Finding the perfect place to rest your head, can be a daunting task in the “City that never Sleeps;” the Columbia University Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA) office is here to help! Here, you will find information about the housing options available Off-Campus, get connected roommates, find and list subleases, and receive tips and resources for living Off-Campus.
If you’re ready to begin your search, visit our Off-Campus Housing Marketplace, an apartment hunting tool created with the Columbia affiliate in mind. Simply browse our list of resources and click on the “Listings” tab for available apartments near Columbia University.
Are you an international student transferring to Columbia University? Do you have questions about immigration, finances, and living in the U.S.? Check out the International Students & Scholars page for tips on living off-campus as an international student.
First time renting? Visit our Renter Education page for educational videos and tips on what you'll need to know before signing your liease.
Columbia University's Off-Campus Housing Assistance (OCHA)
OCHA helps Columbia affiliates in their search for rental housing in non-Columbia owned buildings located in the metropolitan area. OCHA maintains a Web site and regular office hours to provide advice, resources, and an online database of available housing.
If you're interested in being a part of our database of off-campus housing options near Columbia University, please visit our List With Us page for more information.
For technical support and other customer service requests, contact:
414-882-3226
For additional OCHA resources, contact:
401 West 119th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 854-2773
ocha@columbia.edu
All newly admitted First Year and Transfer students, under 21 years of age, with a home address outside of Pueblo County, who graduated high school or the equivalent in the preceding academic year are required to live on campus for two academic years (four complete academic semester, excluding summer). Students who violate this policy will be assessed the regular double room rate and meal plan.
Committing to a lease outside of the Residence Halls does not exempt you from the requirement. Please make sure you are not bound by the requirement before committing to a lease.
This form is to request to live off campus if you are bound by the requirement. You must request this before July 12th to be approved to live off for the 2019-2020 academic year. Read the form thoroughly. Requests will only be reviewed if the form is complete. Filling out the form does not guarantee an exemption. Exemption status is emailed in the form of a letter to the student's email. Exemptions are reviewed between 5-7 business days after they have been submitted.