Housing and Residential Experience

MOVE-OUT Spring 2024

All students must indicate their move out plans via the Housing Portal.

Check Out Steps for Any Resident Moving Out 

1. Before you check out, here is a list of things that need to be done in order to avoid unnecessary fees.   
   • Sign-up for a check-out time via the Housing Portal (if applicable, as noted above). Failure to sign up for a checkout time will result in a $150 improper checkout fee  
   • Make sure to update your address (both Columbia and USPS) to receive mail. Mail is not forwarded to students over the summer nor kept on campus.  
   • Pack up all of your belongings. Do not leave any personal items or furniture that was not initially provided. 
   • Empty all drawers, wardrobes, and closets. 
   • Remove all adhesives from walls, ceilings, & doors 
   • Wipe down & sanitize all surfaces. 
   • Vacuum and mop every floor. 
   • Clean the microwave, refrigerator, and stove. 
   • Clean all faucets, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. 
   • Throw away all trash bags and empty boxes in the designated area for your building. 
   • Close & lock every window. 
   • Empty your mailbox. 
   • Make sure you have every key, key card, and/or key fob given to you when you moved in. 
2. When your check-out date and time arrives, your RA will meet you at your room to do a full inspection of your room and the common areas of the apartment for damages and cleanliness. Your room must be empty of your belongings at the time of your scheduled checkout. 
3. Please make sure that there is nothing in your space that violates any of the student conduct policies. If a violation is found, it will be documented in our conduct system. 
4. Once your RA has done a full inspection, they will collect your keys. Please have every key, key card, and/or key fob that was given to you when you moved in. 
5. Once your RA has inspected your space and has all of your keys, your checkout is complete. You will no longer have access to the building. 

Failure to accurately complete the check-out process will result in a $150 improper check-out fee. Please be advised that building management also enters every space after everyone has vacated and will bill for any additional damages and/or lack of cleanliness that may not have been noted by the RA. 

**If you move out and vacate your space without an approved cancellation reason (indicated above), you will be subject to improper checkout fees, as well as cancellation fees and penalties associated with terminating your housing contract, including but not limited to: $150 improper checkout fee, $500 cancellation fee, cost of your room for the entire Fall semester, and an additional fee of 60-days at the nightly room rate.** 

• Early Check Out: May 1st-3rd, 6th-10th between 9am-5pm

  If you plan to check during one of these listed dates, your move out will be considered an “Early Check-Out". Please visit the HRE office on the 2nd floor of 30 East Balbo Dr. to hand in your keys and complete a damage waiver form. A room inspection will not be completed at the time of your checkout. You will be asked to sign a damage waiver form stating that if any damage or cleanliness issues are found during EOS inspections, you waive the option to appeal any damage charges that may be found and added to your student account. If you do not wish to proceed with signing the damage waiver form, you will be asked to wait until after 7pm once RAs go on duty to have a room inspection completed. 

• After Hours Early Check-out: May 1st-3rd, 6th-10th after 7pm

  If you plan to check during one of these listed dates, your move out will be considered as an “After Hours Early Check-Out". Please call the RA duty phone number associated with your building after 7pm. The RA on duty will conduct a room inspection and will collect your keys upon your check-out.

  RA Duty Phone Numbers per building:

  • The Arc: (312) 428-8909
  • 30 East/The Flats: (312) 428-8324
  • The Dwight: (312) 401-1913
• Scheduled Check–Out: May 11th & 12th

  • If you plan to check out of your space May 11th and 12th, you will be available to select a timeslot in the Housing Portal starting April 22nd at 12pm (noon). Timeslots will be in 20-minute increments and will be available from 8am-8pm on May 11th and 8am to 12pm on May 12th. Failure to sign up for a checkout time will result in a $150 improper checkout fee. 

  • Students must sign up for a check-out time through the housing portal that will go live on April 22nd at noon. 

  • When your check-out date and time arrives, please go to the lobby of your building to start the checkout process.  A staff member will inspect your designated bedroom and the common areas (kitchen, living area, and bathrooms) of the apartment, recording their condition for reference. Your room must be completely empty of personal belongings at the time of your scheduled checkout. 

• Extended Check-Out: For residents who need an extension due to graduating, participating in the graduation ceremony, or is an international student with a restricted travel itinerary

  • Residents with an approved checkout will be permitted to stay in their housing assignment past the formal checkout dates provided. This extension is only extendable for one extra day (May 13, 2024). Residents with an approved extension must vacate their space no later than May 13, 2024, by 12pm (noon). If you are in need of an extension, please email the HRE office at housing@colum.edu for consideration. 

  • When your check-out date and time arrives, please go to the lobby of your building to start the checkout process.  A staff member will inspect your designated bedroom and the common areas (kitchen, living area, and bathrooms) of the apartment, recording their condition for reference. Your room must be completely empty of personal belongings at the time of your scheduled checkout.
    

• Special Circumstances

  We know that some of you will have extenuating circumstances that may prevent you from being able to follow the standard checkout procedure.  

  • Non-traditional hours: If you are planning to check-out during non-traditional hours (midnight-early morning hours), this requires advanced approval by the HRE office. If you are approved, you will receive a separate email from our office with separate check-out instructions. 

  • Summer lease: If you are leasing an apartment in one of our residence halls for the summer, you need to contact that respective property manager about your transition into your new space. You may not be able to remain in your academic year space until your summer lease starts and will have to move out. Housing and Residential Experience does not house students over the summer. 

  Have additional questions or concerns about the check-out process? Please feel free to contact our office via email (housing@colum.edu). Please include your name and MyColumbia ID number in all written correspondence.

• University Center Residents Moving Out

  If you are checking out and currently live at the University Center, you will drop your keys off in the Express Checkout box on the 2nd floor located at the Resident Service Desk. It is located next to the fitness center. This is a self-service station that can be completed at any time, 24/7. Please complete the Express Checkout Form and turn in your UC ID and Key(s) at this time.