Columbia University Housing Options: On-Campus & Off-Campus
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Columbia University is one of the eight Ivy League Universities in USA, and is one of the most sought-after destinations for higher studies abroad. Home to more than 35,000 students, including 1,200 Indians, Columbia University USA aims to provide the best campus life possible to each member of the student community.
Student Looking for Housing
Housing is one of the key elements of providing a conducive and progressive campus life. Spread around 32 acres of land, the Columbia University campus provides students with a range of accommodation options. Be it Shared Apartments, Studio Rooms, Single or Multi bedrooms, or the Columbia University dorms, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to Columbia University student housing.
- Columbia University Student Accommodation
- Columbia University Undergraduate Housing
- Columbia University Graduate Accommodation
- Columbia University Housing Application Deadline
- How to apply for Columbia University Housing?
Columbia University Student Accommodation
The University maintains both on and off-campus accommodation facilities. Here is a detailed description of both.
Columbia University On Campus Housing
Managed by Columbia Residential, on-campus accommodation at Columbia University includes 150 apartment buildings, most of which are located in the Morningside Heights, Manhattan Valley, and Manhattanville neighborhoods.
Here are the types of accommodation available to students as part of Columbia University Housing:
| Columbia University Housing Options |
Monthly Rent Range |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Two or Three Bedroom Share Apartment |
USD 1,139-USD 2,651 (INR 99.2 K-INR 2.3 L) |
· Equipped with: Private Bedroom and Common Spaces including: Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Area, and more |
| Studio |
USD 1,307-USD 3,912 (INR 1.13 L-INR 3.4 L) |
· One room unit with private kitchen and bathroom · Better suited to Couples |
| One-bedroom Apartment |
USD 1,764-USD 4,240 (INR 1.53 L-INR 3.7 L) |
· Consists of: Living room, Kitchen, Bathroom, and One Bedroom |
| Two Bedroom Apartment |
USD 2,283-USD 4,588 (INR 1.99 L-INR 3.99 L) |
· Includes: Two Bedrooms, Kitchen, and a Bathroom |
Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 87.10
Columbia University Off-Campus Housing
For off-campus housing options at Columbia University, the university maintains an off-campus marketplace that lists the best student housing options in New York City, with accommodation available in: Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan, Hamilton Heights, Upper West Side, Fort Lee, Riverdale, Harlem, Manhattanville, and Morningside Heights, among other locations.
The housing options at Columbia University off campus are similar to the on-campus housing options, and the Columbia University Housing cost ranges between USD 400 and USD 5,000 (INR 34.8 K-INR 4.35 L) per month, depending on the type of accommodation one opts for.
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Columbia University Affordable Housing
The Columbia University Off-Campus Marketplace comes up with a range of options for affordable housing in New York:
| Columbia University Housing Options |
Average Monthly Rent |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom Apartment (73 Pleasantview Ave, Albany, NY 12203) |
USD 700-USD 800 (INR 61 K-INR 69.6 K) |
· Equipped with: Private Bedroom and Bathroom · Utilities included: High Speed Internet, Water, Washer and Dryer, Call for Pet Policy, Dishwasher, Oven, Refrigerator and a TV |
| Multi-bedroom Apartment (565 W 144th St, New York, NY 10031) |
USD 1,025-USD 1350 (INR 89.2 K-INR 1.17 L) |
· A 5 Bed and 2 bath unit located at 2 stops from Columbia University · Utilities Inlcuded: Heater, Washer and Dryer, Pest Control, Recycling, Snow Removal, Water and Sewer, Laundry On Site and Pets Allowed |
| Multi-bedroom Apartment for Ladies (640 West 139th Street, NY) |
USD 1,150-USD 1,650 (INR 1.01 L-INR 1.43 L) |
· A 4 Bed and 1 Bathroom apartment only for FEMALES · Located near River State Park, 25 mins to Columbia University USA |
| Furnished Bedroom for Rent (894 Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10032) |
USD 1,050-USD 1,400 (INR 91.4 K-INR 1.2 L) |
· Located in Washington Heights · Amenities Included: Large Fridge, Cooker, Large Microwave, Toaster, Oven, Linen Sheets, and Pillow |
Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 87.10
Columbia University Undergraduate Housing
The Columbia University Undergraduate Accommodation is guaranteed for all new and incoming students, for a duration of up to 4 years, provided they continue to maintain their status as a full-time student at Columbia University for all years of their study.
