Special Living Options
We offer several special living arrangements to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of our students.
About Special Interest Housing
The Special Interest Communities (SIC) program offers residential experiences to those interested in living among students with common identities or shared interests.
Students can select from several options, including:
- Special Interest and Themed Communities, managed by Residential Life
- The Intercultural House (ICH) and Intercultural Resource Center (IRC), managed by Multicultural Affairs
Eligibility
Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors within CC and SEAS are invited to apply to special interest housing each year in advance of the Room Selection process.
A select number of Barnard College (BC) students with guaranteed housing status are also eligible to live in some SICs. Due to the Columbia-Barnard Housing exchange there is a cap on the number of BC students who can reside in these select SICs:
- Black Residential Brownstone – 2
- Casa Latina – 2
- Q-House – 2
- IRC-ICH – 4
Apply to the SIC Program
Visit the Special Interest Communities Program website for more information about SIC housing options and the application process. Students may also email the SIC Program with any further questions.
Visit the Intercultural Resource Center website for more information about the application process for the ICH. Students may also email Multicultural Affairs with any further questions.
Room Selection & Assignment Procedures
Students who plan to reside in a Special Interest Community must register for Room Selection, including signing the Statement of Intent and Occupancy Agreement by the registration deadline. Students who fail to register for Room Selection will lose their guaranteed housing status and must follow the Non-Guaranteed Housing application process.
Residential Life and Multicultural Affairs provide SIC assignments to Columbia Housing prior to the start of Room Selection.
About Fraternity & Sorority Communities
Fraternal organizations are a part of Columbia University’s long-standing history and are sponsored by Residential Life/Fraternity and Sorority Life. Learn more about the Fraternity and Sorority community at Columbia and how to become a member. Some organizations have residences coordinated through Columbia Housing. Organizations must remain in good standing in order to continue the privilege of occupancy.
As of AY 23-24, ADP was no longer part of the Columbia Housing portfolio. Students who choose to live in ADP will lose their guaranteed housing status and will not be eligible to participate in future Room Selections.
Eligibility
Members of a given chapter who are Columbia College, SEAS and Barnard College students with guaranteed housing are eligible to live in Fraternity and Sorority Housing. Due to the Columbia-Barnard Housing exchange, there is a cap on the number of BC students who can reside in each space:
- DG - 4
- KAT - 5
- AXO - 2
- SDT - 4
Apply to the Fraternity and Sorority Program
Contact Residential Life for more information about the application process.
Room Selection & Assignment Procedures
Students who plan to live in FSL Housing must register during Room Selection, including signing the Statement of Intent and Occupancy Agreement by the registration deadline. Students who fail to register for Room Selection will lose their guaranteed housing status and must follow the Non-Guaranteed Housing application process.
Chapter representatives provide FSL assignments to Columbia Housing prior to the start of Room Selection.
Room Swap and Room Transfer request forms within Fraternity and Sorority Housing must be signed by the RHD or the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Please note that Fraternity and Sorority Housing is not available during the summer session.