Residence Hall Access

Related Policies

Columbia University ID Card
Common Areas
Room and Suite Access
Unauthorized Access or Entry

Introduction

Residence halls are access-controlled buildings. Access is granted based on a resident's status within the Columbia Undergraduate Residential Community, with special considerations for non-residents/commuter students. Non-residents/commuter students are defined as students who are enrolled but not living in Columbia Undergraduate Housing.

Building Access

Current Columbia Undergraduate Housing residents have access into all undergraduate residential buildings except for brownstones. Access is programmed onto residents’ Columbia University ID cards at the beginning of each academic year and is updated as needed.

​​​Tap your card at the card reader at the building entrance or at the Public Safety desk in the building lobby to gain access.​​ 

​​​​Note:​ The first time you use your card, you will need to tap twice to activate access.​​ 

Brownstones

  • Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)  – All FSL student members have access to their organization’s brownstone regardless of residence hall assignment
  • Special Interest Communities (SIC) – Access is restricted to SIC residents of that brownstone
  • Residential – Access is restricted to the brownstone’s residents

Learn more about room and suite access.

Lounges are always available to residents unless there is a scheduled event. Please do not leave personal belongings unattended in lounges. The University is not responsible for lost or damaged items. Please be respectful of community spaces and clean up after yourself.

Non-residents or commuters are defined as students that are currently enrolled but not living in Columbia Undergraduate Housing.

The application for Commuter Access is sent out to all currently enrolled CC/SEAS undergraduate students by Residential Life, typically the week before fall classes commence. Applications must be submitted by the communicated deadline. Applications submitted outside of this timeframe will not be reviewed. Residential Life will communicate with applicants regarding the status of their access. Once approved, access will be added to the student’s Columbia University ID card. ​To enter the residence halls, non-residents or commuters must swipe their CUID at the security desk or card reader.  

For additional questions or concerns regarding non-residents/commuter access, please contact Residential Life.

Residents of East Campus, Broadway Hall, and Hogan Hall can request special access to additional entrances to move personal belongings in or out of the building. 

  • East Campus residents can request access to the B2 entrance, which leads into the Faculty House courtyard.
  • Broadway Hall and Hogan Hall residents can request access to the street-level doors which lead onto West 114 Street.  ​​​ 

​​To submit a request, complete the Special Access Request Form. Signs are also posted by these access points with QR codes to complete this form. Requests are reviewed during the Hartley Hospitality Desk hours of operation. Approvals are sent through a confirmation email with instructions.