College FAQ

May I look at my room over the summer?
Because the residence halls are either being used for summer conferences or under renovations, we do not allow access to student rooms. Regrettably, we do not have detailed information such as window size, closet size, and open floor area for each residence hall room.  See our online floor plans for a rough idea of your room dimensions. Students usually wait until opening day to purchase decorative items such as curtains, areas rugs, etc.  The opening day orientation schedule is designed to provide time for family shopping trips. There are several local discount retailers in the area.  During the academic year, the college provides a weekly shuttle to area shopping centers.

Can I arrive early?
Unfortunately the college is not prepared  for students to arrive early.  Sunday, August 31, 2008 is the arrival date for new students. Residenial room will not be ready prior to this date.  Returning students from the class of  2009, 2010, and 2011 must plan to arrive on or after Monday, September 1, 2008.  Please review our opening and closing dates for arrival and departure dates.

What is a One Card?
The One Card serves as an all access card to the campus: It serves as a residence hall key, your meal card, your MHCXpress Card, and your library card. Select local buisnesses also honor the MHCXpress Card.  You will receive your one card during the first few days of orientation.

How should I ship my belongings?
Belongings should be shipped after August 15th. They should be addressed to your attention at your Blanchard Studnt Center Address. All boxes shipped will be stored by Mail Services and students may pick them up when they arrive on campus.

What will my mailing address be?
You will receive your mailing address over the summer when you receive your housing assignment. Your housing assignment letter is sent to your mhc email account unless otherwise requested.

Where do I get my mail?
Students pick up mail at Blanchard Student Center. Boxes and packages can be picked up at Mail Services. There is no delivery to residence halls.

Do I have to leave my room during vacations?
All residence halls remain open for the November and March break periods. Meals are not served and minimal level of campus services are available. All residence halls close for December break on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at noon and will reopen on Friday, January 3, 2009 at 9:00 am. Wilder Hall is the only hall open for December break and is open only for students whose families live abroad. Dickinson House will be used if overflow housing is needed over December break. Wilder Hall residents who do not meet the criteria to stay for December break will be required to lend their rooms to students who must stay.

Is housing available during the summer?
A limited amount of summer housing is available for current students. Rental fees are set every spring. Single and double-occupancy rooms are used. Meals are not provided and minimal level of campus services are available.

Where can I bank?
There is a Bank of America in the Village Commons. BankNorth and Peoples Bank are located down route 116.

Can I bring my car?
First year students are allowed to bring their cars to campus. Students should contact the Parking Office at 413-538-2514 or at

What if my question is not answered in the FAQs?
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Residential Life at 413-538-2088 or email res-life@mtholyoke.edu.

Where is the Office of Residential life?
The Office of Residential Life is located on the ground level of Safford Hall . During the Fall of 2009, Safford Hall is undergoing a major renovation. The Office of Residential Life will be located in the basement of Wilder Hall during that time.  Residetial Life will return to Safford Hall January, 2009.