Columbia University
- Off-Campus Housing

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There are two words that strike fear into the hearts of those seeking an apartment to rent in New York, “broker’s fee.” A broker’s fee is 10 to 20 percent of the first year’s rent that you pay to someone who has spent all of 15 minutes helping you find an apartment. It is difficult to find an apartment without a broker, but it is not impossible. Affordable off-campus housing is usually quite a commute from campus, but some find the extra privacy to be a benefit and use the commutes to study, but the majority end up wishing for a place closer to campus. Most who live off campus, but do not have a lengthy commute, seem happy with their decision to be apart from Columbia, but they often complain about the exorbitant rent and utility bills, not to mention the cost of furniture. Even Ikea can burn a hole in your wallet, but New Yorkers throw away some perfectly good items, so you can always furnish your place with egg crates and cinder blocks until you find some wooden shelves on the sidewalk.

Most leases are for a year, but some find subletting a useful alternative. “Roommate Wanted” signs are posted all over the city, but this can be a bit dangerous. At least with Columbia housing, there is always someone to complain to. When you live with strangers off campus, you are on your own. Finding off-campus housing without a broker’s fee requires money, patience, and a little bit of luck. On-campus housing is easily the best rental deal in New York City, but you have to give up some autonomy.

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Off-Campus Housing at Columbia University

cpisscam

'03

Geology and Earth Science

1.2

D

Expensive

You're best off going with on-campus housing because finding an apartment in NYC is so difficult and expensive and often involves brokers.

May 19, 2011

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Off-Campus Housing at Columbia University

thekatt22

'11

Climatology

1.5

D+

VERY EXPENSIVE

Very expensive. Difficult to find anything below $800/mo. I did manage to find something cheaper, but it's a real dump and I can't wait to move out!

Apr 20, 2011

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Off-Campus Housing at Columbia University

lmw2123

'11

Creative Writing

0.0

F

Not Worth It

With guaranteed housing at Columbia for all four years in a nice, relatively safe neighborhood of NYC, there is no reason to move off campus and risk paying way more to live in a way worse place. On-campus housing is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and has 24-hour support staff if anything breaks. While living off campus has the appeal of independance and getting a cat or something, it's just not worth it.

Nov 11, 2010

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

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