Housing and Dining

Guaranteed on-campus housing for four years means that everything — housing, dining, things to do — is a short walk away. 

Start the day with a workout at the Trudy Fitness Center, grab a coffee on your way to class, drop by a cooking-around-the-world class, and then settle into a study spot at the library overlooking the Chenango Hills. At Colgate, residential life is built in, not additional.

91%
of students live on campus
4
years of housing guaranteed
6
dining locations
Student in their residence hall room.
Student in dorm room

Housing

Almost every student lives in university housing, which is guaranteed for all four years. Each residence hall is a unique community; during your time at Colgate, you’ll choose from a variety of living options, including traditional residence halls, suites, standalone houses, apartments, and townhouses. First and second-year students live on the hill, while juniors and seniors live along Broad Street.

Explore residence halls

As a junior or senior, you can live in a theme house with other students who share the same interests as you. While Colgate has many longstanding theme houses, new ones emerge each year.

You’ll have access to support and guidance from professional staff and student leaders called CL’s who organize events and lend an ear if you need to talk. You help shape the residential communities that form by directing and participating in the activities that occur each year.

By living on campus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, learn about different ways of living, build your own community, and create memories — like spontaneous late-night cookie baking or last-minute movie screenings in the common room.

Curtis Hall was home for my first and second years and holds a special place in my heart. Endless fond memories, meeting friends who became family, and the incredible view over Broad Street. It was the backdrop to so much growth, studying, and laughter.

Garrett Zimmerman
Garrett Zimmerman
Students hanging out
Students hanging out

Residential Commons

Beyond their residence hall, first- and second-year students belong to one of four Residential Commons that support and connect them to faculty and campus resources. Your commons assignment is based on your first-year seminar section. By living with peers with whom you share one class, you can continue classroom conversations in your hallway or common room.

Each commons has its own traditions and hosts student-led events, such as off-campus apple-picking trips, dinners with faculty, and the competitive Commons Cup.

Dining On-Campus

Six dining locations across campus provide a wide range of menu options — made-to-order grill, broth and grain bowls, global flavors, and choices for a variety of lifestyles and preferences.

Learn more about campus dining
Dinner at frank
Frank Dining Hall offers made-to-order grill options, house-made pastas and pizzas, a salad bar, and broth and grain bowls.
Student at coop dining
The Coop features made-to-order grill favorites, sushi, pizza, pasta, and soups, alongside locally roasted Utica Coffee and rotating specialty stations like YumBun, TU Taco, and Twisted Mac.
Students at the Chobani cafe
At Chobani at the Hieber Café choose from a selection of sweet and savory yogurt bowls, sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies, and desserts, along with locally roasted coffee from FoJo Beans.
13th Street Deli
13th Street Deli offers sandwiches, specialty toasts, and smoothies — available for pickup when you order in advance.
Student picks up item at the C-store
The C Store is Colgate's convenience store for snacks, beverages, and quick grab-and-go bites for busy days on campus.
Diner at the pub
Donovan's Pub serves classic pub fare, plus craft and domestic beer and wine for students 21 and older.

Convenience Is Key

Our dining locations have a wide range of hours to accommodate your busy schedule. And if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, place an order online and pick it up to-go, or choose a grab-and-go option from one of our many dining options.

Student-Focused Dining 

Our dining services team keeps campus dining fresh by partnering closely with a student advisory board. Their feedback shapes the dining experience and weekly menus.

Sustainability

Sustainability is woven into Colgate’s dining practices. We source products from local farmers, use organic produce from our student-run community garden, and reduce waste by using compostable napkins and carry-out packaging.