Residential Life Archives

Penny's coffee shop in Hillsdale College's new, unnamed dorm.

Making Home at Hillsdale

Intentionality lives at the heart of the yet-unnamed New Dorm, which opened last fall as an upperclassman women’s dorm on the east side of campus. From the building layout, to the furniture and decor, to the young women who live inside, each detail exists to help make Hillsdale a home of its own. “We were paying attention to the aesthetic of the place, so that it feels like a home, and not an institution,” says Rebekah Dell, associate dean of women.

Closeup of a crab apple tree during the winter, covered in snow.

Surviving (and Thriving!) during Michigan Winters

It can be difficult to adjust to Hillsdale winters, but you can learn to be snug and cozy like a true Michigander. Veterans of Michigan winters weigh in with their favorite tips and tricks.

Let The Boys Play

Sometimes the men of Hillsdale just need to unwind a bit and fight a good old-fashioned naval battle.

Hillsdale’s Tall Tales

When you come to Hillsdale, you are entering a story. Many years’ worth of quirky traditions and legends serve to unite us throughout our college days, as we too leave our mark.

Olds Year Two: RA Edition

I spent my first year at Hillsdale living in Olds Dormitory and experienced connected community, loving friends, and vibrant social outlets there. I wanted to continue that experience and share it with the incoming freshmen.

Baker Unknown: The Enduring Tradition of Waterman Tea

Weekly tea at Waterman Dorm spans the last decade or more. No one quite knows when it began, but before the weekly tea there was an annual party at Waterman open to all of campus.

Cultivating Friendships That Will Last A Lifetime

By the end of freshman year, I had developed a close bond with several girls living on the upper west side of McIntyre Residence, so much so that we did not want to leave it behind come sophomore year. Koon Residence allowed us to keep our community.

We are Upper West

From the excitement of freshman convocation to a budding sense of homesickness at the overwhelming number of strangers, to the anxiousness of already having a thick pile of reading due by Monday, the first week of college was nothing like I’d ever experienced. I found sanctuary in my suitemates’ room in the Upper West hallway of McIntyre Dormitory.

All About Hospitality

As soon as I walk in the door, I am struck by Sue Postle’s love for Benzing. She’s bubbly and incredibly warm, and she can’t stop talking about how much the dorm’s residents mean to her.

Community, Service, and Tradition at the “Quiet” Dorm

After Niedfeldt’s impressive showing in the Spirit Week competitions, I asked Head RA Sam Clausen to give some insight on how a quiet dorm comes up with such notable performances.

Galloway’s “No Man Left Behind” Mentality

“We try to emphasize the ‘no man left behind’ mentality,” said Calvin, a resident assistant in Galloway Dormitory. “Everyone knows everyone, and everyone includes everyone. If I am leaving to go do something on campus, I will stop by other guys’ rooms to see if they want to come along.”

What It Takes to Be a Hillsdale Residence Assistant

At Hillsdale, the resident assistant position is one many students would love to have but only a few get. Hannah Fleming is one of those few, an outstanding woman and the head RA of freshman girls’ Olds residence hall. She has a friend in everyone because of her ability to make people feel comfortable and valued.