Check-In

First-Year Room Assignment Available in the Housing Portal

Incoming First-Year students received this Check-In message on June 30, 2026.

June 30, 2026

You Arrival Date

  • International students should plan to arrive on Saturday, August 29.
  • Bag Drop-approved students should plan to arrive on Saturday, August 29.
  • Non-Bag Drop students should plan to arrive on Sunday, August 30. 

Step 1: View Your Room Assignment in the Columbia Housing Portal 

The Columbia Housing Portal is your one-stop location for important information as a residential Columbia student. Throughout your time living on campus, you will visit the Housing Portal to submit applications, complete requirements, and more. 

To find your room assignment and roommate information for Academic Year 2026-2027, log into the Housing Portal using your Columbia ID number:

  1. Go to the Housing Portal.
  2. Click "Login" in the top left-hand corner of the Portal homepage.
    • Select "Login with Columbia ID number" from the drop-down menu.
    • Enter your Columbia ID number. Your Columbia ID number begins with C and is 9 digits. Your password is your date of birth in the format MMDDYYY (i.e., 04242004).
  3. Click on the “Move-In Information” tab in the menu. 

Do not use your UNI to log into the Housing Portal as it has not yet been authenticated to your student account in the Columbia Housing systems.

You will receive your arrival time in the next email. Arrival times are assigned to optimize elevator operations and cannot be changed. Students who arrive late may experience delays with their move-in. 

If you are part of an athletic team or another pre-arrival program, you may receive an updated arrival date over the summer.  

Step 2: Complete These To-Dos 

  1. Required: Sign your Occupancy Agreement (OA) in the Housing Portal by August 1. This document outlines the terms and conditions of living in Columbia Housing. Failure to sign the OA may jeopardize your housing assignment.
  2. Recommended: Obtain property insurance to protect your belongings while in residence, as the University is not responsible for personal property. You may choose any insurance provider. 

Step 3: Plan What You’ll Bring to Campus 

Watch our video for recommendations on what you should and should not bring to campus. Remember, your room is furnished and space is limited.  

If you are planning to ship items, be aware that the Columbia Student Mail Center will begin accepting packages on August 1. Items received before August 1 will be returned to sender. More information about packing and shipping will be shared in July.

Step 4: Review Check-In Resources and Timeline 

This is Check-In email 1 of 4. In mid-July, we’ll send your assigned arrival time and a step-by-step overview of what to expect when you get to campus.  

In the meantime, explore our Check-In resources: