General Residence Hall Information
Residence Life Office • 507-786-3011 • reslife@stolaf.edu
The Residence Life Program at St. Olaf fosters the development of community within the residence halls, honor houses and across campus. As a residential college, we require that all full-time students reside in college-owned housing as far as accommodations permit. Our co-ed halls house men and women on separate floors or corridors. First-year students may choose to live in one of the three first-year-only halls or in Hill/Kitt or Mohn Halls, where upper-class and first-year students reside on separate floors.
Our student rooms are equipped with extra long twin beds. The beds have frames that raise the mattress creating a loft or bunked bed if desired. Rooms have a closet, dresser, desk, and chair for each student in the room. All student rooms have computer network hookups (wireless and hard wired) that offer access to the Internet and e-mail. Each residence hall has a formal lounge, piano, recreation room, computer room, laundry facilities, kitchen and vending machines.
In addition to traditional residence halls, upper-class students have the option of residing in one of our seventeen honor houses located on the periphery of the campus. Ten houses participate in service projects associated with volunteer organizations in the Northfield and St. Olaf communities. Six houses provide a unique environment to students studying foreign languages. Residents in the language houses speak the language their house represents: Asian Languages, French, German, Norwegian, Russian and Spanish.
First-Year Residence Halls
Ellingson Hall
Ellingson Hall, housing 198 students, is a four-story building that serves as one of the central locations for students in the Great Conversation program. This setting provides an intellectual atmosphere as well as an excellent chance for socialization and the development of a core group of friends. Great Con students represent about one-quarter of Ellingson residents and typically room with students who are not in the program.
Hoyme Hall
Hoyme Hall is a four-story structure housing 210 students. Hoyme is noted for its bay windows, friendly hallways, and its location adjacent to the tennis courts. The main lounge provides a striking view of the surrounding countryside as well as a wonderful space for studying and socializing. American Conversations program students will be housed in this hall for next year.
Kildahl Hall
Kildahl Hall offers a friendly, comfortable atmosphere for 168 students. The main lounge serves as the center of community, offering many activities and late night conversations around the fireplace. Kildahl is equipped with lofted beds in the rooms, and provides a strong community filled with fellowship and spirit, which is ideal for studying and socializing. One of the Great Conversation programs is housed in Kildahl. Great Con students represent about one-quarter of Kildahl residents and typically room with students who are not in the program.
Mohn Hall
One of the two towers on campus, Mohn is a ten-story residence hall housing 307 students. The hall, which traditionally houses first-year and sophomore students by floor, offers a main lounge, a recreational room, and a piano room. The circular arrangement of the corridor creates a strong community atmosphere.
Kittelsby Hall
Kittelsby Hall houses 193 students in large double and triple person rooms. Connected to Hilleboe Hall by a common entrance, “Kitt” offers large double rooms. Hill/Kitt Hall’s location on the southwest corner of campus provides a beautiful view of Norway Valley. Its connection to “Hill” (upper-class) gives Hill/Kitt a unique and exciting balance between new energy and experienced leadership.
Upper-Class Residence Halls
Hilleboe Hall
Connected to Kittelsby Hall by a common entrance, Hilleboe houses 117 students. The combination of “Hill” (upper-class) and “Kitt” (first-year) Halls provides a unique and exciting balance between new energy and experienced leadership. The Hilleboe Chapel on third floor offers a place for quiet meditation. Hilleboe’s large rooms include a sink and beds that may be lofted, bunked or arranged regular twin style.
Larson Hall
Larson Hall houses 307 students. Students have the opportunity to live and learn with students from around the world. A feature of Larson is its Coffeehouse, which provides a place for students to demonstrate their talent and others to enjoy it over a warm cup of coffee. The circular arrangement of the floor creates a strong community.
Mellby Hall
Mellby Hall houses 190 students in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Mellby is the oldest hall on campus and its historic appeal truly stands out. It features a kitchen, TV lounge, computer facilities and an old fashioned, comfortable main lounge with fireplace.
Mohn Hall
One of the two towers on campus, Mohn is a ten-story residence hall housing 307 students. The hall, which traditionally houses first-year and sophomore students by floor, offers a main lounge, a recreational room, and a piano room. The circular arrangement of the corridor creates a strong community atmosphere.
Rand Hall
Rand Hall is uniquely designed. Built into the side of Manitou Heights, it houses 243 students. A variety of living options are available in Rand including single, double, and quad occupancy rooms. Suites are designed with individual and shared bathrooms. The hillside location offers a beautiful view of the woods and surrounding fields.
Thorson Hall
Thorson Hall is a beautiful building housing 235 students. It offers a spacious back yard with a patio and provides a striking view of the Northfield community. It has several features, most notably its spacious lounge that is a favorite study and conversation spot.
Ytterboe Hall
The newest residence hall on campus, Ytterboe Hall houses 402 students in suites of four to ten residents. Each suite (or pod) consists of single and double rooms arranged around a common living area. This hall features study lounges, computer facilities, sinks in the rooms, and music practice rooms.
Residence Life Staff
Area Coordinators - Live-in professionals committed to the concept that students should have the opportunity for growth and development outside the classroom. Area coordinators are an integral part of this learning experience, serving as a resource, role model, and leader in the residence halls.
Student Hall Coordinators - Returning student staff members who have been selected to have more administrative and leadership responsibility within the residence hall.
Resident Assistants (RAs) - Current junior or senior students who have been selected to serve as leaders, role models and campus resources for a floor of upper-class students.
Junior Counselors (JCs) - Current junior students selected to serve as mentors for a corridor of first year students. The JC position is designed to help provide first-year students with a successful transition into St. Olaf College.
