Summer 2025 applications will open in early December.

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Pre-College staff in a residence hall with students.

The Residential Experience

Students in our 3-week program who are at least 16 years of age are welcome to explore our residential option. More than half of our program participants live on campus, and over 60% of our residential community is international, with students from 70 countries and 45 U.S. states. Residential students enjoy the best of both worlds as they live on our tranquil 36-acre campus with all the excitement of New York at their door. 

Residence Halls

Residential students live in Columbia's residence halls, all of which are near the center of campus and within a few minutes’ walk of classrooms, the dining hall, libraries, the gym, and Health Services. Students are randomly assigned to either single or double rooms on single-gender floors or in single-gender suites. Students cannot request housing with another student or in a particular building, on a particular floor, or in a particular suite or room.

Dining on Campus

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided for residential students 7 days a week. The meal plan consists of a wide variety of food served cafeteria-style and includes vegetarian and vegan options. Kosher and halal meal plans are also available and can be requested upon enrollment in the program.
Form for participants with dietary restrictions.

Daily Schedule

Individual student schedules will depend upon their course of enrollment. Since students self-register for courses, they will choose a course that works best for their schedule. Most classes start at either 9:10 am or 11:10 am ET, although there are a few exceptions.

Student Life Activities

Programs and workshops are offered daily during the midday break and in the early evening. These include special lectures given by program instructors, workshops on preparing for college, opportunities to explore career fields, and activities designed to build leadership skills.

Eligibility

Students who are participating in the 3-week NYC Residential Summer program and will be at least 16 years old at the start of the program are eligible for residential status. 

The residential option is not available for students who will not yet be 16 by the start of the program. Those students are encouraged to apply for the NYC Commuter Summer, Online Summer or Academic Year Weekend online programs.

Student Life

College Preparation

Explore Our Pre-College Programs

The best way to prepare for college is the way that works best for you. That’s why we offer multiple programs: learn in person or online, during the school year or summertime.

Find Your Program