Colby College - Off-Campus Housing

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Most people—especially underclassmen—see off-campus living as a party scene, and that’s about it. Colby students tend to live on campus. Off-campus housing is unique. There aren’t apartments, but houses that are rented year after year by Colby students. Off-campus housing is included in the housing lottery at the end of the year, and 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. 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. 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. Only the seniors who live off campus really know what it’s like, though. 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.

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Students Speak Out

Colae says: Colby College 2012 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

Most people live on campus, there... Most people live on campus, there are some houses that sports teams have, and a few random people rent houses, but it is not the majority that does this. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 17, 2009 Report

ColES says: Colby College 2010 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Off-campus housing is for a few... Off-campus housing is for a few seniors who get screwed by the lottery. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 17, 2009 Report

ColAC9 says: Colby College 2012 Undecided

If you have a car, some off-campus... If you have a car, some off-campus housing is quite nice. A lot of people rent B&B rooms right on the lake. If you don't have a car, it's best to stay on campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 08, 2009 Report

Colkk says: Colby College 2010 English Language and Literature

It is not very convenient, but if... It is not very convenient, but if you have a car, houses are only a couple minutes from campus. Other options are houses on Messalonskee Lake, about a 5- to 10-minute drive. I think living off campus is a great way to experience living independently and to see scenic Maine. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 08, 2009 Report

ColLM says: Colby College 2012 Law and Legal Studies

It is easy to find a dumpy house... It is easy to find a dumpy house in Waterville, but students usually want to live on campus until junior or senior year because all of the dorms are nice and the campus is fun. A lot of upperclassmen live off campus with friends and teammates, but all of the houses are a five-minute drive from campus. 12345 Off-Campus Housing: March 03, 2009 Report

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Lane McVey
Hometown: Bronxville, NY
Major: Government

Fun Fact: Lane is a member of Colby's women's lacrosse team.

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