Housing, Dining & Health

Housing

American Language Program (ALP) students may choose from a number of housing options depending on the time of year.

Columbia University campus housing is limited, and students are encouraged to apply early. American Language Program students must be 18 years or older to live in campus residences.

Dining Options

Student cafeterias are located in many places on campus. Students may purchase a meal plan, set up a debit account ("Dining Dollars"), or pay by cash. Many students prefer to eat in the many cafés and restaurants located in the area, or simply to cook in the dormitories which feature shared kitchen areas.

Please see www.columbia.edu/cu/dining for further information.

Health Service and Health Insurance

Students in the fall and spring intensive programs as well as those who enroll in both summer sessions A and B must pay the Health Services Fee and must have insurance. Students who study in all three summer sessions also must pay the Health Services Fee and must have insurance. The Health Services Fee gives students access to the health services office on campus. The student insurance plan covers hospitalization and visits to special doctors outside of Columbia’s Health Services office.

While it is possible to waive the insurance charge if proof of adequate medical coverage is submitted, we strongly recommend that students purchase Columbia’s approved insurance policy. Many other insurance plans are not able to offer the required coverage at a comparable price. Some of the main insurance requirements are:

  1. The plan must provide coverage for medically necessary care while the insured student is in New York City or traveling or studying in the United States or abroad.

  2. The maximum coverage benefit is at least $300,000 per lifetime.

  3. Coverage will remain in force as long as the insured is a registered student at Columbia University.

  4. As of the date of registration, the plan will cover the insured student for any pre-existing condition.

  5. The plan covers the following types of care: treatment for injuries resulting from the practice or play of athletics, inpatient psychiatric care and treatment for chemical dependency.

  6. The plan must have a U.S. office.

Charges for health service and insurance are automatically added to each student’s bill at registration. Students in the spring intensive program will be charged for eight months of coverage.

Please note that insurance charges added at registration are considered due when they are added. Students with comparable insurance coverage may submit insurance waiver applications after registration. If the waiver application is accepted, the insurance charge will be removed from the student's account.

Please see www.health.columbia.edu for further information.

Find out how to apply for our English language courses and programs.