Students in hammocks stacked three high between two trees

Living and Learning Spaces

Welcome home.

Surroundings play a vital part in your growth — as a student, citizen, and human being. We pride ourselves on making Grinnell a safe, comfortable living space. This strong sense of community and supportive environment is designed so that every step of the journey, you can feel confident and empowered to explore who you are. This campus will be your new home. That’s why we work to make it a place where you’re comfortable. Where you can connect with others. And a place you can’t wait to come back to. We’re here to make you feel at home, make room for your needs, and always make time for good Grinnellian conversation.

  • two students sit in dorm room

    The Residence Halls

    Get a sense of your new living quarters.

    Wifi, laundry facilities, kitchens, microwaves, common areas, dressers, desks, TVs and more.  For your safety, every building on campus is equipped with maintenance services and security measures.  You’ll find the essentials in every hall, as well as a few special hall-specific perks. Peruse what you’ll have access to depending on where you’ll be staying, and find out what you’re allowed to bring from back home.

  • student walks near South Campus residence halls, autumn leaves in foreground

    Campus Neighborhoods

    There three areas for campus living: North Campus, South Campus, and East Campus. Within each of these campuses, you’ll find what we call “clusters” of residence halls. Each have their own unique living space designs, communal personalities, and Grinnellian traditions.

  • Student in sun hat takes photos of prairie life at CERA

    Programs and Breaks

    Our residence halls remain open during fall, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks. They will close to most students during summer and winter breaks. However, we do have Summer and Winter Break Residential Programs if you are looking to stay on campus for summer research, an internship, the holiday break, etc.

Settling In

Self-Governance

You’ll take an active role in sustaining the safe, welcoming community we call home. As Grinnellians, we support and look out for each other. As a student, you can volunteer to fill the roles of Student Advisers, Hall Social Coordinators and Hall Wellness Coordinators within your residence hall. This charges you with building a sense of community, serving as a resource for your residents, and lowers your living costs at the same time.

From across the state, country or sea.

There can be stress with coming to college. If you’re coming from afar, this might seem like completely different way of life full of different things. You’re probably wondering about housing options during breaks, your options for language housing, transportation services to and from airport, what there is to eat on the weekends, and more. No worries. We’re here to help answer any questions you may have and make the transition to campus as stress-free as possible.  

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