🏠 California Institute of Technology — Parent Guide

Helping parents understand dorm options, safety, accessibility, and what to expect at California Institute of Technology.

💡 Tips for parents reviewing dorm options:

🏠 How housing selection works at California Institute of Technology

The 8-.Every Caltech undergraduate is assigned to one of 8 houses for their entire undergraduate career.

is decided through "Rotation" — first-year students dine and socialize during the first weeks of school, then submit preferences. Each its own faculty advisor, dining program, and identity. Houses are the dominant social structure at Caltech.

No Greek system.Caltech does not have fraternities or sororities — the fills that role.

As of May 8, 2026

📍 Location

Pasadena, CA

🏛️ College Type

Private research university

👥 Enrollment

2,400 total students

🏠 Housing

12 dorm buildings reviewed on DormScouter

📊 Dorm Comparison by Safety & Cleanliness

DormOverall ★Safety ★Cleanliness ★ReviewsFeatures
Blacker House 0
Dabney House 0
Fleming House 0
Ricketts House 0
Lloyd House 0
Page House 0
Ruddock House 0
Avery House 0
South House 0
Venerable House 0
Marks House 0
Catalina Apartments 0

🔗 More Resources

🔗 Caltech Housing

Open link ↗

🔗 Caltech Main Site

Open link ↗

🔗 Caltech Admissions

Open link ↗

🎓 Class-Year Housing Guides

Year-specific advice for California Institute of Technology dorms — what changes from freshman to senior year:

🎓 Freshman Guide📚 Sophomore Guide📖 Junior Guide🎉 Senior Guide

🔍 Filter by Amenity

Looking for something specific? Browse California Institute of Technology dorms filtered by amenity:

❄️ with Air Conditioning🍳 with Shared Kitchen🛗 with Elevator♿ ADA-Accessible🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly🚿 with Private Bathrooms🛁 with Semi-Private Bathrooms🧼 with Communal Bathrooms♀ All-Female