Prepare for Winter Break

If You’re Staying Over Winter Break

• Refresh and repair projects are scheduled in several residence halls over winter break. You will receive notice prior to the start of break if repair work is scheduled in your building.
• A resident may sign in no more than one Columbia affiliate as a guest at a time during break. Guests can be signed in at the front desk of your residence hall and must always be escorted. Commuter students will not have swipe access during winter break.
• Maintenance and custodial services will continue but on a more limited schedule.
• The Hartley Hospitality Desk will have offer in-person support from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For after-hours assistance, please call 212-854-2779 or email [email protected].
• Campus resources may have adjusted operating hours or services over break. Notably, Columbia Dining will not operate.  

• Continue following campus COVID-19 protocols, including mask wearing and the daily attestation.  

In an emergency, call Public Safety at 212-854-5555. 

If You’re Leaving for any Portion of Winter Break

Please complete the following prior to departure:

• Dispose of all garbage in your room/suite properly, especially perishable items in your refrigerator.
• Close and lock all windows and security gates. Lock your door when you leave.
• Remove any flammable items from radiators/heating units.
• Remove all cash and valuables from your room.
• Notify family and friends of your intended whereabouts and contact information during the break.
• Unplug all appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, fans alarm clocks, and chargers.
• Make sure your refrigerator is empty and defrosted prior to leaving.
• Turn off your lights when you leave.
• Donate coats, unwanted clothing, canned goods and other working household items during Facilities and Operations Clean + Go Green at the end of the fall semester. Facilities and Operations staff will be on hand to help with unloading and recycling.

If You’re Not Returning for the Spring Semester

Students who are not returning in the spring due to study abroad, any type of leave of absence, moving off-campus, graduating, etc., must do the following:

• 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.
• Cancel their Spring Housing via the Cancellation step in the Housing Portal before January 1 to avoid cancellation fees.
• Vacate their current room 24 hours following their last final exam or by noon on December 24.