Room & Board Information

College Residences

The residence halls, townhouses and College Flats close for most college vacations.  Please note the following dates during which the halls will be closed.  Students will need to make other arrangements during these holidays.  The College Flats will remain open for married students.

College residences closed: 

2010-2011:

  • Thanksgiving Break: Nov 24, 8:00 a.m. - Nov 28, 2:00 p.m.
  • Semester Break: December 17, 6:00 p.m. - January 9, 12:00 p.m.
  • February Break: college housing will remain OPEN
  • End-of-year closing: May 10, 8:00 a.m.

Those allowed to remain in college residences after the residences close in May: graduates and their siblings, College Choir members, and student employees working during commencement weekend.  Students who are enrolled in Mayterm courses and need to remain on campus due to travel issues may contact the Housing Director in April to make arrangements.

Roommate Assignments

Roommates are generally assigned based on the information the student provides on their completed Roommate Selection form (a form sent along with the letter informing the student that he or she has been accepted for admission).  Students are asked to tell a little about themselves, as well as to check off some qualities they would most prefer in a roommate.  We try to pair up students based on many factors, including (but not limited to) similar interests, preferred sleep schedule, freshman/transfer status, residence hall preference, musical tastes, neatness, age, and so on. 

There are times when a student may want to request a specific roommate.  As long as the request is mutual, we will do all we can to bring it to pass.

Roommate assignments will be mailed out to new incoming students by July 15.  It is generally a good idea for paired roommates to make contact so that they can begin the process of getting to know one another, as well as to decide who will bring what (refrigerator, stereo, any furniture, or other things that take up much space).  We will provide a phone number and e-mail address for the roommate, if one is available.

Packing for college

Items NOT permitted in college buildings:

  • Halogen lamp
  • Floor lamps with multiple bulbs
  • Christmas Lights (LED lights are permitted)
  • Hot plates
  • Toaster ovens
  • Microwaves  (provided in most kitchens)
  • Candles
  • Incense/potpourri
  • Heaters
  • Pets (fish are allowed)
  • Objectionable posters
  • Items advertising alcohol
  • Weapons (see Safety & Security section for details)
  • Explosives/fireworks (illegal in New York)
  • Full-size refrigerators (compact size permitted)
  • Cinder blocks (including those for shelving)
  • Hand-built lofts and bunk beds
  • Road signs

Items permitted in residence halls, but restricted to kitchen use only:

  • Coffeemakers
  • Toasters
  • Popcorn poppers
  • Hot pots
  • Crock pots
  • Electric fry pans, griddles

Recommended items to bring with you:

  • Alarm clock
  • Bathrobe
  • Bath supplies/toiletries (band-aids, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, tissues, manicure items...)
  • Bath tote (bucket or tray to carry toiletries to shower)
  • Bookcase (small)
  • Bulletin board
  • Calculator
  • Cleaning supplies (dish detergent, cleaner, dust-cloth...)
  • Clothes basket or hamper
  • Desk lamp
  • Desk supplies (scissors, tapes, paperclips, pens, markers, bookends, stapler...)
  • Exercise togs (sneakers, sweats, sweatband...)
  • Extension cord/Power strip (Medium or heavy duty cords only.  No light duty cords are permitted)
  • Flashlight
  • Iron
  • Laundry supplies (laundry bag, detergent, softener sheets...)
  • Linens (twin sheets, pillowcases, blankets, bedspread, towels, washcloths...)
  • Plastic crates (storage, bookshelves, knick-knacks...)
  • Sleeping bags (for retreats, visitors...)
  • Snack items (imperishable)
  • Tableware (plate, bowl, glass, mug, knife, fork, spoon, storage containers…)
  • Telephone (one per room)
  • Throw rug
  • Umbrella & rain gear
  • Waste basket
  • Winter clothing

Other items:

  • Aquariums (note: These units may NOT be left plugged in over extended breaks, so please plan accordingly!) 
  • Stereos & CD players
  • Computers
  • Refrigerators (compact only)
  • TV (no cable hook-up in rooms)
  • VCR /DVD

Laundry Services

Free laundry!  Students living in college residence halls, townhouses, or College Flats have washers and dryers available to use.  No coins needed!  (Warning: Using free laundry services in a building in which you do not reside will result in a $50 fine.)

Board Plan Options

21 meals per week = $1,699 per semester
14 meals per week = $1,498 per semester
7 meals per week =  $ 802 per semester

210 block plan = $1,699 per semester
165 block plan = $1,498 per semester
85 block plan =  $ 802 per semester

Important notes regarding board plans:

  1. Freshmen must be on the 21 meal plan or the 210 block plan.
  2. Sophomores, juniors and seniors living in residence halls may choose the 21 or 14 meals per week plan or either the 210 or 165 block plan.
  3. Juniors and seniors living in townhouses, specially designated "townhouse floors" in the residence halls, the College Flats or off campus may choose any of the plans: 21, 14, or 7 meals per week plans, or any of the block plans (210, 165, 85).
  4. Any changes in board plans must be submitted in writing to the Student Life Office by the end of the second day of classes.  Requests for changes will not be accepted after this.

Big Al Bucks are a good way to help your cash go further.  All students, faculty and staff can purchase Big Al Bucks in the food service office at a 12% discount during the first two weeks of each semester and at a 10% discount at any other time with a minimum $25 deposit.  Big Al Bucks may be used for purchases in the dining hall, Big Al's, Subway, or Java 101.  Balances carry over from fall semester to spring semester and student accounts are cleared out at the end of Mayterm each year.  You must present a valid Houghton College ID to be able to use your Big Al Bucks. 

Exemption from board-plan requirements

Requests for exemptions must be submitted in writing to the Student Life Office.  The following groups of students may be exempted from board requirements:

  1. Commuting students
  2. Nontraditional students (age 24 or older by September 1)
  3. Ninth semester students (and beyond)
  4. Students with documented health problems, which cannot be accommodated by Pioneer College Caterers.
  5. Part-time students.