Housing and Board Requirements

Policy

Kalamazoo College affirms the educational benefits inherent in the residential undergraduate experience. Residential living is supportive of one’s academic preparation and plays an integral role in one’s experiential education, providing rich opportunities for involvement and development. Therefore, Kalamazoo College requires all students to reside within the College’s residential system and board at the College’s dining center through their sophomore year.

To be eligible for College housing, students must be enrolled full-time (i.e. at least two units) in classes on campus for the term of residence. Students must be 16 years of age at the time campus residency begins. Those under the age of 16 are not eligible to live in College housing.

Kalamazoo College’s Section 504 Coordinator and the Office of Disability Services will work with students who have special needs when making housing assignments. The College will provide accessible housing to students with disabilities. You may contact the College’s Section 504 Coordinator or the Office of Disability Services at 269.337.7209.

Policy Interpretation

First-years

All first-years and visiting international students must live in the College’s residential system and board at the College’s dining center. Exceptions are made for those who:

  • are married
  • have children
  • are 23 years of age or older
  • are under the age of 16

Sophomores

All sophomores must live in the College’s residential system and board at the College’s dining center. Exceptions are made for those who:

  • are married
  • have children
  • are 23 years of age or older
  • are under the age of 16
  • commute from a local primary residence of a parent or guardian (within 30 minutes or 30 miles of the College)
  • are released by the College’s Petition Committee due to health reasons or demonstrated financial hardship

Exceptions specific to the board plan only are made for:

  • residents in the on-campus Grove Houses, all of which provide a full kitchen
  • those released by the College’s Petition Committee due to health reasons or demonstrated financial hardship

Transfers

Fall transfers are treated per their student classification and/or years of college attendance. Mid-year transfers will be housed on a space-available basis.

Juniors and Seniors

Juniors and seniors are not required to live on campus and will be housed on a space-available basis only. The same requirements regarding carrying a board plan as those listed above will apply.