The way housing works here is that there are several "houses," some of which are indistinguishable from "dorms" and some which have a "homey feel" because of their living rooms and dining areas. There are clusters of houses in distinct sections of Campus, mainly Green St (near center campus where classes are), Elm St, The Quad (a hike from the academic buildings, but close to Health Services). The houses vary in size and design. Some have dining rooms where the students of that house eat. Some do not, so the students are assigned to a nearby house for meals.

There isn't much flexibility to housing at Smith. You most likely will live in a Smith House. There is a requirement for amount of time spent living at Smith, and it is difficult to get off campus housing. However, Ada Comstock Scholars, the non-traditional age Smith Students, have a special housing and apartment section.

The house environment is somewhat analogous to being in a sorority. Your house will plan house activities and members of the house will tend to go to parties together. There are house dues and a few house meetings you'll be required to attend. There is a house president and other elected members of House Council who have jobs such as fire safety, recycling, latex distribution, and remembering house members' birthdays. It can feel like a pleasant community, but can at times be stifling and some people find it hard to make friends outside of their living area.



Recommended: No