Room Selection in 6 Easy Steps
Room Selection is an annual process during which current undergraduate students select on-campus housing for the following academic year. Students choose from a variety of housing arrangements that include living with a group in doubles or suites, or living in a single in a corridor-style room. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the options and selection steps.
Explore our buildings. Think about what living situation makes most sense for you and who you might want to live with next year. Learn more about Special Living Communities. Attend info sessions and building tours.
Understand eligibility for Room Selection and special considerations for Rising Sophomores, study abroad, leave, students registered with Disability Services, or living with Barnard students.
Note important dates and deadlines. Missing a critical step in the process could impact your ability to secure on-campus housing.
If you plan to form a group, decide on a Group Leader. Have an open and detailed conversation as a group about where you do and don’t want to live. During selection, the Group Leader will have the responsibility to make a choice on behalf of the whole group.
Register for Room Selection. All Columbia students must register, even if they intend to live elsewhere next year. Registration lets us know your intended plan and is important in maintaining guaranteed housing status.
Time to select your room! After registration closes, individual students or groups will receive a lottery number and appointment time. During your appointment time, students can pick from available options. After you select your room, be sure to sign the Occupancy Agreement. Your assignment is not finalized until you and all members of your group have submitted the Agreement through the Housing Portal.