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The College of St. Scholastica

Living at St. Scholastica

Life on campus can be best described with one word – community. On campus, you’re always part of a dynamic living and learning environment. Get involved with clubs and organizations (or create your own). Get to know others with the conveniences of living on campus. Connect with people from many cultures, faith backgrounds and personal experiences.

Photo of a group of St. Scholastica students in a dorm common areaLiving in the residence halls, too, can be anything you make it. Study time, downtime – you name it, it’s all here waiting for you. One thing is for sure, when you live on campus, you’ll make friendships that will last a lifetime.

St. Scholastica offers a variety of different living options – all with 24-hour security to ensure student safety. Plus, you’re only minutes away from Duluth’s downtown waterfront and world-class outdoor recreation.

Students in Somers Lounge Lobby

First-Year Housing

First-year students stay in Somers Hall, which features single and double rooms, as well as four-person suites.

A group of student talking outside upper-class dorms

Upper-Class Housing

Students have several choices for housing, including both apartment and single dorm room options.

Seating area outside of St. Scholastica's Cedar Apartments.

Rentals

St. Scholastica offers long term rentals, as well as the use of our facilities for camps, conferences and events.

Things to Know

Living on campus is important to a student’s success. St. Scholastica has a two-year residency requirement (based on high school graduation date) for all students unless they are approved to be commuter students after applying for an exemption.

Students must meet at least one of the following criteria and receive permission from the Director of Residential Life via one of the request forms below in order to be released from the two year residency requirement.

Housing Exemption Criteria

  • Discontinuing or withdrawing from St. Scholastica
  • Studying abroad
  • Documented medical reasons. Contact the Center for Equal Access to begin this process.
  • Graduation
  • Internship or student teaching
  • Marriage
  • Transitioning to completely online coursework
  • Living at the permanent residence of a parent or legal guardian within 25 miles of the Duluth — Main Campus
  • Incoming transfer students are exempt from the 2 year live-on requirement

Commuter Request

For new incoming students, to access the Housing Cancellation Request form you must first fill out the Housing Application. Both forms are located in the Residential Life section of your my.CSS page. Next you will receive approval or denial from the Director of Residential Life via your CSS email.

The residential life handbook exists to make your experience living at St. Scholastica a great one. It has answers to questions that may come up throughout the year as well as resources and policies specific to residential life.

Check these dates for information on deadlines for housing. Contracts and forms are available in the Residential Life section in my.CSS. Please note: Dates are subject to change.

November

  • Nov. 26, 2025: Thanksgiving Break. Halls will remain open, but you must register to stay. GDR will close at noon on Thursday and will re-open on Nov. 30 for dinner.

December

  • Dec. 5, 2025: Housing applications go live for new and returning students
  • Dec. 19, 2025: Halls close for winter break. Residential Life will email out break instructions for students that are staying for break.

January

  • Jan. 11, 2026: Halls open for the spring 2026 semester (classes begin the next day)

February

  • Feb. 2, 2026: Housing applications due for upper-class students
  • Feb. 13, 2026: Housing selection lottery numbers emailed to students who have submitted housing applications for the apartments
  • TBD: Housing selection takes place for current upper-class students

March

  • March 3, 2026: Summer housing applications go live in my.CSS. Visit Student Summer Housing in my.CSS for more information. Please note, the academic year contract does not cover summer, so you must fill out this application to have access to summer housing.
  • March 7, 2026: Halls close for spring break. Residential Life will email directions prior to break for students wishing to stay.
  • March 15, 2026: Halls open post spring break

April

  • April 2026: Room inspections and close-out meetings (Dates TBA)
  • April 27, 2026: Summer housing applications due (Priority Deadline – students that do not submit an application are not guaranteed housing for summer). Visit Student Summer Housing in my.CSS for more information.

May

  • May 1, 2026: Summer housing applications cancellation deadline. Visit Student Summer Housing in my.CSS for more information.
  • May 11, 2026: Residence halls close at 12 p.m. for all residents. Students with a summer contract will stay in their current assignment until their summer housing space is ready.

June

July

  • Mid-July, 2026: First-year housing placement, roommate, and early arrival information shared to your CSS email account
  • July 16, 2026: $300 housing cancellation charge will be applied beginning at this time

September

  • Sept. 4, 2026: First-year move-in day, beginning at 9 a.m.
  • Sept. 5 to Sept. 7, 2025: Upper-class move-in weekend, beginning at 9 a.m. on Sept. 5

Thinking of becoming a Saint and joining us on campus? Here are answers to questions we receive from students exploring their housing options.

Housing Options

Am I required to live on campus (traditional-aged students)?

Yes. St. Scholastica has a two-year live-on requirement for traditional-aged students after high school graduation. Research shows that students who live on campus are more successful academically and socially. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years after high school graduation unless they meet an approved exemption.

Exemptions include:

  • Discontinuing or withdrawing from St. Scholastica
  • Documented medical reasons (must work with the Center for Equal Access (CEA))
  • Living with a parent or legal guardian within 25 miles
  • Graduation, transfer, withdrawal, or studying abroad
  • Marriage
  • Internship or student teaching
  • Transitioning to fully online coursework
  • Incoming transfer students are exempt from the 2-year live on requirement
What housing options are available?
First-Year Students
  • Somers Hall (traditional-style, community-centered living)
Upper-Class Students
  • Apartments in Kerst, Scanlon, Cedar, Maple, Birch, and Willow, plus “Super Singles” in Somers
What size are the rooms and mattresses?