First-year students have five different housing options available to them, as part of the Columbia University accommodation, which includes: Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, John Hay Hall, Wallach Hall, and Wien Hall.
Columbia University Undergraduate Housing Eligibility
Columbia University accommodation for undergraduate students is subject to whether or not they can satisfy the eligibility criteria mentioned below:
- Must maintain full-time status for the entire program duration
- Must not leave Columbia University dorms or on-campus accommodation
- Must abide by the rules and regulations of the university
- Must graduate on time
- Register and participate in the Columbia University Room Selection process
- Submit a signed copy of the Occupancy Agreement by the specified deadline
- Must live as part of Columbia University residence hall during the first year of admittance and register for Room Selection for the Sophomore year
Columbia University Graduate Accommodation
The Columbia University Graduate Housing is not guaranteed, and is allotted to students on a lottery basis, with housing decisions made public from April through June.
Students who are not able to secure housing would be put on a waiting list and can begin their search for off-campus housing from July to mid-September.
Duration of Stay
Students who are allotted rooms as part of the Columbia University Dorms would be offered the same for a minimum of one semester, and can go as far as the entire duration of the course.
Students part of the Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can only stay for a duration of 1 year, while PhD students can stay for up to 5 consecutive years as part of the Columbia University Hostel.
Read Also: Best Hostels in New York for Indian Students
Columbia University Graduate Accommodation Eligibility
The Columbia University Graduate Housing Eligibility Criteria is as follows:
- Receive a housing allocation from a Columbia University school OR get picked from the waitlist for the Columbia University Dorms
- Must continue to maintain full-time status
- Must vacate or reapply if one changes schools
- Can only be listed as a resident at one apartment or housing facility at a time
Columbia University Housing Application Deadline
Prospective students seeking to reside as part of Columbia University Dorms can submit their applications by the deadlines mentioned below:
| Type of Deadline |
Deadline |
|---|---|
| Housing Applications Open 2026-27 |
Mar 20, 2026 |
| Incoming PhD Students |
May 1, 2026 |
| Continuing PhD or MA Students (Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) |
May 14, 2026 |
How to apply for Columbia University Housing?
The Columbia University Housing application process is relatively simple and easy to follow. All students need to do is follow the steps mentioned below to submit their respective Columbia University applications:
The Cancellation policy varies depending on the timing and the reason. Students may be required to pay a cancellation fee starting at USD 250 (INR 21.8 K) and going up to USD 1,500 (INR 1.3 L) if they cancel at the time of check-in.
Students are required to cancel their housing application via the Columbia University Housing portal.
Yes, meal plans are very often included as part of on-campus housing at Columbia University, with costs ranging between USD 1,781-USD 3,996 (INR 1.55 L-INR 3.5 L) per term.
The higher the cost of the plan, the greater the number of meals and special discounts that students can avail.
- Accept the Columbia University admission offer and activate your Columbia University Network ID
- Register or Log In to the Columbia University Housing portal via their University ID number (starting with a “C”)
- Complete the Housing application, and ensure the accuracy of all data
- Review the available Columbia University Dorms and housing options, and determine your preferred type of accommodation
- Pay a standard administrative fee worth USD 20 (INR 1,740), and submit the application
- Withdraw your applications if housing is no longer needed
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Yes, students can choose the individual they wish to stay with as part of on-campus housing at Columbia, but the allocation of the roommate is not guaranteed and depends on various factors, including whether your preferred roommate has participated in the same room selection process or the availability of rooms that match your preferences.