Residence Life & Housing supports the advancement of the college's academic mission through the residential model. Our philosophy of residential living is grounded in Dickinson's history. As a residential college, Dickinson has a four-year residency requirement, meaning that all full-time enrolled first-year, sophomore, junior, and senior students are required to live in college housing and participate in a college meal plan.
As an integral part of the out-of-classroom experience, students living in college residences will increase their cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal development and complexity. Students need space for physical and intellectual activities to benefit from this experience fully. We work with students to meet their needs on campus by creating the environment in college residences that will be most conducive to their overall academic and social success.
Your Housing Assignment
One of the major areas of interest for new students is finding out where they will be living. To prepare for making your housing assignments in the summer, we ask that you complete a roommate preference and housing agreement form that will be available on the Dickinson Gateway in May. If you have any questions about this form or housing in general, please contact Residence Life & Housing at 717-245-1556 or reslife@dickinson.edu.
Once you have completed the roommate preferences form, we will assign you a room and a roommate(s) in early August. When you receive your roommates' contact information, call them! Be sure to talk about what items each of you is bringing so you can best use the space in your room. We recommend not only focusing on social networking sites to learn about your new roommate. Take time to build a relationship outside of social media. When working with your roommates to determine what to bring, consider our Packing for College list.
Be sure to check out our descriptions of the residential facilities and tips on living with a roommate.
Your Community
All new students are placed in traditional halls on Morgan Field or The Quads. You will have staff and structures to help create your community through governance, social event planning, and community forums. At Dickinson, the learning experience flows seamlessly into the residence halls as you bring concepts from what you are learning in the classroom home to reflect and engage with your peers.
Gender Inclusive Housing
Dickinson College offers gender-inclusive housing to all students. This expansion of the previous program provided this option to upper-level students. This option allows two or more students to share a multiple-occupancy bedroom, suite, or apartment regardless of the student's sex or gender identity. Gender-inclusive housing is intended for students who wish to share a living space with friends irrespective of gender; it is not for romantic relationships. Please review the gender-inclusive housing page for further information.
Housing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Dickinson College is deeply committed to the full participation of students with disabilities in all aspects of college life, including residential life. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Dickinson College has established the following Housing Accommodations Procedures to ensure that students with documented disabilities receive housing assignments that reasonably meet their needs as required by law. For information about reporting a disability, please contact Access and Disability Services at 717-245-1734 or access@dickinson.edu.
Equipment Purchase and Rentals
Dickinson College offers opportunities for students to rent mini-fridges and purchase linens and carpets through the Dickinson College Bookstore. There is also an opportunity for students to insure their personal belongings while on campus by purchasing rental insurance.
Arrival and Move-In Days
The move-in and orientation schedule provides information about move-in days. Additionally, you will receive an email with tips and reminders a few days before your scheduled arrival.