Columbia Housing: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Spring 2020 Check-Out

  • These FAQs were created to provide additional clarity about Spring 2020 Check-Out for CC/SEAS undergraduates living in Columbia's residence halls.
  • CC/SEAS with Check-Out questions that are not addressed here can contact Housing at [email protected].

What is the current status?

Columbia College and Columbia Engineering undergraduates who are able to move out of the undergraduate residence halls for the remainder of the semester are encouraged to do so. If you are able to move out, please make necessary travel arrangements and pack belongings as if it is Check-Out for the end of the academic year. The residence halls will remain open for students who need to remain on campus for a variety of reasons.

Follow our regular Spring Term Check-Out steps to ensure your room is properly cleaned and you are not charged for any damages:

  • Please place items you wish to recycle in the donation bins that have been placed on floors of each building. 
  • Recyclables and trash should be taken to the appropriate location on your floor. 
  • Empty out and unplug your refrigerator.
  • Turn off and unplug all electronics.
  • Close windows and turn off lights.
  • Blue bins will be available for check out from the Hartley Hospitality Desk. 
  • Upon your departure, complete the check-out step in the Housing Portal.

If you are able to move out for the remainder of the semester, we strongly urge you to move your belongings as soon as possible. 

Here is a timeline:

  • By 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 16:
    • All students must complete the March 2020 Housing Form in the Housing Portal by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16.
       
  • Monday, March 30:
    • Students who are not currently on campus, or are planning to leave for the semester but are not able to leave quickly, are strongly encouraged to check out by Monday, March 30.
       
  • Saturday, May 16:
    • All students who remain on campus are expected to move out of the residence halls by Saturday, May 16, in keeping with the schedule you received at the beginning of the school year.

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

First-Year Dining Plan refunds will be pro-rated according to the date of check out of from Housing. Voluntary meal plan refunds will be issued for all unused meals.

Students will receive a credit on their Student Account Statement. Students who received financial aid will receive more information.

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 in order to depart campus or return from study abroad should complete the COVID-19 Emergency Funding Form for CC/SEAS undergraduates; due by Friday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m.

The Room Selection process is an entirely online and does not require students to be on campus to participate, so will proceed as scheduled. Columbia Housing will inform students of any changes should the situation change.

If you have already left campus and do not plan to return this term:

Yes, you will be able to gain access to your residence hall to collect your belongings. We strongly urge you to complete your check-out process as soon as possible.

  • Arrange with the Columbia Housing team for a friend or family member to pack your room and complete the check-out process.
  • If you are unable to arrange for a proxy, work with Hudson Storage or Manhattan Mini Storage to store or ship your belongings. We understand this has a cost.  If you are receiving financial aid or have other financial hardship, please contact [email protected].
  • If belongings are in a shared space (suite or double) and are packed on your behalf by the vendor of you hire, make sure to direct them to have items packed together and boxes marked with the room number and residents’ names.
  • You should plan to come back to campus to collect your belongings before Thursday, May 21 at noon.
  • You should plan to come back to campus to pack your belongings and make arrangements with a storage company. 
  • Please contact Housing at [email protected] or 212-854-2779 to have your item removed from your room and shipped to you. 

Please contact Housing at [email protected] or 212-854-2779 to make arrangements.

If you are packing up your belongings:

If you return to campus to pack your belongings, bins will be placed on the floor of each building for items to be donated.

Boxes will be available for distribution from the Hartley Lounge, Lerner Hall, or the Student Mail Center. 

We understand that some students will remain on campus for a variety of reasons. If you are remaining on campus:

Please complete the March 2020 Housing Status Form in the Housing Portal. You will receive confirmation from Residential Life.

Right now, there are no plans for moving rooms.  We will let you know if we receive additional guidance from the University as the situation with COVID-19 evolves.

Dining will provide grab-and-go food service.

Custodial and maintenance services will remain in place. Basics such as hand soap, toilet paper, and trash bags for personal use will be available at the Hartley Hospitality Desk. 

Public Safety will continue to staff all residence hall entrances. Students remaining in residence will maintain building and room access.

As in the past, our plan is to offer Summer Housing. We will provide an update as more information is available.