Before it has even opened its doors, Mayflower Hill Residence Hall has already become one of the most sought-after housing options on campus.
The College’s newest campus residence hall will open in fall 2026 and is expected to house more than 200 juniors and seniors. Located across the street from the Diamond Building and adjacent to Cotter Union, the four-story complex introduces additional upperclass housing capacity, as students are already looking at where they want to live next year.
With housing selection currently underway, many rising juniors and seniors have expressed strong interest in the new building, drawn to its suite-style layout and individual rooms.
The new residence hall is designed exclusively for juniors and seniors, a shift that reflects changes in students’ housing priorities over time. By their third or fourth year, they often seek greater privacy in their living arrangements while still wanting to live with their friends, making suite-style housing an ideal option.
“I think it will be quite competitive, especially because the building is new and has suites,” Lia Kermes `28 said.
Beyond layout appeal, the residence hall’s placement on campus has also contributed to its popularity. Situated near Cotter Union and Dana, as well as academic buildings such as Davis and Diamond, the building offers convenient access to both classes and dining.
“I want to live there because it’s close to all my classes, especially Davis and Diamond, and close to food like Dana and the Spa,” Wesley To `28 said. “It’ll definitely be competitive, so I’m planning to room with a senior to try to get a top pick.”
While demand for the new residence is certainly high, the addition of this building should improve flexibility across the broader housing system by increasing capacity and easing competition in other residence halls.
The expansion comes at a time when housing selection remains competitive for many students, particularly for those interested in singles and suite-style arrangements.
However, for most students, the appeal comes from personal reasons. Kermes expanded on how the appeal for her goes beyond the layout. “I want to live there because I’d prefer a suite, and being in a new building would be nice,” she said. “It will probably feel cleaner and more modern.”
For some students, the opportunity to be among the first residents of a new building carries its own appeal. Newly constructed residence halls promise updated amenities, modern finishes, and spaces that have not yet experienced years of wear and tear.
The last new residential buildings added to campus were the Johnson Pond Houses, completed in 2022 after an ambitious 10-month construction period. Since then, the College’s residential options have remained largely unchanged, making Mayflower Hill Residence Hall the first major residential addition in several years.
The 112,000-square-foot structure is part of a $150 million investment in student life. In addition to residential suites, the building will feature a cafe on the ground floor open to the campus community, as well as flexible student spaces designed to foster community.
Students interested in learning more about housing updates and the selection process can attend the upcoming State of Housing discussion hosted by the Student Government Association in partnership with the Office of Residential Experience. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 18, from 5 to 6 p.m. in Keyes 105.
Construction for the new residence hall is still ongoing and will continue throughout the spring semester, with completion set for fall 2026. As housing selection moves forward, anticipation surrounding the new residence hall continues, with many students hoping they can secure a room for next year.
~ Pamela Swartz `28
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