Most rising sophomores live in the Residence Halls assigned to their Commons during their second year, but do have the opportunity to apply for other residential learning opportunities. Each student's housing process will be specific to the options and opportunities that student wishes to pursue.

Housing Options and Programs

Commons Residential Housing

Rising sophomores will be entered into the Sophomore Commons Lottery for their current Commons. The buildings included in the Commons Lottery are:


Sophomore students also have an opportunity to apply for an inter-Commons transfer.
Please note: rising sophomores who have been accepted into the Sophomore Residential Seminar or Harlem Renaissance Center programs will not need to participate in the Sophomore Commons Lottery.

Students will receive an email with information on the lottery selection process and how to access options available to them in the housing portal.

Sophomore Residential Seminar 

Sophomore Residential Seminars (SRS) are a unique and immersive living-learning experience that culminates in a 7-10 day trip that extends the academic experience out of the classroom and into the real world. Students who are selected for this program will live and study together, and have opportunities to build deep academic communities based on common interests and sustained interactions with SRS faculty members.

Students must submit an application to this program and will be placed in 100 Hamilton after acceptance. Applications open at the beginning of the spring semester.

Learn more and apply to the SRS program

Harlem Renaissance Center

The Harlem Renaissance Center (HRC) is located in Crawshaw House, part of the Bryan Complex and Hancock Commons. The HRC is a living and learning center for sophomores interested in African and African American history and culture. The HRC was established to provide students with an educational atmosphere about the culture and heritage of Pan-African ways of life and to educate the Colgate community about African American culture.

Students must submit an application to this program, which will be available to all sophomores in the housing portal.

Apply through the housing portal