A Yalie's Unofficial Guide to the Best Dorms at Yale University
So, you’re heading to Yale. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey at one of the most amazing universities in the world. But before you dive into classes & late-night study sessions, there’s one BIG thing you need to figure out: your living situation. At Yale, where you live is more than just a dorm room; it’s your community, your family, & your home for the next four years.
Honestly, choosing a dorm at Yale is a pretty unique experience. Unlike other schools where you might pick a specific building, at Yale, you’re assigned to one of fourteen residential colleges. Each one has its own distinct personality, traditions, & architecture. It’s a system that’s been around for ages, modeled after Oxford & Cambridge, & it’s a HUGE part of what makes Yale, well, Yale.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of the residential colleges, let's talk about freshman year. Or, as Yale calls it, "first-year."
The First-Year Experience: A Tour of Old Campus
For your first year at Yale, you'll most likely be living on Old Campus, a beautiful, historic part of the university that houses the majority of first-year students. It’s a rite of passage, really. You’re all in it together, navigating the highs & lows of your first year, & it’s where you’ll form some of your closest friendships. The dorms on Old Campus are a mix of old-world charm & modern amenities, & they each have their own reputation.
Here's a rundown of the main first-year dorms, based on what students have to say:
The "Rory Gilmore" Experience: Durfee Hall
If you're a fan of Gilmore Girls, you'll know that Rory lived in Durfee Hall. And honestly, it lives up to the hype. Durfee is known for its spacious rooms, high ceilings, & an abundance of singles. It's one of the most sought-after dorms on Old Campus, & for good reason. The common rooms are huge, perfect for hosting study groups or just hanging out with your suitemates. The only downside? You might have to deal with a few "Rory Gilmore stans," as the Yale Rumpus cheekily points out.
The Social Hub: Vanderbilt Hall
Vanderbilt Hall is another top contender for the best first-year dorm. It's centrally located & houses students from Saybrook & Branford colleges. The rooms are a good size, & the overall vibe is very social. It’s one of those dorms where there’s always something going on, which is great for meeting new people. Plus, its location is prime for getting to classes & exploring campus.
The Underrated Gem: Lawrance Hall
Lawrance Hall might not have the same name recognition as Durfee or Vanderbilt, but it's a solid choice. It's known for having great views & a friendly atmosphere. It tends to house a lot of students from Stiles, which is a residential college known for its down-to-earth community. So, if you're looking for a more chill vibe, Lawrance might be the place for you.
The "Character-Building" Experience: Lanman-Wright Hall
Lanman-Wright, or "L-Dub" as it's affectionately known, has a bit of a reputation. It's generally considered to be one of the less desirable dorms on Old Campus, with smaller rooms & a more "cramped" feel. However, many students who've lived there say that it's a great way to bond with your suitemates. You're all in it together, & that shared experience can create some pretty strong friendships. Plus, you'll appreciate your spacious residential college room that much more when you move in as a sophomore.
A Note on Moving & Storage
Moving into your first-year dorm can be a bit of a whirlwind. You're trying to figure out what to bring, how to decorate your room, & where to put everything. And let's be real, dorm rooms aren't exactly known for their ample storage space. If you find yourself with more stuff than you know what to do with, it's worth looking into storage solutions. A pretty cool option is Prked, which connects you with people who have extra space in their homes – think garages, basements, or even closets. It can be a super convenient & affordable way to store your extra belongings, especially during the summer or if you're studying abroad.
The Main Event: A Deep Dive into Yale's 14 Residential Colleges
After your first year on Old Campus, you'll move into your assigned residential college. This is where you'll live for the next three years, & it will become your home away from home. Each college has its own dining hall, library, gym, buttery (a student-run late-night cafe), & unique traditions. The assignment process is mostly random, though if you have a parent or sibling who went to Yale, you can choose to be in their college.
