Colby CollegeOff-Campus Housing Summary

Written by Danny Garin

Danny Garin

Hometown

Washington, DC

Major

Government and Economics

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Colby students tend to live on campus, and most people—especially underclassmen—see off-campus living as a party scene, and that’s about it. Another thing to note is that off-campus housing here is unique. There aren’t traditional apartments; instead, houses are rented year after year by Colby students. Off-campus housing is included in the housing lottery at the end of the year, but it’s rare that sophomores qualify to live off campus. Typically, only a few seniors actually rent houses, although there’s been an increasing trend in past years. Basically only students who feel trapped on campus or who want a break from the rules and security will move into houses their senior year. They can remain on a meal plan, receiving 100 meals per semester, but other than that, the school offers little support or guidance. Students who qualify for off-campus housing get a list of contacts but are pretty much on their own beyond that. Houses can be old or new and close to campus or far.

Off-campus housing is an enigmatic part of Colby College life. Everyone, even freshmen, head to off-campus houses for parties, but only the seniors who live off campus really know what it’s like. The school does not really publicize this alternate living option, and those who want to escape campus life typically prefer on-campus alternatives, like the senior apartments or the Co-op.