Columbia University

Bed and room basics

Rooms include an extra-long Twin mattress, so bring Twin XL linens, a Twin XL mattress cover or topper, a blanket or comforter and a pillow. Do not bring another mattress. University furniture must stay in the room, and non-university upholstered furniture such as couches and futons is prohibited. Residences use corridor, suite and apartment-style layouts, so verify the assigned building's bathroom type, kitchen access, air conditioning, laundry, mail location and room configuration. This guide covers Columbia Housing for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering undergraduates at Morningside Heights.

Pack these first

• Twin XL bedding and a CAL 117 compliant topper
• Towels, a shower caddy and shower shoes
• A laundry basket and detergent, since laundry itself is free
• Hangers, a desk lamp, an electric fan and a flashlight
• Surge protectors and only approved white wall adhesive for decorations

Rules and smart skips

• A refrigerator may be no larger than 2.5 cubic feet.
• Extension cords, candles, most outside furniture, hot-pot-style coffee makers, rice cookers and other cooking appliances outside approved kitchen areas are prohibited, along with hoverboards and e-bikes.
• Pod-style coffee makers are allowed under the published guidance.
• Everything brought in must be removed at the end of the academic year, so avoid oversized items.

Before move-in

• Columbia publishes annual check-in schedules and building-specific instructions.
• Pack essentials first, since rooms and unloading areas have limited space.
• Label belongings and follow the current appointment and unloading route.
• Photograph the room before unpacking and report existing damage.

Official sources

• Columbia Housing
• Housing options
• What to bring
• Check-in
• Guide to Living

Continue with DormHQ

Other New York schools

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• Fordham University New York, NY
• University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY

All New York dorm guides →

Keep planning

• The ultimate college dorm packing list
• The move-in day checklist
• What to coordinate with your roommate
• The packing list spreadsheet
• Apartment-style housing: what changes
• Care package ideas that get used