Residential Life

The College House System: An Overview

History

Established in 1998, today’s eight College Houses are a cornerstone of the Bowdoin residential experience. Sometimes referred to as the “living rooms” of campus, the houses sponsor special meals, study breaks and other events for first-year affiliates.  They also host campus-wide events from lectures and film screenings to apple picking trips and registered parties. 

House Association and Choice

House residents are selected through an application process with input from faculty, deans, students, and staff. Successful selection is based on creative programming ideas and willingness to contribute to an energetic, cooperative team.  House officers gain leadership skills that often propel them to other highly visible leadership roles at the College. There is no shortage of support for these leaders- the Residential Life directors, deans in the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, and faculty advisors all serve as advisors to the Houses.

All incoming first-year students are affiliated with the House with which their residence hall is associated. First-year and upperclass students have full voting privileges and the opportunity to run for leader positions in their house. Upperclass students may also apply to live in their affiliated House. The first-year residence hall-College House affiliations are as follows: