All students are required to room and board in college residences. Exceptions to this policy are made only for students who live with their parents in the Grinnell area; students who are 22 years old or older; and students whose children live with them. Depending on room availability in the residence halls and college-owned houses, the College may allow some exceptions for third-year students and seniors. A student may not move out of the residence halls without written permission from the Office of Student Affairs.

The Office of Student Affairs assigns new students to rooms during the summer based on information students supply on the housing information form. Individual requests by students are honored whenever possible. First-year students are assigned to each floor of every hall. After the first year, students choose rooms in April according to a campuswide room-draw system. An advance payment is required of all students (see Expenses and Financial Aid). The College reserves the right to make essential changes in room assignments at any time during the year. The College does not provide housing for students between semesters and during the spring recess when all college student housing is closed (see Academic Calendar).

After the first year, through a room-draw process, students choose from a variety of living options in the residence halls and college-owned houses. All 19 residence halls are coed by alternating rooms or floors. The North Campus has nine residence halls housing 526 men and women. South Campus includes six residence halls accommodating 406 men and women. East Campus includes four residence halls with rooms for 257 men and women.

In addition to the residence halls, 7 college-owned houses adjacent to the campus are used as student residences. Each houses seven to 12 students. Five of these houses are designated as language houses.

Each student in residence is provided with the basic furniture (desk, desk chair, bed, and dresser), and an Ethernet connection. Students should bring their own towels, pillow, and linens. Students may supplement the college furnishings with small personal items such as a throw rug, fan, and desk lamp. Each room has a telephone with individual voice mail.