Housing

New York City’s many and diverse neighborhoods, combined with an extensive public transportation system, offer SPS Housing and Off-Campus Housing options that are convenient to Columbia University’s campus in Manhattan. Columbia’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office is a good resource for students seeking alternative housing. We do not offer family housing.

SPS Housing

SPS offers limited housing to students who are enrolled full time (registered for at least 12 credits/points) in a Master of Science program on campus. Housing assignments are for an entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) and provide students with an opportunity to engage with their fellow students beyond the classroom and to further complement their student experience within a residential community.

Housing options may include:

  • Double shared-occupancy dorm room with a private bath
  • Single dorm room with a private bath
  • Single dorm room within a shared apartment

SPS housing costs vary based on the housing assignment and range between $1,000–$2,400 per month.

Perks of Living with SPS

  • Live among a community of scholars
  • 24-hour staffing, support, and services
  • Enhanced safety and security
  • Vibrant and active community that helps graduate students find their place and develop life-long friendships
  • Access to 24-hour study lounges
  • On-site laundry facilities
  • Community kitchens
  • Close proximity to transportation
  • Access to gym facilities within the building
  • WiFi access throughout the building

SPS Housing Application

A housing application link with log-in information is provided to students upon admission. Students must apply for housing via the housing portal, using the sign up code below and their PID number:

  • Link to Housing Portal
    • Fall 2018 Sign-Up Code: uah102647
  • The PID Number will start with a “C” followed by 9 digits (Cxxxxxxxxx). You can locate your PID Number via your program’s advisor.

Students seeking SPS housing should complete the application and will be notified if housing is available, or if they have been placed on a waitlist. Students who are offered housing must pay a non-refundable $1,000 deposit within five business days from the date of the offer, in order to secure their housing assignment.

Students are encouraged to review Columbia University Facilities’ How to Apply section for more information about creating a housing account and submitting a housing application.

SPS Housing Contract & Billing

Housing contracts are set for one academic year (fall and spring semesters only). Bills are payable in monthly installments, semester installments, or academic year payments.

Off-Campus Housing

Columbia’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance Office

Columbia’s Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office maintains an online database of available apartments and rooms for rent in the greater New York metropolitan area. A University Network ID (UNI) is required to sign up for OCHA; if you are a new student, activate your UNI account here. If you are a recently admitted student and you do not have a UNI yet, you may create a guest account.

Hotel Accommodations

Columbia University has special rate arrangements with preferred hotels. When making reservations at one of these hotels, please specify that you are calling from Columbia University.

Additional Off-Campus Housing Resources

To learn more about off-campus housing in New York City, including short-term housing, long-term housing, and searching for a roommate, the Office of Student life has created a Student Housing Resources PDF.

Columbia assumes no responsibility in connection with any rental agreement or services provided by our cooperating real estate/relocation agencies and recommends that all agreements between tenant and landlord be put in writing. Columbia expressly disclaims any and all responsibility for any problems that may arise with regard to such property, rental unit, or roommate posting or with regard to disputes between landlords and tenants, or between roommates, concerning such property or rental units. All prospective tenants are encouraged to exercise their own good judgment when evaluating a prospective rental unit, landlord or roommate.