Housing Options
Housing at Calvin can provide a common, shared experience for all students with unique opportunities along the way. Use the resources below to find out more about all our options as you explore the places you will call home while at Calvin. Compare all our options using our housing comparison chart.
Our classic residence halls provide the space and community for you to thrive. These are the homes for the majority of first and second-year students.
Important dates for returning sophomores:
- Room Draw survey: Active early February.
- Placement confirmations will be sent before or during the first week of April.
Through learning events and community practices, you are invited to think and act more intentionally in relation to the theme of your floor.
Floors include:
- Creation care/outdoor recreation
- Justice & equity
- Honors
Apply for living-learning communities through the housing application in your student portal. We send decisions at the end of May.
Quick Comparison: 2023-2024
| Residence Halls | van Reken Living-Learning | |
|---|---|---|
| Class Level Requirement | First-year–Soph. (Jr./Sr. optional) | First-year–Soph. (Jr./Sr. optional) |
| Location on Campus | all residence halls | within van Reken Hall |
| Utilities & Amenities | trash, internet, laundry, cleaning supplies | trash, internet, laundry, cleaning supplies, air-conditioning |
| Cost (approx.) | $11,950 / year with Calvin Core 19 meal plan per person (a meal plan is required) | $11,950 / year with Calvin Core 19 meal plan per person (a meal plan is required) |
| Safety Services (escort ride service provided dawn to dusk) | yes | yes |
| Additional application or interview required | no | yes |
| Furnished | bed, dresser, desk, chair, shelves | bed, dresser, desk, chair, shelves |
| Programming | yes | yes |
The Knollcrest East apartments at Calvin provide stylish options for juniors and seniors, where you can continue the benefits of living in community with other students.
Project Neighborhood (PN): The Project Neighborhood House (Koinonia House) is a residential opportunity for up to 9 students interested in intentional community in a local Grand Rapids neighborhood. Residents are expected to engage the program pillars of Vibrant Community, Loving Neighbors, Committed Sustainability, Purposeful Discipleship and Attentiveness to the Ordinary. Residents will participate in house rhythms together including a weekly house meal, weekly house meeting, and weekly house devotional time, house chores and other informal activities. Residents are also expected to spend 20 hours engaging in the local neighborhood (mainly through Service-Learning, but also other opportunities).
Preserve House: The Preserve House at the Preserve is a residential opportunity for up to 5 female students who share a passion for forming community around sustainable lifestyle practices. Residents are expected to complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service at the Preserve each semester. They are also expected to participate in biweekly House Meetings, weekly communal meals, and regular house chores.
Bunker House: The Bunker House at the Preserve is a residential opportunity for up to 4 male students who share a passion for forming community around outdoor recreation and land stewardship. This house serves as a regular gathering space for various environmental and sustainability student groups, so residents should be hospitable and willing to share common spaces with guests. Residents are expected to complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service at the Preserve each semester. They are also expected to participate in biweekly House Meetings, weekly communal meals, and regular house chores.
Garden House: The Garden House is a residential opportunity for a group of 4 or 5 students who are committed to sustainable living and enjoy thinking creatively about how to live out creation care values in everyday life. Residents are expected to develop sustainable living practices, support the Campus Garden, commit to monthly meetings with a Calvin faculty member, and must be willing to host community meals. Residents are expected to complete at least 20 hours of volunteer service at the Garden House each semester. They are also expected to participate in biweekly House Meetings, weekly communal meals, and regular house chores.
Upperclass floors provide juniors, seniors, and graduate students with a sense of community with their peers, while also enjoying the amenities of the residence hall.
Our students often benefit from the option to live off campus in the city of Grand Rapids.
Quick Comparison: 2024-2025
| Knollcrest East | Theme Houses | Off-Campus | Upper-Class Floors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class Level Requirement | Junior, Senior, Grad Student | Junior, Senior | Junior, Senior, Grad Student | Junior, Senior, Grad Student |
| Proximity to Campus | on campus | 10–20 minute drive | Varies | on campus |
| Utilities & Amenities | trash, internet, laundry, cleaning supplies | trash, internet, laundry, cleaning supplies | Varies | trash, internet, laundry, cleaning supplies |
| Cost (approx.) | $4,500 / year per person | $1,800 / semester per person | Varies | Cost varies by meal plan and single/double. Contact the Housing Office. |
| Safety Services (escort ride service provided dawn to dusk) | yes | no | no | yes |
| Additional application or interview required | no | yes | no | no |
| Furnished | bed, dresser, desk, shelves, dishwasher, microwave, kitchen table & chairs | bed, dresser, desk, desk chair, and general house furnishings | no | bed, dresser, desk, chair, shelves |
| Programming | yes | yes | no | yes |