Columbia Plaza Housing Program

Frequently Asked Questions

  
What is the Columbia Plaza Housing Program? Why do I need to go through GW to secure an apartment?

The Columbia Plaza Housing Program (CPHP) is open to fully enrolled GW Law, Medical, Graduate and upper-class undergraduate students who wish to live in Columbia Plaza. By going through the University, GW acts as your reference and guarantor so that you do not need to meet Columbia Plaza’s standard income requirement.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Program?

Applicants must be

-         Newly admitted or currently enrolled GW students in a degree seeking program

-         in good financial standing with the University (must not have student account balance greater than $500)

-         in good judicial standing with the University (must not be considered Persona Non Grata to any University owned and operated building)

How do I express interest in the Columbia Plaza Housing Program?

To submit an online interest form for the Columbia Plaza Housing Program, please visit the following website: https://gwired.gwu.edu/s/ext/housing/

If I put my name on the interest list, does that mean I will get an apartment?

Not necessarily. Columbia Plaza apartments are very popular and there are a number of students who typically express interest in living at Columbia Plaza.

Offers are made based on availability of apartments.  When apartments become available that meet students’ preferences (unit type, move-in date), we make offers to students based on the date they submitted their interest form. The more flexible you are in terms of move-in dates, the more there will be a chance that an apartment will be available. Graduate students receive priority on the Interest List.

Are Columbia Plaza apartments furnished?
Columbia Plaza offers spacious, luxury apartments with polished floors, dishwashers, disposals, gas ranges, walk-in closets, a 24-hour service desk, free voice mail service, and card entry access.  Apartments are not furnished, but utilities are included in the rent. In addition, DSL and cable TV may be installed at tenant’s expense.

How much will my rent be at Columbia Plaza?

Monthly Rental rates ranges are as follows:

Efficiency units $1400 – 1525

One-Bedroom units $1725 – 1975

Two-Bedroom units $2600 – 2900

What determines the differences in rent at Columbia Plaza?

The management at Columbia Plaza sets rates for the apartments.  Apartment amenities, square footage, floor plan, and view are all factors in how much an apartment rents for.

 Will I pay my rent through the University?

Rent is paid monthly to Columbia Plaza. The University does not collect rent and Columbia Plaza payments cannot be made to one’s student account.

If I know someone moving out can I move into their room?

All of the apartments that become vacant at Columbia Plaza are added to our inventory of available apartments.  Offers are made based on student preferences and the date the interest form is submitted.  Graduate students are given priority when offers are made.

 How long is the waitlist?

There are over 500 students on the Interest List for Columbia Plaza.  Offers are made to graduate students first.  Once available apartments have been offered to graduate students, then offers are made to undergraduate students.

How is it that Columbia Plaza is considered off campus student housing, but I have to talk to GW HOUSING PROGRAMS to get on the waitlist?

Columbia Plaza is considered off-GW Housing Programs and you may apply to live at Columbia Plaza without the consent of George Washington University.

Columbia Plaza requires their applicants to meet a certain income requirement.   To assist our students in securing off-campus housing, GW Housing Programs provides a reference for students so that they do not have to meet Columbia Plaza’s income requirement. 

Yes.  Laundry facilities are located in each of the buildings.

Can I sign a short term lease?

The leases at Columbia Plaza are for 12-month periods.  After the initial 12-month period, you may live at Columbia Plaza on a month-to-month basis. 

What is the maximum occupancy of a single apartment at Columbia Plaza? 

Occupancy requirements are as follows:

Can my spouse and children live with me?

Yes, as long as the number of residents do not exceed occupancy limits.

 I need a roommate.  How can I find one?

The Columbia Plaza Housing Program does not perform roommate matching.  Students looking for roommates may place or answer an ad on the Office of GradLife’s website in their classified section at http://gradlife.gwu.edu/offcampushousing.  Additionally, your school or program may have information on other students who are looking for roommates or housing.

 Can I live with a non-GW student?

In order to be eligible for the program, all residents must be enrolled GW students.  Non-GW students are not permitted to live in GW-controlled apartments.

Can I sublet my apartment?

Columbia Plaza does not allow subleasing.

Can I schedule a walk through of the apartment complex?

Anytime - Contact the Columbia Plaza leasing office directly at 202-293-2000 to schedule an appointment.

Is GW affiliated with any other apartments in the area?

At this time, The Columbia Plaza Housing Program is the only one of its kind.  GW currently has no similar agreements with other apartment buildings or complexes.

Can I live in Columbia Plaza as an undergraduate?

Priority is given to graduate students but upper-level undergraduates live in Columbia Plaza as well. 

Why do law school students get preference over medical school students?

All graduate students are given the same priority.  When the program was first instituted, preference was given to law school students.  That is no longer the case.

Where can I get more information?

For more information on the Columbia Plaza Housing Program and Program requirements, please contact GW Housing Programs at (202) 994-2552 or gwhouse@gwu.edu.

For more specific information on Columbia Plaza amenities, leasing terms and other rental questions, please visit the Columbia Plaza website at www.columbiaplaza.net. The Leasing Office can also be reached at (202) 293-2000