Life in the Residence Halls

Living on campus, students learn how to come together and form the bonds of community they will carry with them beyond their time at Swarthmore.

Typically, about 95% of students live in one of the College’s 18 residence halls, each with Resident Assistants who schedule programs and activities. Students from all class years live together in the halls, and each building has its favorite hangouts, such as Wharton Courtyard.

Resident Assistants (RAs) live in every dorm and create community, both in their halls and across campus, to build the thriving "hall culture" that characterizes residential life at Swarthmore. They serve as advisers and facilitators, activities coordinators and cheerleaders, diplomats and confidantes. RAs also play a crucial role in maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of their communities.

“I locked myself out of my room on the first night. My R.A. helped me out. I was happy to find everyone at Swat to be supportive and accommodating.” — Senior