Home / Student Life / Residential Life / On-Campus Housing

Residential Life and On–Campus Housing

Involvement in campus life is an essential part of a comprehensive education. Living on campus at Northland College is an excellent way for you to be involved, learn about yourself, and how to live with other people, all the while enjoying the benefits of life in a community of caring individuals. 

At Northland, you will find students with all kinds of backgrounds and interests, so share your talents and discover new interests by participating in our residential communities. Whether you want to continue with something you love, learn something new, teach others something new, or passionately support a cause, you will find the opportunity on campus.

Living on campus takes place in a variety of well-maintained buildings that not only support our academic and co-curricular programs, but also impart a sense of place, stability and stewardship.

Residence Hall Pricing Structure for the 2012-2013 Academic Year:

• Traditional Double Room: $3,150/year and $1,575/term
• Traditional Single Room: $4,150/year and $2,075/term
• Premium Double Room: $4,050/year and $2,075/term

Premium Double encompasses the MELLC apartments, the Townhouses, and the college-owned houses.

Check out the variety of on campus housing options including all male and all female spaces, co-ed, and theme housing. Each residence hall has a Residence Hall Director (RHD) and a staff of Resident Assistants (RAs) who work to organize programming, answer your questions and to listen. Housing is a need and a service but more importantly, it's an opportunity to learn.

• McLean Environmental Living and Learning Center (MELLC)
• Fenenga Hall
• McMillan Hall
• Mead Hall
• Memorial Hall
• Townhouse Apartments
• Theme Communities
• Staff

McLean Environmental Living and Learning Center (MELLC)

The MELLC is our newest residential facility, linking together integral elements of environmental studies and sustainable living. This co-ed hall boasts three styles of accommodations: regular double rooms, double rooms with semi-private bath, and apartments. The entire facility can house 111 residents. The MELLC apartments are dedicated to sustainable living. They are fully-furnished, two-bathroom apartments that house six residents in two double and two single rooms. Students monitor energy systems and tend greenhouses in an effort to show the importance of alternative energy and waste reduction systems. Preference is given to residents who are willing to take part in this "living laboratory." The MELLC houses primarily returning students, but is available to all students. The residence hall provides ample social space with four kitchens, four lounges, and five study/meeting rooms.

Fenenga Hall

Fenenga Hall is our largest residence hall, housing up to 164 residents. It is a coeducational facility located on the north edge of campus, right next to the Center for Science and the Environment and about one block from the Ponzio Campus Center. Fenenga houses a good mix of first-year students and returning students. Due to its size and number of occupants, Fenenga is a very active and lively building with lots of activities and energy present at all times. Its ravine-facing rooms are popular options for students who want a "naturescape" view. The third floor of Fenenga is dedicated to students wanting a “substance free” housing experience committed to not drinking, smoking, using illegal drugs, or abusing prescription drugs.

McMillan Hall

McMillan Hall is a co-ed residence hall with males on the first two floors and females on the third that accommodates about 120 students. McMillan's location, adjacent to the gym and pool, appeals to many of its residents. Like Fenenga, McMillan maintains a high level of activity and energy in the building from its residents. McMillan Hall contains the primary facilities for small game cleaning on campus to accommodate hunting and fishing enthusiasts.

Mead Hall

Mead Hall is our smallest residence hall with accommodations for about 50 residents. It houses women only. The facility that is centrally located on campus. The residence hall was primarily returning students in the past, but with the opening of the MELLC, Mead now has a balance of first-year and returning residents. Due to its small size, Mead is a unique and close residence hall community with lots of interaction between its female residents.

Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is our oldest residence hall and provides Co-Ed housing. It is a three-story structure located adjacent to the library. Women live on the first and third floor. Men live on the second floor.  Memorial Hall's historic charm, fireplace lounge, and uniquely shaped rooms contribute to its popularity.

Townhouse Apartments

The townhouse apartments provide a unique housing option for returning and nontraditional students. These two-bedroom, two-bath, fully-furnished apartments enhance an independent lifestyle and are conveniently located on campus. There are seven two-story apartments that each house four residents.

Theme Communities

Currently, there are four theme communities at Northland:

Gaia's Cradle (College-owned house) - facilitates a theme of gender issues.
Gaia's Cradle is located on the north edge of campus near the Larson-Juhl Center for Science and the Environment (CSE). These friendly people host a myriad of events throughout the year including potlucks, guest speakers like Winona LaDuke, discussions, movie nights, and hanging out on the porch. Gaia's Cradle is a great opportunity to meet people and become part of a close-knit community.

ECCO Haus (located in MELLC apartment 1) - facilitates a theme of sustainable living and folk arts.
Along with potlucks throughout the year, past events have included sleepovers and stone soup dinners. Workshops are planned around themes including how to make your own apple cider, massage oils, or cleaning supplies. Visitors are always welcome, whether you need a listening ear or a cup of honey.

The Fireside (located in MELLC apartment 2) - seeks to merge expressions of art and sustainability.
This new theme community is devoted to music, art, dance, and film. In the past year they have already hosted open mic nights, potlucks, and receptions for local artists. Look out for new events such as weekly film discussions, photography and ceramics workshops, and traditional dance demonstrations. The Fireside also has art supplies such as paint and colored pencils available for anyone who wants to stop by their apartment.

Worldbeat (located in MELLC apartment 4) -  facilitates a theme centered on cultural and historical awareness.
Another new community, Worldbeat is dedicated to the art, food, and practices of other cultures. Join them for festive dance nights, foreign cuisine, and good times.

These communities provide unique thematic living arrangements for returning students who meet residency requirements. Residents of these communities work with the Transitional Living Assistant (TLA) and the Residential Life staff.