Housing

Dorms at Principia College are so homey that we call them houses. Renowned architect Bernard Maybeck designed a number of them, so it’s like living in a functional work of art.  

Residential Life

You’ll find a strong sense of community at Principia College, and since almost all students live on campus, it’s easy to meet up with friends for meals or study breaks or just to chill. Expect to have a wide circle of friends here.

Each house has a Residential/Community Educator (RCE), an adult Christian Scientist who’s always ready with support—and often with snacks! In addition, housemates elect peers for a house board that oversees activities from social events to intramural athletics and recycling competitions.

All student houses include these must-haves and extras:

• Wi-Fi (free and available campus-wide)
• Living rooms with fireplaces
• Rec rooms with big screen TVs
• Free laundry facilities
• Computer labs (with free printing) and academic study rooms
• Kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, stovetops, and ovens
• Christian Science study rooms

Housing Slideshow

Take a photo tour of houses on campus.

Housing for Freshmen

Anderson Hall and Rackham Court—two of the most beautiful Maybeck buildings on campus—are reserved for freshmen. Each of them has separate wings for men and women and a large living room with a huge fireplace—great for s’mores and cozy evenings. Upperclassman Resident Assistants (RAs) live in the freshman houses to help new students get to know Principia and make the most of their first year of college.

Housing for Upperclassmen

Beginning sophomore year, students move into one of eight upperclassman houses—all with their own character and traditions (Buck Breakfasts and the Lowrey Rumpus, for example). Each house holds in-house activities and sponsors at least one social event for the entire campus each year. Houses for upperclassmen are either single-sex or co-ed by hall.

Housing for Nontraditional Students

Non-traditional students (nicknamed “non-trads”) are older than traditional college-age students. Most live in Clara, a house in the center of campus, while a small number of non-trads live off campus. No matter where they live, non-trads are fully involved in clubs and campus activities.