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Housing

For Fall and Spring semesters there are several off-campus / non-Columbia housing options.  

In Summer limited spaces are available for ALP students on campus through Columbia Housing. Email alp@columbia.edu(link sends email) for more information. The housing application deadline for all Summer programs is May 23.

Off Campus Housing Assistance

Columbia's Off-Campus Housing Assistance Office(link is external) has a marketplace(link is external) where off-campus accommodation is listed. This may include apartments for rent, as well as private rooms for subletting, some of which are close to the Columbia campus. 

Non-Columbia Housing Options

Recommended

Educational Housing Services(link is external) offers dormitory accommodation for students in New York City. They have several locations, including in midtown Manhattan(link is external), just a short subway ride to the Columbia campus. Accommodation is for semester-long stays only. 

Sara's Homestay(link is external) offers homestay accommodation with a family. 

4Stay(link is external) offers homestay, co-living and other off-campus housing options. 

Renting independently

Many students choose to find their own accommodation in New York. It is important to be careful as you do this: 

  • Take care to avoid dishonest businesses and scams (example: Airbnb rentals that ask for payment outside the Airbnb app)
  • Make sure you have a contract / lease with your landlord if you rent. 
  • Most landlords in New York City require first month + security deposit, but do NOT require payment in advance for multiple months. 
  • Know your rights as a tenant in the city: 311.NYC.gov(link is external)
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, check the SPS Student Housing Resources PDF(link is external).

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.

Columbia Housing Units: Summer only

Email alp@columbia.edu(link sends email) for information about summer housing opportunities.

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