Although Columbia University guarantees housing for graduate students at the medical campus, where you will be spending most of your time, many prefer to search for their own apartments. Finding your own place in New York City allows you to choose the convenience of living near the medical campus, the collegiate ambiance of the main (Morningside) campus, or one of the many other little worlds that New York City offers.

New York City has firm rent control and rent stabilization policies; even though housing is not inexpensive, many students find that by sharing they can rent apartments in the neighborhood of their choice that are not only affordable now but still will be when graduate studies are completed.