Residence Halls

Students are expected to live in residence at the College unless they are living with their parents, guardians, spouse or dependents within a 50-mile radius of the campus. Connecticut College places the major responsibility for residential life upon the students. Residents of each house/apartment area elect their own officers. Officers are responsible to the Student Government Association and, in cooperation with the Housefellow, Independent Living Coordinator and/or Floor Governors, to the College for maintaining high standards of group living in the houses.

All students living on-campus must have a meal plan. Only those students living in buildings with access to a kitchen will have the choice to be on a limited meal plan. All other residential locations require a full meal plan.

Students are expected to care for their own rooms. For reasons of health, sanitation, maintenance and state law, no pets may be kept in the College residence halls with the exception of fish in a tank no larger than 10 gallons.

No weapons, explosives or guns of any kind may be kept in College residence halls or anywhere on campus.

The College does not permit the use or possession of electric blankets, space heaters, immersion coils, hot plates, hot pots, candles, toasters, ovens, or any other open-flame or high-heating element. Though cooking is not allowed in student rooms, several houses have kitchen facilities where students are able to cook for themselves. Small kitchen counter-top appliances (ex. crock pots, toasters, rice cookers, etc.) that have an automatic shut-off feature engaged at all times may be used in designated kitchen spaces. 

Students are issued college furniture that must remain in their rooms unless approval is given in advance by the Office of Residential Education and Living. Removal of furniture will only be permitted on a need basis with consultation from the Health Services Office and/or the Student Accessibility Services Office.

Room keys are issued to each student upon arrival, provided that an account is paid in full. The College assumes no responsibility for the loss of personal property. For insurance of personal possessions, see the section on fees.

College personnel may enter student rooms as required for normal maintenance, health and safety checks, or emergencies. Authorized representatives of a public utility may enter student rooms only if accompanied by an appropriate College employee or by prior arrangement with the student.

The student residences are consolidated during the winter recess. Approved students may occupy their assigned rooms during the fall, Thanksgiving, and spring recesses. Students will be notified by the Office of Residential Life at the beginning and end of each semester as to when they must vacate their rooms for vacation periods. Graduating seniors must vacate their rooms no later than 10:00 p.m. on Commencement day. The College dining rooms open and close in accordance with the closing of the residence halls.

For a full description of policies associated with living on campus please refer to the Student Handbook.