Upper-level living-learning communities
The upper-level student experience offers the chance to live in a close-knit group of peers who have shared community and educational goals for the academic year. There are a number of college houses that surround campus on College Avenue and National Road West, all of which have a different theme or friendship community. Each college house holds between five and twelve students at a time, allowing a close and independent community to live together throughout the year. Earlham College’s houses bolster intentional learning environments beyond what a typical residence hall community provides.
Residence Hall lifestyle and themed communities
Residence Hall lifestyle and themed communities are a floor or floors of students living together around shared values and/or educational or service goals. These communities are reviewed regularly by the Office of Residence Life. Students self-select into the communities as space allows, agreeing to live by the tenants of the community.
African, African-American, & Black Identity Community (BAAAF)
The African, African-American, & Black identity community is an intentionally designed community for black-identifying students at Earlham College. This community provides more direct connection to support and resources for black-identifying students while also creating a stronger sense of community through shared-experiences. The African, African-American, & Black community is located on the third floor of Warren Hall.
Substance Free community
The Substance Free community is committed to living a total substance-free lifestyle. Students living in this community share a commitment to zero substance use, such as tobacco and alcohol. The Substance Free community is located on the second floor of Earlham Hall.
Theme house communities
Theme houses are elements of our residential life program that have special connections to our educational program. Many are supported by an academic department and advised by a member of the teaching faculty. These communities provide special experiences that extend various aspects of our educational program. Theme houses enable both majors and non-majors with an active interest in a field to live together and explore a theme in a more independent residential setting. Please read our Theme House Policy Statement.
The Campus Life Advisory Committee reviews Theme House communities every four years and will begin the process this fall.
Jewish Cultural Center
Blue Shutters House
JCC provides a community space for Jewish students and beyond on campus. JCC is a space for all those interested in Jewish life to eat, learn, and have fun! We host cultural events for holidays, we cook Shabbat weekly as a house and often for all of campus. We also host a range of speakers who talk about Judaism in many different contexts.
Quaker House
Cunningham Cultural Center House
Quaker House provides an environment for Quaker students and anyone interested in the values or practices of Quakerism. The House offers a safe space where residents can explore what Quakerism means to students and community members. We organize weekly house events to foster the Quaker presence on campus, including but not limited to workshops, worship, and fellowship.
Asian American & Pacific Islander House
Marshall House
Quaker Living Learning House provides an environment for Quaker students and students interested in Quakerism. The house provides an atmosphere and a space where residents explore what Quakerism means to students, community members and others. House sponsored events to make the Quaker presence on campus more visible include workshops, worship and fellowship.
Interfaith House
Edwards House
Foster House
Sustainable Agriculture House
Fry House
Mindfulness House
Garner House
African/African American Cultural Center
Art House
Hobbs House
Casa Latinx
Penn House
Reece House
Wildman House
Music House
Woodman House
Friendship houses
Friendship houses provide students with the opportunity to establish an intentional community, within the larger Earlham community, based on shared social, academic or service-based interests. Unlike the theme communities, Friendship communities need not be connected with an academic department. Proposals that promote service, shared responsibility for house activities and academic success are strongly preferred. Friendship communities should bear in mind the College’s priorities on sustainability, wellness and living respectfully with our greater community.
Note: The following houses have central air conditioning: 417 College Avenue, Blue Shutters, Garner, Marshall and Woodman. Other houses listed have no central air conditioning; window or portable A/C units not allowed due to electrical safety concerns.
LGBTQ+ House
Brown House
Outdoor Education House
Cutter House
I know where I want to live, what’s next?
Once you’ve selected a hall that you have a preference for, the next step is to fill out a housing application. If you’ve already done that and know where you will be moving to, check out our page on moving in!
More information and resources
The Office of Residence Life supports and encourages students by providing guidance in contemplative inquiry, opportunities for dialogue, sponsoring celebratory communal events, and supporting opportunities that enable students to put their most cherished beliefs into daily practice.