Current Students

UPDATED for the 2023 - 2024 Academic Year:

• What is Contract Renewal?
  Contract Renewal is an opportunity for current enrolled Columbia College students to choose the specific room they want to live in for the 2023-2024 academic year. Students will easily be able to secure a contract through our online Housing Portal during the appropriate time.
• Who is Qualified?

  Qualifications

  • Current on-campus resident
  • Full-time student
  • Will be a rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior for the 2023 - 2024 academic year

  Keep in mind that all returning students must end the Spring 2023 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 students who will be graduating after the completion of the Fall 2023 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 2024 classes and are moved out by the end of the Fall semester. We only ask that you notify our office toward the end of the Fall semester, so we can plan and assist for your future departure.

  Spring 2024 Semester in L.A. & Spring 2024 Study Abroad 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 2024 classes in Chicago (other than the program itself) and are moved out of your Fall 2023 assignment by the end of Fall deadline. Please notify our office toward the end of the Fall semester with documentation of your acceptance, so we can plan and assist for 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. Please consult the Contracting Timeline to find your window of eligibility.

• What You Need

  Housing Prepayment
  Students will need to provide a non-refundable $250 space deposit (prepayment) online when completing the housing application. 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 application.  

• Contracting Timeline

  The entire process will be completed online. Your participation date will depend on your housing status.

  March 20, 2023: Application Opens for Currently Enrolled Students

  All currently enrolled students may begin submitting their 2023-2024 housing application and $250 housing deposit (prepayment) beginning March 20, 2023. 

  April 3 - 21, 2023: Room Selection Processes for Current Residents

  April 3 - 5, 2023 - Same Room Sign Up

  Same room sign up is available for students interested in returning to 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.

  
  

  April 6 - 9, 2023 - Displaced Student Sign Up

  Students who are being displaced and unable to return to their same room for the 2023-2024 academic year will be notified in advace of the Contract Renewal process.

  Displaced students will have the opportunity to choose a new space during this timeframe. 

  
  

  April 12 - 14, 2023 - Roommate Group Sign Up

  Groups of 2, 3, or 4 will be able to select a space on campus. Group maximum is 4.

  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.

   

  April 17 - 20, 2023 - Open Room Sign Up

  Any student who has not participated in one of the sign up processes listed above will have the opportunity to select a room space during this time.

   

  April 24 - 28, 2023: Room Selection Processes for Current Students who are Not Residents

  Currently enrolled students who do not live on campus will have the opportunity to pick a room space, provided they have submitted their Housing Application and $500 space deposit (prepayment) ahead of time.

  Current students who live on campus and did not participate in an earlier process will be able to pick a room space during this time, provided they have submitted their Housing Applicatino and $250 space deposit (prepayment) ahead of time.

  Housing contracts are time sensitive!

  Students will have 72-hours to sign their Housing Contract in order to guarantee their room space for the Academic Year 2023 - 2024.

  Housing Contracts, once signed, are binding agreements. Students will be held financially responsible for the terms of the contract. Students who do not enroll for Fall semester or withdraw during the semester may be entitled to reduced financial responsibility, however space deposits (prepayments) are non-refundable.

  The last day for currently enrolled students to participate in room assignments prior to the assignment of all new/incoming students is April 28, 2023.

   

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

• 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).

• Second Year Experience (SYE)

  The Second Year Experience (SYE) LC be housed in the Dwight floor 6.

  These communities will have a structured focus on the experiences and student development aimed at the first-year and second-year experiences at Columbia. Residents who choose to live in these communities will engage in intentional learning, social, and creative opportunities designed to enhance the Columbia student experience. SYE students will begin to refine their involvement opportunities while expanding their understanding of self, others, and their contributions to community.
  
  *Please understand the rooms are subject to availability.*

• Housing Contract Terms

  Housing contracts are time sensitive!

  Students will have 72-hours to sign their Housing Contract in order to guarantee their room space for the Academic Year 2023 - 2024.

  Housing Contracts, once signed, are binding agreements. Students will be held financially responsible for the terms of the contract. Students who do not enroll for Fall semester or withdraw during the semester may be entitled to reduced financial responsibility, however space deposits (prepayments) are non-refundable.

   

  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 are required to sign an academic year housing contract (Fall and Spring semesters.) This allows students to remain residing on campus for the 2023-2024 academic year.

• Services for 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.

  • 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 March 31, 2023.
  • 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
  Returning residents 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.
• Housing Rates

  Below are various living options and rates within Columbia College Chicago residence halls. 

  The prices below reflect the 2023-2024 academic year approved rates.

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  30 East, The Dwight, and The Arc Spaces:

  • Small double occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment ($11,506 annual / $5,753 semester)
    
    This consists of a two-person bedroom in a 1 to 3 bedroom apartment. 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.
    
    Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Regular double occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment ($12,122 annual / $6,061 semester)
    
    This consists of a two-person bedroom in a 1 to 3 bedroom apartment. 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.
    
    Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Single occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment ($15,780 annual / $7,890 semester)
    
    This consists of a one-person bedroom in a 4 to 5 bedroom apartment. The apartment, depending on the number of bedrooms, will house 4 to 5 students.
    
    Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Single occupancy bedroom, full sized bed, shared apartment ($16,073 annual / $8,037 semester)
    
    This consists of a one-person bedroom in a 4 to 5 bedroom apartment with a full sized bed. The Dwight & The Arc. The apartment, depending on the number of bedrooms, will house 4 to 5 students.
    
    Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Single occupancy studio apartment (not shared) ($17,536 annual / $9,032 semester)
    
    This consists of a one-person studio. The apartment, depending on the number of bedrooms, will house one student.
    
    Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
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  University Center Spaces ONLY:
  
  

  • Double occupancy Quad in a semi-suite ($10,696 annual / $5,348 semester)
    
    This 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.
    
    Meal plan is required add ($4,692.00 annual / $2,346.00 semester)
    
    
  • Double occupancy Double in a semi-suite ($12,146 annual / $6,073 semester)
    
    This 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.
    
    Mandatory Meal plan is required ($4,692.00 annual / $2,346.00 semester)
    
    
  • Single occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment ($15,780 annual / $7,890 semester)
    
    This 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.
    
    Meal Plan is not required. If you are requesting a meal plan, please view the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Single occupancy bedroom in a semi-suite ($15,630 annual / $7,815 semester)
    
    This 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.
    
    Meal plan is required ($4,692.00 annual / $2,346.00 semester)

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  Spaces at The Flats ONLY:

  • Single occupancy studio apartment (not shared) ($14,025.60 annual / $7,012.80 semester)
    
    This consists of a one person studio. The studio includes a private bathroom and kitchen.
    Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Double occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment - 1 bathroom ($10,237.50 annual / $5,118.75 semester)
    
    This consists of a two-person bedroom in a 2 bedroom apartment (4 occupants total). The apartment includes one bathroom, a living/dining area, and full kitchen. Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.
    
    
  • Double occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment - 2 bathrooms ($9,697.50 annual / $4,848.75 semester)
    
    This consists of a two-person bedroom in a 3 bedroom apartment (6 occupants total). The apartment include stwo bathrooms, a living/dining area, and full kitchen. Meal plan is not required. If interested in a meal plan, please refer to the Optional 150 section below.

   

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  Optional 150 Meal Plan

  We offer residents who are living in apartment style housing the optional 150 meal plan. The optional 150 Meal Plan (150 meals for the entirety of the academic year) ($2,191 annual) – NON-REFUNDABLE

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

  For financial planning purposes, contact Columbia Central.

• 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.
• 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 $2,277 with 150 meals for the academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) and $375 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.
• March 20 - 31: Contract Renewal Application and Roommate Group Selection

  Monday, March 20 - Friday, March 31, 2023

  Beginning March 20, 2023 - current residents will have the opportunity to apply for housing for the 2023-2024 academic year. You will need to submit a non-refundable $250 space deposit (prepayment) as part of your housing application in the housing portal. 

  Through March 31, 2023, 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 must consist of current residents living on campus. Roommate groups will need to be confirmed by Friday, March 31, 2023, before room selection and contract signing.

  **Please be aware these dates are subject to change.

• April 3 - 5: Same Room Sign Up

  Monday, April 3 - Wednesday, April 5

  Same room sign up begins Monday, April 3, 2023. This is for current residents who would like to select the same room for the Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 academic year. 

  If the space is available for the following academic year, returning residents who are interested in reserving the same space can do so at this time. 

  **Please be aware these dates are subject to change.

   

• April 6 - 9: Displaced Resident Sign Up

  Thursday, April 6 - Sunday, April 9

  Some of our on-campus spaces may not be available for the upcoming academic 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 from Residence Life. 

  **Please be aware these dates are subject to change.

• April 12 - 14: Roommate Group Priority

  Wednesday, April 12 - Friday, April 14

  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.

• April 17 - 20: Open Room Selection

  Monday, April 17 - Thursday, April 20

  Current residents who do not to participate during a sign-up window as outlined above will have the opportunity to select a space during this time.

  **Please be aware these dates are subject to change.

• April 24 - 28: Open to All

  Monday, April 24th - Friday, April 28th

  Starting April 24th, Contract Renewal will be open to 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.

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

• Move-In Information

  Students will be able to sign-up for a move-in date & time on one of the available days through the housing portal, beginning on June 1, 2023.

  Students living in SYE Learning Communities are encouraged to move-in on Monday, August 28, 2023. All new students should make plans to be moved in PRIOR to Friday, September 1, 2023.
  
  Students living in the University Center will select their move-in time through the UC housing portal after receiving communication from the UC Property Management team directly.
  
  No Move-in times will be scheduled for Friday, September 1 because of Convocation.
  
  **Please be aware these dates and times are subject to change