In addition to providing students safe, comfortable living spaces, the residence halls at Grinnell College foster a sense of community, and provide a living and learning environment which complements their academic experience. Within these halls, Grinnellians learn to practice self-governance and incorporate the philosophy in their daily lives. Student volunteers fill the roles of student advisers, hall social coordinators and hall wellness coordinators, and are charged with building community and serving as a resource for their residents. Student staff are supervised by live-in, masters-level residence life coordinators. Grinnell’s residence halls are located in three areas: North, South, and East Campuses. Each group of halls has its own laundry facilities and computer labs. Most residence halls have:
- kitchens equipped with stoves, ovens, microwaves and fridges
- spacious lounges with televisions, cable service, and DVD players
- wireless internet connection
- rooms with a dresser, desk and chair, and a closet or wardrobe for each student
- custodial services in bathrooms and common areas (lounges, bathrooms, and kitchens)
- maintenance services
- security enabled entry doors that open with student IDs; student rooms are equipped with key entry locks
Information on how to rent a microwave and/or a refrigerator to be delivered prior to moving in.
Cats and dogs are not permitted in the residence halls (with the exception of medical accommodation). Please see the pet policy for more information.
This web resource also contains a comparison of the amenities and structure of our different residence halls located at the bottom of the page. If you have any additional questions, ask us via email!
North Campus
The northernmost part of Grinnell’s campus, the North Campus residence halls originally housed Grinnell’s male students before co-educational living was introduced during the 1968–69 school year. North Campus’s proximity to academic buildings and Harris Center, rooms with views of Mac Field, and spacious lounges draw residents to it. There are three “clusters” on North Campus. The North Campus clusters and residence halls are:
South Campus
South Campus, which originally comprised the all-female residence halls, is located between Eighth Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Residents love South Campus for its closed loggia (which is a blessing during the winter months), its vibrancy, and the presence of Bob’s Underground and the Gardner Lounge. There are two “clusters” on South Campus. The South Campus clusters and residence halls are:
East Campus
East Campus has the four newest residence halls. Residents love East Campus for its numerous lounges, the availability of air conditioning, nice laundry facilities, and elevators in every residence hall, and for its proximity to the athletics facilities. This “cluster” is referred to as LaKeRoJe. The residence halls within East Campus are:
West Campus
West Campus is part of our most centralized Residence Hall groups on-campus. West Campus residence halls hold several large and inviting lounges. Their residents are comprised of a half-and-half mix of first-year and returning students. Younker Hall currently holds Lavender Hall and the Stonewall Resource Center.
Renfrow Hall
Renfrow Hall is Grinnell’s newest residence hall. This unique facility sits at the nexus between the College campus and the town of Grinnell. Renfrow Hall is a place where students both live and learn and where the College welcomes the broader Grinnell community. It is named in honor of Grinnell College’s first Black woman graduate, Edith Renfrow Smith ’37.
Important Notes:
- In compliance with the Iowa Clean Air Act, the campus is smoke-free (including vaping devices). Smoking is permitted only on the public sidewalks that run parallel to the city streets that run along and through campus.
- Furniture cannot be removed from your residence hall room
Residence hall rooms are generally the same, regardless of the residence hall. All rooms come with the following:
- XL twin bed (one per student assigned to the room)
- desk and chair (one per student assigned to the room)
- blinds
- closet, wardrobe, or dresser
A list of items that you might want to consider when creating your packing list include:
- personal computer/laptop
- cell phone
- alarm clock
- bathroom supplies — bathrobe, shower shoes, towels, and washcloths
- bedding — pillow, linens (XL twin), and blanket
- seasonal clothing (August is very warm; December can be very cold)
- surge protectors (lcdi technology strongly recommended)
- laundry basket/bag and detergent
- medical needs — prescription meds, health insurance card
- toiletries and shower caddy
- hangers
- small first aid kit
- umbrella and raingear
- technology accessories — chargers, headphones, etc.
- mini-fridge — or rent a refrigerator
- microwave — or rent a microwave
- board games
A list of items not to pack includes:
- pets (Disability Resources oversees the accommodation process for emotional support animals and service animals)
- alcohol or empty alcohol containers
- illegal substances or drug paraphernalia
- candles and incense (fire hazard)
- open-coil heaters or appliances with exposed burners (fire hazard)
- halogen lights (fire hazard)
- dart boards