All mattresses are Twin XL. Room sizes vary and include a bed, desk, chair, dresser, and closet space.

Community and Roommates

Can I pick my roommate?

Yes, you can request a roommate on your housing application by published deadlines. If not, we’ll carefully match you based on lifestyle questions.

What if I don’t know anyone?

Many students come without a roommate request! We find that students who start fresh often adjust just as well (sometimes better!) than those who room with a friend.

What if I don’t get along with my roommate?

RAs help all roommates complete a Roommate Agreement when they move in. If challenges come up, staff will help mediate. Room changes aren’t considered until after the third week of classes, so everyone has a chance to settle in.

Life on Campus

What’s included in my room?

Every room comes with basic furniture, Wi-Fi, laundry access, and ID-card building security.

What should I bring (or not bring)?

Bring personal items like bedding, clothes, toiletries, and school supplies. Leave behind items like space heaters, candles, hot plates, and pets (except fish or approved service/ESA animals).

Do I need a meal plan?
  • Students in Somers Hall are required to have a meal plan
  • Upper-class students in apartments may choose a meal plan (not required)
Are laundry and utilities included?

Yes! Laundry, heat, electricity, and internet are all included in your housing cost. Laundry is free in every building.

Can I have guests?

Yes, as long as your roommate agrees. Overnight guests are allowed with limits, and students are always responsible for their guests’ behavior.

Support and Safety

Who helps me in the halls?
Resident Advisors (RAs)

Student leaders who build community and help with questions or concerns.

Professional Staff

Live-in staff who support student well-being and handle emergencies.

Campus Safety

Available 24/7 across campus.

How safe are the residence halls?

Halls require Saint’s Card access, staff do nightly rounds, and Campus Safety is always on call. Students are encouraged to lock their doors and report concerns.

Applying and Next Steps

How do I apply for housing?

After you’re admitted and pay your deposit, you’ll complete an online Housing Application. You can request roommates, share preferences, and select your meal plan.

When do I find out my room and roommate?

Assignments are typically sent in the summer before you arrive, along with your roommate(s)’ names and contact info so you can connect early.

When is move-in?

Move-in is part of Welcome Weekend, a few days before classes begin. Specific dates are posted each year on the housing website.

We know families are an important part of our students’ success. Below are some of the most common housing questions we hear from families. If you don’t see your question here, please contact us  at reslife@css.edu.

Housing and Roommates

Does my student have to live on campus (traditional-aged students)?

Yes, St. Scholastica  has a two-year residency requirement for traditional-aged students after high school graduation. This helps students build community and succeed academically.

Can my student choose their roommate?

Yes! Students can request a roommate on their housing application. If they don’t list anyone, we carefully match roommates using lifestyle preferences.

What if my student doesn’t get along with their roommate?

Every student completes a Roommate Agreement at the start of the year. If issues arise, Resident Advisors help mediate. Room changes are only considered after the third week of the semester, unless there are emergencies.

Are single rooms available?

A limited number of singles exist.

Safety and Support

What safety measures are in place?
  • Residence halls require ID card access
  • Residential Life staff are on duty every night
  • Campus Safety officers are available 24/7
  • Exterior doors may not be propped open
Who supports my student in the residence halls?
Resident Advisors (RAs)

Student leaders who live on each floor and are trained in community building, conflict resolution, and crisis response.

Professional Staff (Resident Directors & Area Coordinator)

Live-in professionals available for emergencies, conduct, and ongoing support.

Residential Life Office

Located in Somers Hall, available during business hours.

Each Other

Strong communities care for each other. We encourage and expect each member of our community to respect their neighbors and support each other.

How does my student get help in an emergency after hours?
  • Call Campus Safety: 218-723-6175 (available 24/7)
  • Call the RA on duty: Numbers posted in building lobbies

Dining and Daily Life

Are meal plans required?
  • Students in Somers Hall are required to have a meal plan
  • Upper-class students in apartments may choose a meal plan (not required)
Can dining accommodate allergies?

Yes. Saints Dining works closely with students on food allergies, sensitivities, or dietary needs. For more complex needs, students may work with the Center for Equal Access.

Are laundry facilities available?

Yes, laundry is available in every building, free of charge. Students provide their own detergent.

How does mail work?

All student mail is delivered to the Tower Hall mail room. Students have a personal St. Scholastica Box number. If you would like to send mail to your student, use this address:

Student Name
The College of St. Scholastica
St. Scholastica Box #
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811

Staying Connected

How will I know what’s happening in the halls?

Students receive regular communication via email and from their RAs. Parents and families are encouraged to stay connected through their students and the College’s social media.

Can I contact my student’s RA or professional staff directly?

If you have urgent concerns, please reach out to reslife@css.edu or call the office (218-723-6391). Generally, we encourage students to communicate directly with their RA or staff to build independence.

Moving In and Out

When is move-in?

Specific dates for fall and spring move-in are posted on the Residential Life website each year. First-year students usually move in a few days before classes begin for Welcome Weekend.

What should my student bring?

Bring personal items like bedding, clothes, toiletries, and school supplies. We recommend coordinating with roommates to avoid duplicates.

What items are not allowed?

To keep our community safe, students should leave behind: space heaters, candles/incense, halogen lamps, hot plates, pets (except fish or approved ESAs), and air conditioners.

The College of St. Scholastica

Nondiscrimination Notice: The College of St. Scholastica is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment free from discrimination and harassment. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin and other protected statuses. View full statement.