Residential Life FAQs

All of our halls have air conditioning. Students can control the room temperature by using the individual controls in their room.

All of our residence hall rooms are equipped with beds that can be bunked. Contact your residence hall staff for assistance.

The mattresses are an 80 inches in size (also known as a Twin XL).

We do not have lofts available at this time. Students may not construct their own lofts. 

Yes. Students can bring computers for their rooms and access the campus computer network system providing they have an ethernet card or wireless capabilities.

When students pack for their first trip to Columbia, they should remember that there will be a break in the fall, the winter, and the spring.  As a result, there is no need to bring a year's supply of clothing. 

General

• Bed linens for twin, extra-long bed
• Towels/washcloths
• Toiletries
• Pillow
• Alarm clock
• Mobile phone, charger, accessories
• Hangers
• Radio/stereo/headphones
• Posters/pictures
• Waste basket and bags

Desk/study

• Computer and accessories
• Notebooks, folders, binders, etc.
• Pens/pencils/highlighters
• Index cards
• Calendar/planner
• Calculator
• Batteries
• Backpack

Cleaning

• Laundry detergent/dryer sheets
• High Efficiency (HE) detergent only
• Laundry bag/basket
• Iron and ironing board
• Sewing kit and safety pins
• Fabric refresher
• Glass/surface cleaner

Other

• Minifridge (max 4.6 cu.ft)
• Television/accessories
• Fan
• Power strips/surge protectors
• Some dishes/flatware
• Umbrella
• Playing cards and board games
• Decorations

Don't bring

• Sofas and other large furniture
• Air conditioning units
• Appliances with exposed heating elements
• Extension cords (unless UL-approved)
• Halogen lamps
• Candles/incense
• Pets (except fish)
• Heirlooms/expensive jewelry
• Hover boards
• Microwave
• Weapons
• Alcohol or alcohol containers (View the residence hall policies)

Cougar Village residents should also consider

• Pots, pans and other cooking utensils
• Dish washing soap and detergent
• Broom and dust pan
• Basic cleaning supplies

Yes. Limited cable service is available in all rooms at no extra charge to the students.

New Hall is the only residential hall will have an elevator. The rest of our buildings are only three floors. The first floor of Banks and the main floor of Miller are accessible for students with disabilities.

Yes, all rooms are equipped with smoke detectors.

• The rooms in Banks Hall are approximately 13' x 15'.
• The rooms in Hughes Hall are approximately 13' x 15'.
• The rooms in Miller Hall are approximately 12' x 14'. 
• The rooms in New Hall are approximately 13’x 22’.
• The rooms in Cougar Village range in size from 10' x 12' to 12' x 14'.

Refrigerators 4.6 cubic feet and smaller are permitted in the residence halls. There is a full-sized refrigerator provided in the kitchen of all Cougar Village apartments.

All washers and dryers are free! Liquid detergent only!

No. Residential Life allows no open-flame appliances in the halls. Microwaves are not allowed in the rooms due to the electrical strain. However, there are microwaves available in each residence hall for the students' use. There are also kitchen facilities available.

In Cougar Village, a microwave is provided in the kitchen of each apartment. Students are allowed to bring toasters and coffeepots as long as they are always used safely.

Yes. Vacuum cleaners can be checked out from hall staff.

Banks Hall, Miller Hall, and New Hall residential hall rooms have carpeting.

Hughes Hall has hardwood floors. If students want carpeting, they will need to purchase their own area rugs.

All rooms except kitchens and bathrooms are carpeted in Cougar Village apartments.

Yes. Students may park on campus with a parking permit, which may be purchased online.

The community bathrooms in Banks Hall are cleaned daily, Monday through Friday. The suite-style bathrooms in Hughes Hall, Miller Hall, and New Hall are cleaned once per week.

Cougar Village apartment bathrooms are cleaned once per week.

College-issued furniture must remain in the room at all times. The college's furniture cannot be removed because there is no storage space. Students may bring their own furniture, but pieces must fit in the room with the college-issued furniture.

Banks, Miller Halls, and New Hall are co-ed, while Hughes Hall is all female.

Columbia College residence halls have an open visitation policy, meaning guests can visit 24 hours a day, with the consent of the roommate.

In mid-March, students may begin self-selecting their residence hall and room for fall semester. Students who choose not to select a specific space will be automatically placed in mid-July. All communication about housing roommate and room selection will be emailed to your CougarMail account.

Yes, however it does cost extra. A student needing housing over break periods must sign up for such housing one week prior to the respective break period. The cost is approximately $15 per night and is charged to the student's student account. For international students, this housing fee is waived.

Yes, providing the student is enrolled in summer classes at Columbia College. Rates are announced in April for the following summer period.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Residential Life office or the Student Affairs office.