All of Colgate benefits from many smaller communities within the university. Perhaps nowhere is that more evident than in the Residential Life system. Each dormitory and living unit takes on its own culture reflecting the personalities of its residents. Colgate provides a variety of housing options including traditional corridor arrangements, suites, college houses, and apartments.
Most students live on campus throughout their four years at the college.
However, in the junior and senior years students may choose to live in a fraternity or sorority, and 250 students are eligible to live off campus during the senior year. First-year students are asked about their housing preference during a summer mailing. The university attempts to create communities in each residence hall and to place incoming students with roommates who have similar preferences. After the first year, students choose their residences, including residence halls and apartments, during a campus-wide selection process. All university housing is open to both men and women.