🏠 Smith College — Parent Guide

🏠 How housing selection works at Smith College

operates a distinctive— rather than large dormitories, Smith has approximately 35 smaller residence halls that each function as a self-governing community. Houses range in size from about 10 to 100 residents. Smith requires on-campus housing for first-year students and guarantees housing for all four years.

First-Year Housing:Incoming students are assigned to a before they arrive. Freshmen complete a lifestyle questionnaire; placement considers preferences but students cannot choose their house. Most houses are all-class-year communities, so freshmen live alongside juniors and seniors.

:Each of Smith's houses has its own character, , , and set of traditions. Meals are served 's own dining room (included in the meal plan), creating an intimate dining experience unlike large university cafeterias. This dining-per- is a defining feature of the Smith experience.

Room Selection:After first year, students can request to stay in their current enter the lottery to move to a different house. Selection priority generally favors students who want to remain in their current community, with new placements done by lottery for those seeking a move. Rising seniors have the strongest selection priority.

Special Communities:Some houses focus on specific communities — e.g. the Scales Houses (a small cluster), language houses, and others. Application to themed houses is done through a separate form.