as housing listings and counselling services.

Housing application deadlines for Columbia University

Housing application deadlines at Columbia University vary depending on the semester, level of study, and program. Here is a detailed overview:

Graduate Students

For graduate students, the housing application process is typically handled through Columbia Residential. The application deadlines for graduate programs can vary by school and program. Here are some important dates for the Fall 2023 semester:

• The priority application deadline for continuing PhD and MA students was May 14, 2023.
• The priority application deadline for incoming PhD students was May 1, 2023.
• Applications received after the priority deadlines are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through June 30.
• The Spring 2023 semester application deadline was tentative.

Doctoral Students

Doctoral students in the Arts and Sciences are eligible for guaranteed student housing for up to five consecutive academic years, starting with their first semester of registration if they meet certain conditions, including applying by the deadline in their acceptance letter. Doctoral students can request an extension for an additional year through the Columbia Residential portal.

Master's Students

Master's students in specific programs are eligible for housing and are limited to two consecutive semesters of housing, with the possibility of an additional year based on their academic timeline. Master's housing allocation is done through a housing lottery, and decisions are made from April through June. Students who are not approved for housing are placed on a waitlist and can search for units from July through mid-September.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students at Columbia University can apply for housing through Columbia Housing. While specific deadlines for undergraduate housing applications are not mentioned, there are important housing-related dates to note. These include room selection information sessions, commencement housing application openings, and check-in/check-out dates for each semester.

General Application Process

Regardless of the level of study, students applying for housing at Columbia University should follow these general steps:

• Accept the school's offer of admission.
• Activate your Columbia UNI and create a Housing Portal account.
• Review the available accommodations.
• Submit the housing application.
• Participate in housing selection if approved by the school.
• Accept or decline the housing offer and pay the reservation fee.
• Sign the housing agreement.
• Pick up keys and move in.

It is important to note that students may submit up to two applications per semester, and applications are only valid for the semester for which they are submitted. Additionally, maintaining full-time registration status is typically required to remain eligible for university housing.

Types of Columbia Residential housing

Columbia University in the City of New York offers a range of housing options for its students. The University's housing system is managed by Columbia Residential, which provides safe, comfortable, and welcoming accommodation for students.

Undergraduate Housing

Undergraduate residential students at Columbia can choose from 30+ residence halls, which are maintained by the University's Facilities & Operations team. The University aims to keep these buildings in top shape, prioritising the safety and comfort of its undergraduate residents.

Graduate Housing

Graduate students seeking University housing at Columbia are directed to the Columbia Residential website. To be eligible for Columbia Residential housing, graduate students must be enrolled full-time in a housing-eligible degree program on the Morningside or Manhattanville campus. This includes programs such as Engineering (graduate programs), the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (Morningside campus only).

Housing Application Process

The application process for Columbia Residential housing varies depending on the student's degree program. For instance, PhD students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are eligible for five consecutive academic years of guaranteed housing if they meet certain criteria, while Master's students in the same school are limited to two consecutive semesters of housing, with the possibility of an additional year based on their academic timeline.

Additional Housing Resources

Columbia University also provides resources for students seeking off-campus housing. The Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office assists students in finding rental housing in the metropolitan area, offering housing search counselling and managing housing listings.

Couple and Family Housing

Columbia Residential also offers Couple and Family Housing options, with specific eligibility rules and documentation requirements that students must consult before applying.

Applying for Columbia Residential housing

Columbia University in New York offers housing for graduate students through Columbia Residential. The application process and eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific program and degree type (e.g., Master's or PhD). Here is a guide to help you navigate the process of applying for Columbia Residential housing as a graduate student.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for housing through Columbia Residential, graduate students must be enrolled full-time in a housing-eligible degree program on the Morningside or Manhattanville campus. This includes programs such as Engineering (graduate programs), the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (Morningside campus only), the School of General Studies, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the School of Professional Studies (Master's students only).

It is important to note that students enrolled in executive programs or graduate programs based at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center are not eligible for Columbia Residential housing.

Application Process

The application process for Columbia Residential housing depends on the specific program and degree type. Here is a general overview of the process for Master's and PhD students:

Master's Students:

Master's students seeking Columbia Residential housing should complete the application on the Columbia Residential website. They must have their Columbia UNI and PID number, which can be found in their acceptance letter. Master's housing is allocated through a housing lottery, and decisions are typically made from April through June. Eligible students will either be approved or placed on a waitlist. Those on the waitlist can search for units from July through mid-September.

PhD Students:

Doctoral students in the Arts and Sciences are eligible for guaranteed student housing for up to five consecutive academic years, starting with their first semester of registration, provided they meet certain conditions. To apply, they must complete the application on the Columbia Residential website and apply by the deadline specified in their acceptance letter.

Timeline

Application deadlines vary depending on the semester and student status (incoming or continuing). For example, the Fall 2023 Semester Priority Application Deadline for incoming PhD students was May 1, 2023, while the deadline for continuing PhD and MA students was May 14, 2023. Applications received after the priority deadlines are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through June 30th.

The housing application process for Columbia University graduate students can be complex, and it is important to stay informed about eligibility requirements, deadlines, and the application process for your specific program and degree type. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, be sure to refer to the Columbia Residential website and consult with the housing liaison of your school or program.

Other housing opportunities for graduate students

Columbia University in New York provides a range of housing options for its graduate students. The university's website offers a comprehensive overview of the various housing opportunities available, including both on-campus and off-campus options.

On-campus housing is a convenient option for graduate students, offering a safe and comfortable living environment. Columbia Residential manages housing for students enrolled full-time in specific graduate programs, including Engineering, the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. To be eligible, students must apply by the specified deadlines and maintain good academic standing. Housing is typically offered for the length of the degree program, with a minimum of one semester, and students can apply for extensions under certain circumstances.

For those seeking off-campus housing, Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office provides valuable support. OCHA assists graduate students in finding rental housing in the metropolitan area, offering resources such as housing listings, counselling, and connections to real estate agencies. This service helps students explore non-Columbia-owned buildings, sublets, and roommate opportunities in the surrounding neighbourhoods, like Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley.

Additionally, Columbia University has special rate arrangements with preferred hotels, providing another temporary housing option for graduate students. The university's website also offers a Student Housing Resources PDF, created by the Office of Student Life, which provides valuable information on off-campus housing options, including short-term and long-term rentals, as well as tips on finding roommates.

Frequently asked questions