International Check-In Day

Check-In Day is when you formally become a resident of Columbia Housing!

A new student and two orientation leaders under "Columbia" balloon letters

Check-In for International First-Year students is on Saturday, August 29

If you are not an international student, please plan to Check-In on August 30.

What to Expect

Review your assigned Check-In time on the "Move-In Information" page of the Housing Portal.

Arrival times are assigned to optimize elevator operations and cannot be changed. Missing your arrival time may result in move-in delays.  

Unload zones refer to the location where cars (including cabs and rideshares) can unload items. Volunteers, moving staff, and moving bins will be available at every unload zone. 

Please follow the arrival instructions linked in the table below.

Note: U-Haul trucks are not permitted in unload zones.

Streets around your building may be closed to facilitate move-in. While you may park temporarily in the unload zones to unload your belongings, all day parking in those locations will not be allowed.

Check-In stations will be staffed by Columbia Housing. When you arrive, you will pick up your Columbia University ID (CUID) card which will be encoded with your building access and will also function as your room key. 

Check-In Station locations vary by building, but all stations will be located at or very near to the unload zones.

View your room assignment on the "Move-In Information" page of the Housing Portal. 

Be aware that elevators are reserved for moving belongings to rooms and for disability access. Individual access to residential floors may be restricted to stairs. 

Before you unpack, log into the Housing Portal to take our brief, three-question survey about your Check-In experience and to complete the Room Condition Report (RCR). The RCR records the conditions of the room and furniture at the time of Check-In. This report is the basis for charges for any damage and/or loss attributable to the resident during occupancy.

As you unpack and settle in, look out for your Resident Adviser (RA). They should be stationed on your floor to greet residents and answer questions.

Below are some resources that you may find helpful as a resident in Columbia Housing:


On Saturday night, orientation activities for international first-year students will begin. 

Convocation is scheduled for after Check-In activities end. The time and location of Convocation will be communicated by your school over the summer.

After Convocation:

  • You'll meet with your New Student Orientation Program group, led by upperclass Orientation Leaders, to review the upcoming week of orientation activities.
  • Then, you'll return to your residence hall for your first floor meeting of the semester, during which you'll get to know your RA and floormates.