The University has limited housing available for postdoctoral researchers. In order to assure that applicants receive an opportunity to obtain CU housing, a monthly lottery system was initiated to make housing offers. This lottery system is governed by a priority system, based on the current residence of the applicant, and if there are apartments available.
•Eligibility
Individuals holding the title of Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Postdoctoral Research Scientist with a CUMC appointment, and who are full-time employees, are eligible to apply for on-campus housing. Individuals may remain in campus housing throughout the duration of their appointment, up to five (5) years. However, in the event that the individual's employment status changes to part time, or to an ineligible title, he/she will not have the lease renewed and will have a three month grace period to find alternate off-campus housing, or return to work full-time with an eligible title. Postdocs whose title changes within the five years to another University Housing eligible title, will also be required to vacate the housing.
Couple's housing is available to married couples and couples living in domestic partnership. It is available on a limited basis, and for those postdocs with families, larger apartments are extremely rare.
Domestic partners are defined as two individuals who live together in a long-term relationship of indefinite duration, have an exclusive commitment to each other's welfare, and share financial obligations. Accommodations we offer must be occupied by both the postdoctoral officer and his/her spouse or domestic partner.
A complete list of documentation required for married couples and domestic partners can be obtained from the Office of Housing Services at the Medical Center campus and from Facilities at the Morningside Campus.
•Verification of Post Doctoral Appointment
All forms must be accompanied by a letter from the Departmental Administrator or the Sponsor, detailing the person’s title and appointment dates.
•How Assignments Are Made
The number of housing applicants consistently exceeds the number of apartments available. All applications are given a number.
Based on the number of apartments available in the
assignment pool (Medical Center and Morningside Campus), selectees are then chosen from the random pool. Two or three alternates are also selected in case an offer in declined by one of the selectees.
The Director of Postdoctoral Housing will contact all individuals selected. Selectees are required to respond within 72 hours of notification. Individuals who do not respond within the time requirement will forfeit the opportunity for a housing assignment, and unless a request is made to keep the postdoc in the lottery, the name will be removed from the list.
Housing may be available at the Medical Center and/or the Morningside Campus. Each applicant will, in order of the selection, be offered housing based on current availability and preference. If an applicant declines an apartment, he or she may choose to remain in the lottery.
All housing is unfurnished and does not include electricity charges.
Contact the Director of Postdoctoral Housing at 212-305-4930 or as1034@columbia.edu with any questions.
