Resources for Undergraduate Residential Students

Laundry Room Etiquette

Practice these tips to keep your building’s laundry room in clean, working condition.

• Download the Speed Queen app (available to major residence halls) to check machine availability and to receive push notifications for cycle timing.
• Promptly pick up your items at the end of your laundry cycle. When items are left behind, they may be removed from the unit and lost among the laundry room.
• Unclaimed items are collected and donated weekly on Wednesday mornings at 6 a.m., so it’s important to pick up your belongings.
• Follow the instructional signage and stickers in the laundry rooms. This includes not overstuffing machines and using the appropriate amount of detergent.
• Report a machine for maintenance if it’s not working.

Mail

Be sure to use the proper student mailing address for your mail and packages. All residential students must have mail and packages sent to the Columbia Student Mail Center.

Recycling and Waste

Keeping your space clean is a matter of respect for each other and the residence halls. 

• Please make sure to regularly and properly break down recycling and dispose of waste at your building’s waste station. 

• You can learn more about recycling in the residence halls by watching our Sustainability playlist. 

Suite and Apartment-style buildings: Bathroom Cleaning Is Your Responsibility

Carman, EC, Hogan, Ruggles, Watt, Woodbridge residents

You are responsible for cleaning your own private or suite bathroom. Cleaning supplies were placed in your bathroom prior to the start of term. Use those items to regularly clean the space, and consider these additional resources to help you maintain your bathroom:

• If you have roommates, set expectations early in the semester. Use our chore chart to divide the labor and ensure regular cleanings.
• Watch this helpful video for some quick tips about maintaining your bathroom.
• Request more supplies at any time during the semester by submitting a service request.

Please make sure to regularly and properly break down recycling and dispose of waste at your building’s waste station. You can learn more about recycling in the residence halls by watching our Sustainability playlist.

How to Live in Columbia Housing: The Guide to Living

Consult the Guide to Living when you need information about housing policies and procedures, including guests, winter break, and more.

• See which policies were updated for AY 2024-2025.
• We recommend starting with this curated section featuring policies and procedures that apply to life in the residence halls to help you adjust to life as a residential student.

Support Services and Information

• Submit a maintenance request to Columbia University Facilities and Operations for maintenance or custodial work. Learn more about the service request process on our website.
• Contact the Hartley Hospitality Desk 24/7 for all your Housing questions.
• Call the RA On-Duty.
• Follow Columbia Housing on Instagram for updates, service announcements, and more.

We look forward to supporting you during the academic year and wish you the best of luck with your studies.