Move-In Information

All incoming residents must have their immunization records approved by Columbia University's Immunization Compliance Office or you will not be able to move in.

New York State Public Health Law requires that all students document immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella, as well as document that they either have received the meningitis vaccine or have declined to receive it.

For questions regarding the receipt of records, please contact CU Immunization Compliance Office at:

Tel: 212-854-7210
immunizationcompliance@columbia.edu

TC ID Card

• All students must upload a photo for their TC ID prior to move-in
• Please visit the Card Services website for instructions.
• Please upload your photo 2 weeks prior to your move-in date to have your TC ID ready at check-in.
• Your TC ID card will be in your key packet when you move in if you upload your photo by deadline.

Family Residents: Affiliate ID Photos

If you have affiliates living with you, we strongly encourage them to upload ID photos as well. This will expedite your check in process. In order to do so, all affiliates must first activate their UNI.

After they activate their UNI, visit the Card Services website for instructions. The requirements for these photos are the same as for your ID photo.

Please upload photos 2 weeks in advance of arrival to have your TC ID ready at check-in.

Grant and Sarasota Residents: ConEdison Account

Students in Grant and Sarasota must set up accounts with Con Edison for electricity. Students may do this online at www.coned.com by clicking on “my account” and following the instructions. If you need assistance or further clarification on this process, please contact the Office of Residential Services at 212-678-3235.

During the application process, residents will sign up for a timeslot to pick up their keys. Residents are required to check in during their scheduled timeslot otherwise their assignment will be canceled. Once residents check in, they can take as long as they like to move their belongings into their room.

Upcoming move-in dates:

• Spring 2025 Move-In: January 16
• Summer A 2025 Move-In: May 21
• Summer B 2025 Move-In: July 3

You MUST arrive to pick up your keys during your scheduled time above. If you do not arrive during your time you will not be allowed to check-in. You do not need to complete your move-in during the one hour timeslot, you only need to arrive to pick up your keys during that time frame. You can change your move-in time by visiting the Housing Portal and returning to your application.

Move-ins for every hall will take place in the Whittier Hall lobby, located at 1230 Amsterdam Avenue. A limited number of students are scheduled to check in every hour.

Unsure of what to pack?  Check out our  for recommendations of items to bring with you to TC Housing on our Packing Checklist!

The best place to unload your vehicle is directly in front of your respective residence hall. Bins will be made available to assist you in the transportation of items from your vehicle to your unit. Bins may be obtained at Whittier Hall basement, New Residence Hall lobby, and Bancroft Hall lobby.

To avoid being ticketed or towed, please pay attention to all parking signs. Unloading areas will be marked off in front of each residence hall. TC does not have parking spaces, so we recommend street parking or local garages.  The nearest garage is located at 532 W 122nd Street.

Orientation dates and times will be communicated via email.

TC will continue to update its COVID-19 Policies and Procedures throughout each semester. Please check our College Preparedness site for up-to-date information including any requirements for accessing campus, including housing.

All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi. When students move-in they will receive an email with instructions regarding how to log on for internet access.

You can send mail and packages to your address starting one week before your arrival. Please do not send any items earlier than this, as they will be returned to the sender. 

For more information on mail and packages, including your mailing address, please refer to our Guide to Campus Living. 

Things happen, make sure you have personal property insurance. Protect all of your personal property that you bring on campus.  Clink on the link to learn more:  https://www.nssi.com/get-started.

You are required to use a Teachers College approved vendor for installing or removing all personal window unit air conditioners. Installing and removing air conditioners can be risky if not done properly. Failure to comply is a violation of your housing contract and may have significant consequences impacting housing eligibility. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the approved vendors or our office for assistance.

Please select one of the following approved vendors:
Clinton Hardware: 212-222-8245
Supercoolnyc: 929-400-7665
Ace Hardware: 718-726-7120

Visitors to student residential buildings are allowed. Residential Services guest passes are available for 2 or more days with a maximum of 7 consecutive days and may be requested via our Housing Portal. Guests must comply with all College and residential policies, including TC's campus access requirements. 

Family members who accompany admitted students for the purpose of move-in during the beginning of the Fall semester will be able to access residential halls for limited periods of time during these activities and do not need to register with Public Safety. All individuals assisting with the move-in and out of students during the year will need to comply with all visitor health and safety protocols.