Prepare for Winter Break 23-24

All residence halls will be open during winter break but you may need to take additional steps to prepare for your stay or departure.

December 15, 2023

Carman, EC, Ruggles & Watt Residents: Remove Personal Items from Bathroom for Cleaning

Beginning Monday, December 18 – Friday, January 12, Facilities staff will clean your bathroom.

If you are leaving for the duration of the break, please remove all personal belongings from the bathroom no later than December 17. If you remain, please don't keep your items in the bathroom until Facilities has completed the work. Otherwise, Facilities will not be able to clean. Thank you in advance.

If You’re Staying Over Winter Break

  • Remove all personal items from your bathroom before the scheduled Facilities cleaning.
  • A resident may sign in no more than one guest at a time during break. Guests can be signed in at the front desk of your residence hall and must always be escorted.
  • Maintenance and custodial services will continue but on a more limited schedule.
  • The Hartley Hospitality Desk will offer in-person support from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For after-hours assistance, please call 212-854-2779 or email [email protected].
  • In case of an emergency, call Public Safety at 212-854-5555.
  • Campus resources may have adjusted operating hours or services over break. Notably, Columbia Dining will offer limited service to Dining Plan Holders at select locations.

If You’re Leaving for any Portion of Winter Break

Please complete the steps outlined on our website to secure your room prior to your departure.

If there is a vacancy in your room space, a resident may be assigned to the space over break. Please clear any items from the second set of furniture and move your belongings to one side of the room. This will minimize any inconvenience in the event that an incoming resident is assigned to your room.

If You’re Not Returning for the Spring Semester

Students who are not returning in the spring due to study abroad, graduation, moving off-campus, etc., must do the following:

  • Cancel Spring Housing via the Cancellation step in the Housing Portal. Failure to cancel your housing by December 22 will result in charges for the spring semester.
  • Check-out online using the Housing Portal Web Check-out.
    • Hartley and Woodbridge residents with non-electronic room access must return their keys to the Hospitality Desk.
    • Students with electronic access should keep their Columbia University ID.
  • Depart 24 hours following last final exam or by noon on Friday, December 22.

Looking Ahead: Spring Check-Out

Non-seniors must check out within 24 hours of their last final exam or by 12 p.m. on May 11, whichever is sooner. Graduating seniors must check out by 12 p.m. on May 16. Check-out extensions beyond May 13 for non-seniors and beyond May 18 for seniors will not be granted for any reason. Please plan accordingly.