Summer to Fall Seasonal Transition: What You Need to Know about Heat in Your Building

Columbia Housing is monitoring outdoor temperatures to ensure that heating systems are turned on when appropriate.

October 03, 2025

As we approach the midpoint of fall and outside temperatures begin to cool, please note that the Morningside Campus will begin its seasonal systems conversion from cooling to heating.  Starting October 15, buildings in the Columbia Housing portfolio will be prepared to provide heat. Building heating systems vary; here’s an overview of how it works in buildings once activated: 

  • Broadway, East Campus, Furnald, Schapiro: Heat is regulated and will run consistently, with the user only able to adjust the fan speed on their units.
  • 47 Claremont, 503 W. 121st Street, 600 W. 113th, Brownstones, Carlton Arms, McBain, Ruggles, Watt, Wien, Woodbridge: Heat output is fixed, and radiator valves should remain open. Adjusting these valves can affect the entire building and may cause loud noise, hissing sounds or leaks. Heating systems in these buildings will only engage once the outside temperature drops below 55°F.
  • 611 W. 112th & 538 W. 114th Streets: Residents can adjust the heat output.
  • Harmony, Carman, Hogan, John Jay, River, Wallach: Heat is centrally controlled based on outside temperature and cannot be adjusted by residents. 
      

For information about how heat regulations are governed in your building and how you may be able to manage the heat output in your space, please review the NYC Heating Requirements as well as the Heating Policy section of the Guide to Living.  Throughout the month of October and often into November, New York City weather tends to fluctuate. These months are occasionally marked by significant temperature fluctuations within a 24-hour period. Until colder temperatures settle in, please anticipate that campus buildings may be warmer or cooler than desired.