Advice from Mac students
Students offer some ideas and favorite things they brought on their move to Macalester. There’s a lot of support to get you settled at Mac.
Living on campus
Heading to college means a new level of independence, new people to meet, and a new place to live. As a first-year student, some of your best Macalester memories will undoubtedly start right here, living on campus.
Moving to Mac
Residential Life
Students talk about meeting roommates and finding community. First year students live in Turck, Doty, Dupre, and Bigelow residential halls.
Silas’ Room Tour
After your first year, students have more residence hall and specialty housing choices. Silas talks about his room at Wallace Hall.
New Students
Enrolled students will find the Housing Contract and Preferences Form in their portal on June 2, 2025, which is due June 16. The form asks simple questions about your floor preference and living style. Residential Life will then assign you a room and roommate or possibly roommates (for triple and quad rooms) based on your preferences. Our housing model is gender-inclusive, which gives students the option to live with other students regardless of sex, gender, and/or gender identity, and have access to gender-inclusive bathrooms. There will be some floors and spaces that will have gender-specific spaces and bathrooms. Students will be able to indicate the housing arrangements that best fit their needs.
Food on campus
Your meal plan is your ticket to Café Mac and other options throughout campus. With a commitment to variety, wellness, and sustainability, you’ll find options that suit your taste!
Meet Lawrence
Lawrence makes a point to get up early and get to Café Mac for favorites like cheesy eggs.
Meet Riley
Riley likes to try different things and mix it up a little. He has found Café Mac to be a friendly and welcoming place to connect with classmates.
Food Favorites
On or off campus, these are some top recommendations when you’re looking for a little variety.
New Adventures
Roommates at Mac
Current students share some real talk about roommates. They’ll tell you that experiences are all different, there’s support in this community, and friendships and memories are part of the journey.
Excited to move to Mac?
Start planning with this packing list.
Day in the Life
Join students in the residence halls
These students captured a day in their life, and that means you’re invited to step into their room, meet their roommates, and hang out.
Day in the Life
Join students in the residence halls
These students captured a day in their life, and that means you’re invited to step into their room, meet their roommates, and hang out.