Davidson College is a residential campus and all students are required to live on campus unless officially excused by the Director of Residence Life. The decision is made based on availability of beds. If Davidson still has beds to fill, it is more difficult to obtain permission to live off-campus.

Exceptions have been made based on medical need. The student must have a doctor verify the need and must receive permission from the Dean of Students Office. If/when permission is granted, the student must give the Residence Life Office (RLO) their address and telephone number.

Most of the people who rent to students try to keep the rent on a comparable level with Davidson College’s housing fee. The basic room rate is for double occupancy. Students living in a single room or an apartment are charged a higher room rate.

Housing during breaks

Winter Break
The residence halls close and there are no food services on campus. Here are some of the available options:

All international students must find alternative housing.

Keep in touch with the International Student Advisor’s Office because frequently we have terrific invitations for our international students issued by members of the faculty, staff, and community members to participate in special events.

Go on a Davidson Outdoors trip or visit family or friend.

Another possibility is participation in the Alternative Break which is a program that travels to various places in the United States to perform community service projects. Contact the Service Coordinator (Ext. 2298) if you are interested in an alternative break.

Summer Break
You will need to apply to the Residence Life Office for on-campus housing which is made available to Foreign Nationals working on campus at one-half of the price charged to other students. The available spaces in the residence halls are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis so apply early. (NOTE: Foreign Nationals can work 40 hours per week on campus during the summer).

It is illegal for Foreign Nationals to work off-campus in any capacity unless they have an Employment Authorization Document issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. (The application form to apply for this document is available in the International Student Office.) You must talk with the International Student Advisor before you complete an application. Keep in mind that the college cannot award financial aid during the summer break.

Laundry
Davidson College has a laundry facility available for all students. Students drop off their dirty laundry and staff does the laundry for them. You will receive information from the laundry this summer.

The laundry also provides students with sheets and pillowcases. Additional self-serve laundry facilities are available in the residence halls for those that prefer to wash their own laundry.

Roommates
The Residence Life Office staff makes every effort to make harmonious roommate matches and living groups. However, from time to time, mediation of roommate or hall disagreements and misunderstandings are necessary.

Students are encouraged to discuss lifestyle issues with their roommates before conflicts arise. Hall Counselors (HCs) and Resident Advisors (RAs) are the first level of mediation between roommates, followed by the Area Coordinator if necessary.

HCs and RAs are students employed by the Residence Life Office and are trained in a number of areas including mediation. The best solution is if roommates can talk about their difficulties and find a creative resolution. At Davidson, resolution is encouraged. Changing roommates is the last option.