Open Housing

Introduction

Open Housing is an arrangement whereby two students, regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, are permitted to share a room in Columbia’s residence halls. Columbia's Open Housing approach aims to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all students and to provide students, regardless of identity, more options for their living arrangements with their peers.

Residential Life and Housing discourage students who are in a romantic relationship from living together in a residence hall. However, we do not question any student's reasoning for wanting to live in Open Housing.

It is a student’s choice to tell their parents or guardian about the decision to live in an Open Housing arrangement. As with all housing decisions, Columbia Housing and the Office of Residential Life encourage students to talk with their parent(s) or guardian about their housing choices. Columbia Housing does not notify parents or guardians about the residential choices of students.

Policy

Any rising sophomore, junior, or senior at CC or SEAS who is at least 18 years of age and is guaranteed housing may participate in Open Housing in any of the residence halls. The option is also available to Barnard students who are at least 18 years of age and guaranteed housing in the buildings that are part of the CU/BC exchange. Open Housing is not available to incoming students, including first-year, combined plan, and transfer students.

Learn more about Open Housing.