Contract Renewal

During the month of February and March, students will have the opportunity to apply for housing. Contract Renewal for the 2022-2023 academic year begins Tuesday, February 1, 2022 and ends Thursday, March 31, 2022.

What is Contract Renewal?
Contract Renewal is an opportunity for current Columbia College students (continuing students and residents (rising Seniors, rising Juniors, rising Sophomore)) to choose the specific room they want to live in for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students will easily be able to secure a contract through our online Housing Portal.
Who is Qualified?
Qualifications
- Current on-campus resident
- Full-time student
- Will be a rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior for the 2022 - 2023 academic year
Keep in mind that all returning students must end the Spring 2022 semester with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to be eligible to live on campus.

Holds must be resolved before you can participate. If you do have a hold on your account for the Fall semester, please contact Columbia Central to resolve your hold.

Graduating Students - Those graduating upon the completion of Fall 2022 semester can still participate in Contract Renewal. Although you'll be securing an academic year contract, the college will release graduating students from the Spring portion of their contract, given that they are not registered for any Spring 2022 classes and are moved out by the end of the Fall semester. We only ask that you notify our office towards the end of the Fall semester, so we are aware of your future departure.

Spring 2023 Semester in L.A. & Spring 2023 Study Abroad Students - Same as graduating students. The college will release you from this portion of your contract, given that you have been officially accepted into the program, are not registered for any Spring 2023 classes (other than the program itself) and are moved out by the end of the Fall semester. Please notify our office towards the end of the Fall semester with documentation of your acceptance, so we are aware of your future departure.

Students Currently Studying Abroad - If you are Columbia College student currently studying abroad, and will be back in the Fall to continue your degree, you are eligible to participate. Beginning the third week of Contract Renewal, you would be able to log into the housing portal and secure a space.
What You Need
Housing Prepayment
Students will need to provide a non-refundable $250 prepayment online when completing the housing contract. This mandatory non-refundable payment is applied to your first semesters’ housing costs, and cannot be waived.

DO NOT USE CCCPAY TO MAKE THIS PREPAYMENT.

Medical Insurance Policy
All residents are required to have medical insurance coverage during the contract period. You will need to enter your medical insurance policy info online when completing a housing contract.
What to Expect
The entire process will be completed online. Your participation date will depend on your housing status.

First week - Contract Renewal Application and Solidifying Roommate Groups (Optional)

Students will be submitting their housing application and $250 prepayment.
- Current residents that submit the Contract Renewal application and prepayment interested in rooming with current residents can create a roommate group in the housing portal.
- Please know that they will only be searchable if the person(s) you are interested in rooming with is a current resident that submits a housing application and prepayment.
- Only current residents can select other current residents that submit the housing application.
Fourth week - Same Room Sign Up and Displaced Students
- Same room sign up is for students interested in the room they are currently assigned to. If the space is available for next year, students interested can select the space they are currently residing.
- You will be considered displaced if your space is not available for upcoming academic year. Displaced residents will be notified via email before Contract Renewal begins.
Fifth week - Roommate Group Selection
- The roommate group leader will select the entire group building and space. Once the group is assigned a room, each member will receive a housing contract to sign in the housing portal.
- Please communicate amongst one another when your group leader assigns each member's space.
- Housing contracts are time sensitive.
Sixth week - Rising Seniors, Juniors and Sophomores
- Contract Renewal will be open to current residents that are not in a roommate group.
- Priority time slots will be sent via email to rising students starting with Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores.
  - This will allow for priority room selection for our students in seniority order.
Seventh week - Open to all
- Current students not living on campus will select a space.
- Current residents that submitted a Contract Renewal application that did not select a space will have the opportunity to select a space.
  - Room types and buildings are based on availability.
- The last day for Contract Renewal is Thursday, March 31.
Housing Contract Terms
Please be advised, all submitted housing contracts are binding and hold you financially accountable to your contract terms for the academic year. Do not submit a contract if you intend to use on-campus housing as a backup plan, or if you're unsure about living on campus.

