Furnished Rooms Near Columbia University: A Student's Guide

Finding housing near Columbia University is one of the hardest parts of moving to New York. University housing fills fast, and the private market around Morningside Heights moves quickly. A furnished private room is often the fastest, most flexible way to get settled.

Where to look

Morningside Heights is closest to campus, but supply is limited. Many students look a little further south on the Upper West Side, where the 1 train along Broadway reaches the 116th Street–Columbia University station in minutes. The B and C trains on Central Park West are another option.

Lincoln Square, farther south near Lincoln Center, is also a practical choice. The 1 train runs directly to Columbia, and rooms there are often more affordable.

Why furnished rooms work for students

• Move in with a suitcase. No furniture to buy or sell when you leave.
• Flexible terms. Many operators offer stays from one month, which fits semesters, summer programs and internships.
• Simpler costs. Some rooms include utilities and Wi-Fi in the rent, so you know your monthly total upfront.

What it costs

Prices depend on room type and building. On Linnhaus, furnished private rooms on the Upper West Side and in Lincoln Square start around $1,340 per month, while private studios with their own kitchenette cost more. Always check whether utilities are included and what deposit is required.

Questions to ask before you reserve

1. Is the bathroom private or shared, and with how many people?
2. Are utilities and Wi-Fi included in the rent?
3. What is the minimum stay, and can I extend?
4. When exactly is the room available?
5. How much is the deposit, and when is it refunded?

October 2026 update: current room options and the Morningside route

The earlier price guidance above remains part of this guide; for a current comparison, use the October 22, 2026 figures below and the rent on the individual listing. Listed rooms have different move-in dates, so these counts do not mean every room is available immediately. Rents and availability can change.

Manhattan Valley

Rooms in Manhattan Valley: 2 listed rooms, with monthly rents from $1,340 to $1,340. Check the exact street and the campus entrance you use.

Upper West Side

Rooms on the Upper West Side: 212 listed rooms, with monthly rents from $1,340 to $1,340. This broad area includes different distances from Morningside; compare each address separately.

Lincoln Square

Rooms in Lincoln Square: 125 listed rooms, with monthly rents from $1,340 to $1,340. Treat these farther-south rooms as commute alternatives rather than campus-adjacent housing.

Midtown

Rooms in Midtown: 53 listed rooms, with monthly rents from $1,340 to $1,340. Check the nearest station and the complete route to your own building.

Choose the right Columbia stop

The official MTA subway map identifies 116 St–Columbia University on the 1 along Broadway. The 1 also serves 66 St–Lincoln Center, 72 St, 79 St, 86 St, 96 St, 103 St, and Cathedral Pkwy (110 St), providing starting points for a west-side route comparison. The B and C stop at a different 116 St station on Central Park West; include the onward walk rather than treating the two stations as interchangeable. This comparison is for Morningside: rebuild the route if your program uses Manhattanville or the medical campus, and check current MTA service before travel.

Start your search

Browse furnished rooms on the Upper West Side and in Lincoln Square on Linnhaus. Every listing shows the monthly rent, deposit and move-in date upfront. Linnhaus answers your questions and coordinates with the operator for you.