Yes, Columbia University allows students to live off campus, but it is recommended that undergraduate students live in campus housing for the first year.
So let us dig a little deeper
Yes, Columbia University does allow students to live off campus, however, it is recommended that undergraduate students live in campus housing for their first year. According to a Columbia University Student Affairs webpage, “Students are required to live in Columbia Housing for the first two years of their enrollment if they are single, under the age of 21, and registered for full-time study in a day program at Columbia.” After the first two years, students have the option to seek off-campus housing.
Living off campus can have its perks, such as more space, flexibility in rent pricing, and a sense of independence. However, it can also come with challenges, such as transportation to campus, possibly higher living expenses depending on the location, and less of a sense of community.
One well-known resource for finding off-campus housing is the website Craigslist. However, it is important to exercise caution when using this platform, as it is not always reliable and safe. It is recommended to use a trusted source, such as Columbia’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office, to assist in the search for off-campus housing.
To weigh the pros and cons of living off-campus, here is a table displaying some key factors to consider:
| Factor | Living Off-Campus | Living On-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Varies depending on location and housing options | Fixed pricing for Columbia Housing |
| Distance from Campus | May require transportation or longer commute time | Within close proximity to campus |
| Sense of Community | Less of a sense of community outside of campus | Opportunity to live and interact with fellow students |
| Flexibility in Accommodations | Ability to choose living space and amenities | Standardized Columbia Housing options |
As author Taylor Swift once said, “The more you know who you are and what you want, the less you let things upset you.” It is important for students to weigh their personal needs and preferences when deciding whether to live off-campus or on-campus at Columbia University.
Answer in video
The speaker in the video shares insights on the most affordable neighborhoods for Columbia University students who attend the Morningside campus. They suggest prioritizing commute time and recommends places within bike distance. The neighborhoods they suggest are located north of the red line, such as West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, and Washington Heights, where two-bedroom apartments may cost between $2,000 to $2,400 per month. These neighborhoods are popular among Columbia students and those who can’t afford the west side.
Other answers to your question
If we can’t accommodate you, or if you choose to live off-campus, you can also search for apartments, rooms, and roommates through Columbia University’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office.
Non-guaranteed students may seek off-campus housing through Columbia’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA). For best results, begin searching for housing well in advance of the start of the fall term.
If you are not eligible for on-campus housing or prefer to live off-campus, you can search for apartments, rooms, and roommates on Columbia University’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance website (managed by the Morningside campus).
Here, you will find information about the housing options available Off-Campus, get connected to roommates, find and list subleases, and receive tips and resources for living Off-Campus. If you’re ready to begin your search, visit our Off-Campus Housing Marketplace, an apartment hunting tool created with the Columbia affiliate in mind.
More interesting on the topic
Can Columbia students live off campus?
Nontraditional students, part-time students and graduate students at the traditional campus are not required to live on campus, but may submit a request to live on campus to the Director of Residential Life. Housing for nontraditional, part-time and graduate students is dependent upon availability.
How much does it cost to live off campus at Columbia University?
Answer will be:
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $15,450 | $20,565 |
| — Housing | $9,450 | |
| — Meals | $6,000 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $2,262 | $5,445 |
Where do Columbia students live off campus?
Answer will be: The housing range of options for Columbia University Off-Campus Housing starts at 90th street on the Upper West Side and goes north up to 140th street and then as far east as Malcolm X Boulevard.
Do most students live on campus at Columbia University?
At Columbia, undergraduate housing is guaranteed for all four years, and about 90% of current students live on campus.
Who is eligible for housing at Columbia University?
Students enrolled in executive programs are not eligible for housing. Undergraduate students in Columbia College or Engineering who are interested in applying for housing should see Columbia Housing. Students in graduate programs based at Columbia University Irving Medical Center should see CUIMC Housing.
Does Columbia College offer summer housing?
Response will be: Summer housing is first come, first served and is subject to availability. Available to current residential students graduating from Columbia College or the School of Engineering and Applied Science who are participating in University Commencement for the current academic year.
How do I find available apartments at Columbia University?
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other affiliates of Columbia University, Barnard and Teachers College may search or list. Non-affiliates may also use this service to list available apartments. Housing through International House is independent of Columbia Residential and must be requested directly through the I-House application process.
Does Columbia University Irving Medical Center offer student housing?
Response: Students in graduate programs based at Columbia University Irving Medical Center should see CUIMC Housing. In general, student housing is offered for a minimum of one semester (fall or spring) and is limited to the length of the degree program. Short-term housing is not available through Columbia Residential.
What is Columbia’s off-campus housing assistance?
Answer: Columbia‘s Off–Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office assists Columbia students and affiliates in their search for rental housing in the metropolitan area. OCHA manages housing listings, which includes available rooms and apartments in non-Columbia-owned buildings and sublets of units in Columbia-managed housing.
How much does it cost to live at Columbia University?
In reply to that: Housing and dining plans are priced out separately at Columbia. The standard student spent $9,450 for housing and $6,000 for dining in 2021. The next table outlines expected expenses at Columbia University in the City of New York both for living on campus or off campus, dining and additional charges.
How do non-guaranteed students get off-campus housing?
The response is: Non-guaranteed students may seek off-campus housing through Columbia’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA). For best results, begin searching for housing well in advance of the start of the fall term.
How do I find apartments near Columbia University?
As a response to this: If you’re ready to begin your search, visit our Off-Campus Housing Marketplace, an apartment hunting tool created with the Columbia affiliate in mind. Simply browse our list of resources and click on the “Listings” tab for available apartments near Columbia University. What type of rental are you looking for? Do you need roommates?