Accelerated Check-Out Timeline for Undergraduate Residents

As President Bollinger and University leadership communicated this week, the situation surrounding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving and requires urgent action to reduce the density of undergraduate residential housing.

This morning, you received an update to the current status on campus. All students are now required to move out of housing by Tuesday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m. 

We recognize this is a shift from what was communicated previously. We appreciate your ability to adapt to the changing situation in order to continue to safeguard the health of our community members. 

For Students Who Must Remain on Campus: 

• Students who are eligible to remain on campus must request to do so by today, Sunday, March 15 at 2 p.m. EDT by completing this housing status form.  

• The form lays out the criteria required for approval to be granted. Only those students who meet these criteria will be considered: travel restriction to home country, safety issue at home or in home country, restrictions related to visas for international students.    

For All Other Students: 

• Check out by Tuesday, March 17 at 11:59 p.m. All other students must have packed their belongings and checked out via the Housing Portal when they have vacated their rooms. 

• Security access to residence halls will be revoked at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 for any student who has not completed the housing status form and received approval to remain on campus. Following that point, room access will be restricted and building access will be controlled by Public Safety at the guard desks. 

If You Cannot Pack by the Deadline: 

• If you are presently off campus and unable to return or cannot pack by the deadline, please work directly with Hudson Storage or Manhattan Mini Storage to pack and store or ship your belongings. Columbia Housing is working closely with them on campus and will facilitate access to your room. Students who require financial assistance to enable them to leave campus should complete the COVID-19 Emergency Funding Form for CC/SEAS undergraduate students immediately after they complete their housing status form. 

About Refunds and Assistance: 

• You will receive a pro-rated refund based on the day you vacate your residence hall and check out in the Housing Portal. 

• If you have a Columbia Dining plan, you will also receive a refund. First-Year Dining Plan refunds will be pro-rated according to the date of check out from Housing. Voluntary meal plan refunds will be issued for all unused meals. 

• Financial assistance is available and therefore should not prohibit your departure.  

• All undergraduate students are eligible for up to $500 in emergency funding to assist with travel, storage, and moving logistics. Students who require financial assistance to enable them to leave campus should complete the COVID-19 Emergency Funding Form for CC/SEAS undergraduate students immediately after they complete their housing status form. 

• Students who are unable to wait for financial assistance to make their moving or travel plans or have other special circumstances should contact [email protected] to facilitate an advance in financial support or other resources as needed.  

For Questions and Support: 

• For all other questions or for additional help, please call the Hartley Hospitality Desk at 212-854-2779 or email [email protected].  

• For questions about financial support and other concerns that prohibit you from meeting this deadline, please contact [email protected]. 

• Visit the Preparedness website for additional FAQs about Check-Out.  

This has been a difficult turn of events for many. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as you support the health and well-being of your fellow students and other members of our campus community.

Columbia Housing