Study Abroad

Eligibility

Students maintain guaranteed housing status and may participate in Room Selection if they meet the following criteria: 

1. They have guaranteed housing status when they start their study abroad program;
2. They study abroad for one or two terms under a program approved by their school; and
3. They pay tuition to Columbia for this program. 

Students Registering for Room Selection while Abroad

Students who are on approved study abroad leave during the Spring Term and who are eligible for guaranteed housing must register for Room Selection for the following year. Failure to register for Room Selection and/or failing to select a room will result in a loss of guaranteed housing. 

Students can participate in Room Selection from abroad as an individual or as part of a group.

Students Who Plan to Study Abroad for Fall Term of the Upcoming Academic Year

Students who plan to be abroad for fall term or for the full academic year must still register for Housing to maintain their guaranteed housing status. During the registration process, students will have an option to state their intent to study abroad. They will not select a room during online selection.

If you are accepted to a study abroad program after you have already selected a room, you will need to cancel your housing for the fall term per the cancellaton schedule.

Students Returning from Abroad for the Spring Term

While abroad in the fall, students must complete a Housing application to indicate their intent to live on campus for the spring term. Students will receive an email from Housing in November to apply.

Students with guaranteed housing status will receive their spring assignment in early January. Assignments will be made based on seniority, the date the application is received, available housing, and the preferences indicated. 

Students who do not have guaranteed housing status will receive an assignment if space permits.