It is strongly recommended that you plan ahead and contact Columbia Central to ensure that you are able to make this financial commitment PRIOR to signing your future housing contract. Do not complete a housing contract if your aren't sure what your financial situation will be in Fall.
Academic Housing
Students that participate in Contract Renewal Campaign will sign an academic year housing contract (Fall and Spring semesters.) This allows students to live on campus for the 2022-2023 academic year.
On-Campus Residence Halls
The Dwight - 642 South Clark
This building was originally built in 1911 as the headquarters of the Dwight Brothers Paper Company. The Dwight has been fully renovated, but still stays true to its heritage as a place of aesthetics and creativity. (see more)

The University Center - 525 South State
Since the Fall of 2004, the University Center (UC) has created a home away from home for approximately 1,700 college students from Columbia College Chicago and nearby DePaul & Roosevelt Universities. (see more)

The Arc - 37 West Van Buren
Originally built in 1893, The Old Colony Building is an architectural masterpiece located right in the beating heart of Chicago’s downtown loop. But make no mistake: “Historic” doesn’t have to mean “Old”. The Arc has been fully remodeled and modernized, providing Columbia College Chicago students with contemporary design, stylish amenities, and engaging public spaces. (see more)

30 E. - 30 East Balbo
30 East is the newest addition to Columbia College Chicago's residence hall portfolio. It's just steps away from the new Student Center and a block away from Grant Park. It houses the Residence Life office and approximately 340 Columbia College Chicago students. (see more).
Students with Disabilities
Returning students must keep an up to date annual registration for their service or emotional support animal with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students will be required to reach out to SSD where they will be asked to provide appropriate documents to re-register their service or emotional support animal.

If you require special room accommodations due to an ADA recognized disability, please contact Services for Students with Disabilities at ssd@colum.edu.

These disabilities may include (but are not limited to):
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder
- Learning Disabilities
- Communication Disorders
- Psychological Disabilities
- Deafness/Hard-of-Hearing
- Blindness/Visual Impairment
- Other Health or Physical Impairment
For additional accommodations, please visit The Services for Student’s with Disabilities Office (SSD) website.
Roommate Group Requests
Roommate group requests will vary depending on each persons housing and/or student status.
- From February 1 - February 18 applicants will be able to form a roommate group in the housing portal.
  - No more than 4 per group.
  - Roommate group requests are made in the portal.
  - Current residents living on campus can only search for current residents in the housing portal.
    - This means current residents cannot request new and incoming students as roommates.
    - In order to be searchable, you must submit your housing application and prepayment.
    - You must have the display in roommate search box checked in the roommate profile page
- Roommate groups should have conversations on specific building, room types and budget for the next academic year.
- All roommate groups will need to be confirmed and finalized in the housing portal by Friday, February 18.
- If you and a friend currently attend Columbia College and you both would like to find a space together, you would both need to select your room(s) during the Open to All segment.
- The availability of spaces will change frequently, as all vacant spaces will be an available option for other inquiring students.
  - The availability of spaces can change at any time during Contract Renewal.
  - Any vacant spaces will be assigned to regular applicants throughout the spring and summer.
Housing Prepayment

Students will need to provide a non-refundable $250 prepayment online while signing up for on-campus housing. This mandatory non-refundable payment is applied to your first semesters’ housing costs, and cannot be waived.

You will be provided prepayment instructions online while signing up for housing. DO NOT USE CCCPAY TO MAKE THIS PREPAYMENT.
On-Campus Housing Rates

The prices below reflect our current rates and are subject to change for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Traditional Shared Semi-Suite w/ Meal Plan — consists of a traditional two-person room at the University Center residence hall. Students share a bathroom with 1 to 3 other students. A 15-meal per week plan is mandatory and included in the cost of the room. In addition to the meal plan, students have access to a kitchenette and community lounge on each floor. Average semester costs: $7,000.

Shared Bedroom in a Shared Apartment — consists of a two-person bedroom in a 1 to 3 bedroom apartment. Residence Halls that include this room type are: 30 East Balbo, The Dwight, & The Arc. The apartment, depending on the number of bedrooms, may house 2 to 6 students and will include one or more bathrooms, a living/dining area, and full kitchen. Average semester costs: $5,500.

Private Bedroom in a Shared Apartment — consists of a one-person bedroom in a 4 to 5 bedroom apartment. Residence Halls that include this room type are: 30 East Balbo, University Center, The Dwight & The Arc. The apartment, depending on the number of bedrooms, will house 4 to 5 students. Average semester costs: $7,100.

For specific prices per room, please refer to the Residence Hall Rates.

For financial planning purposes, contact Columbia Central.
Meal Plan

Students that choose to live in Traditional-Style Semi-Suites (available only in the University Center) are provided with a MANDATORY meal plan, as these units do not include kitchens. The meal plan offers 15 meals per week during the Fall and Spring semesters and is about $2,277 per semester, included cost of the room. It also includes $750 in "flex" dollars ($375 per semester) to spend at the student’s discretion within the dining center retail store, during the regular academic year.

Students who choose to live in apartment style housing can choose to sign up for a supplementary 150 Meal Plan. The plan costs approximately $2,177 with 150 meals for the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) and $400 in "flex" dollars to spend at the student’s discretion within the dining center retail store, during the regular academic.

Please understand that this plan is strictly supplementary, as it allows an average of five meals per week. Students in apartment units cook for themselves and use the 150 Meal Plan on occasion; perhaps only for lunch or dinner during the weekdays, in between classes. Several hundred plans are available for purchase each year and are made available on a first-come first-served basis until all are sold.

These prices are currently subject to change.
Paying for Housing

Payment, either full or partial, is due on the first day of class each semester. If your anticipated financial aid covers the total amount of housing, tuition and fees due, you do not need to sign up for a payment plan. If your anticipated financial aid covers only a partial amount of your total due, you may sign up for a payment plan for the remaining amount due. If you do not sign up for a payment plan for the remaining amount due, you must make all the necessary financial arrangements to ensure that the remaining amount is paid to the College.

Inquiries regarding the relationship between housing costs and student's financial aid package can be answered only by Columbia Central.
February 1 - 18: Contract Renewal Application and Roommate Group Selection
Tuesday, Feburary 1 - Friday, February 18

During the month of February and March, you will have the opportunity to apply for housing. You will need to submit a non-refundable $250 prepayment to apply in the housing portal.

It is to your advantage to apply early. Throughout the month of February, as more current students apply for housing, you will be able to form a roommate group (maximum of 4 per group) and have conversations with your group of what specific room types fit your budget, and what building you want to live in for the next academic year.

All roommate groups are current residents living on campus. Roommate groups will need to be confirmed by Friday, February 18, before room selection and contract signing. Contract signing will begin in late February.

**Please be aware these dates are subject to change.
February 21 - 22: Same Room Sign Up
Monday, February 21 - Tuesday, February 22

Same room sign up begins Monday, February 21. This is for current residents who would like to select the same room for the 2022 – 2023 academic year.

If the space is available for next year, students interested can select the space they are currently residing.

**Please be aware these dates are subject to change.
February 23 - 24: Displaced Resident
Wednesday, February 23 - Thursday, February 24

Some of our on-campus spaces may not be available for the upcoming year. Displaced students will have the opportunity to select a room in any of the available buildings.

Residents affected will have already received an email notification.

**Please be aware these dates are subject to change.
March 1 - 3: Roommate Group Priority
Tuesday, March 1 - Thursday, March 3

The roommate group leader will log into the housing portal and select the group's building and room. Students that are in a roommate group will secure housing by signing the housing contract after the roommate group leader assigns each student a space.

It's important for everyone in the group to communicate with one another as the roommate group leader will be the only one assigning each person's room.

Any student that is assigned to a space will be notified via email to sign the contract before it expires. You will be offically assigned to the room once you sign the housing contract.

**Please be aware these dates are subject to change.
March 8 - 10: Priority Time Slot
Tuesday, March 8 - Thursday, March 10

If you wish to go alone and secure a space, assigned time slots will be sent to rising students. This will allow for priority room selection for our students in seniority order. Current residents will be given a priority time slot which determines when residents will have access to select a room and sign the housing contract.

Open Room Selection preference will be given to the following below:
- Rising Seniors (March 8th)
- Rising Juniors (March 9th)
- Rising Sophomores (March 10th)
Priority timeslots will be viewable by logging into the housing portal www.colum.edu/housingapp. If you missed your scheduled priority placement time slot, you can log into the housing portal any time after your priority placement date.

**Please be aware these dates are subject to change.
March 14 - 31: Open To All
Monday, March 14 - Friday, March 31

Starting March 14th, Contract Renewal will be open to ALL current residents and ALL currently enrolled full-time Columbia College students. Students attending Columbia but currently do not live on campus, will be eligible to choose housing online during these dates.

Current residents can also select their housing at this time if they had not done so already. Buildings and room styles are based on availability. Any rooms not claimed by current residents is up for grabs.

**Please be aware these dates and times are subject to change.
Roommate Assignments

Official Roommate Assignments will be sent via email, in the beginning of July.

In the event your roommate preference has changed throughout Contract Renewal, please email our office at residencelife@colum.edu so that we are able to relocate you to another room.
Move-In Information

New and Returning Student Move-Ins begin August 29, 2022.

If you have any additional questions concerning the 2022-2023 Contract Renewal, please contact the Residence Life Office at residencelife@colum.edu.