Here's a look at what makes each of Yale's 14 residential colleges special:
The "Classic Yale" Vibe: Branford & Saybrook Colleges
Branford & Saybrook are two of the oldest & most picturesque residential colleges at Yale. They're located right next to each other & share a friendly rivalry.
Branford College: Often considered the most beautiful college at Yale, Branford boasts stunning Gothic architecture, beautiful courtyards, & a charming, cozy feel. It's known for its vibrant social scene & tight-knit community. The dining hall is one of the best on campus, & the buttery is a popular spot for late-night snacks. If you're looking for the quintessential "Yale" experience, Branford is it.
Saybrook College: Located just across from Old Campus, Saybrook is all about convenience & community spirit. It has a beautiful courtyard & a lively social scene. One of its most famous traditions is the "Saybrook Strip," a theatrical undressing event that happens during the Harvard-Yale football game. Saybrook is known for being a friendly & welcoming place, & its central location is a huge plus.
The Powerhouses of Community: Timothy Dwight & Pierson Colleges
If you're looking for a college with a strong sense of community & a ton of spirit, Timothy Dwight & Pierson are for you.
Timothy Dwight College (TD): Affectionately known as "TD," this college is famous for its incredible community & enthusiastic students. TD is one of the smaller colleges, which contributes to its close-knit feel. The dining hall staff is known for being super friendly, & the college hosts a number of spirited events throughout the year, including the annual "TD Day." It also has one of the best butteries, with a deep fryer for all your late-night cravings.
Pierson College: Pierson is one of the largest residential colleges, but it still manages to maintain a strong sense of community. It has a spacious courtyard, a beautiful clock tower, & a reputation for being a fun & social place. Pierson is known for its epic parties, including the "Pierson Inferno" dance. It’s also in a great location, close to the gym & other campus amenities.
The Modern Marvels: Pauli Murray & Benjamin Franklin Colleges
Opened in 2017, Pauli Murray & Benjamin Franklin are the two newest residential colleges at Yale. They offer a more modern living experience with some pretty amazing amenities.
- Pauli Murray College & Benjamin Franklin College: These colleges are essentially identical in terms of their facilities. They have spacious rooms, air conditioning (a HUGE plus in the warmer months), & their own gyms, dance studios, & computer labs. The trade-off for these modern amenities is that they're a bit of a walk from the center of campus. However, many students say that the amazing facilities & the high chance of getting a single as an upperclassman make it totally worth it.
The Artsy & Quirky Duo: Ezra Stiles & Morse Colleges
Ezra Stiles & Morse are two of the most architecturally unique colleges at Yale. They were designed by the famous modernist architect Eero Saarinen & have a distinct, mid-century modern feel.
Ezra Stiles College: Known for its friendly & down-to-earth community, Stiles is a great place for students who are looking for a more relaxed vibe. The college has a printing press, a pottery studio, & a strong arts scene. The buttery is known for its comfy sofas, making it a great place to unwind after a long day of classes.
Morse College: Morse is right next to Stiles & shares a similar architectural style. It's known for its "Morsel" buttery, which has a cool neon sign & is a popular spot for late-night food. Morse also has underground tunnels that connect it to Stiles, which is a pretty unique feature. The college has a friendly & welcoming community, & it's a great place for students who appreciate its quirky charm.
The "Hidden Gems": Trumbull & Jonathan Edwards Colleges
Trumbull & Jonathan Edwards are two of the smaller colleges at Yale, & they often fly under the radar. But those who are lucky enough to be in them know that they're true hidden gems.
Trumbull College: Trumbull is the smallest residential college, & it has a very intimate & friendly feel. It's known for its strong sense of community & its beautiful, historic architecture. The dining hall is small & cozy, & the buttery is famous for its milkshakes. If you're looking for a close-knit community where everyone knows your name, Trumbull is the place for you.
Jonathan Edwards College (JE): JE is another one of the smaller colleges, & it has a reputation for being a bit more "prestigious" & "intellectual." It has a beautiful courtyard, a historic library, & a strong sense of tradition. JE is known for its strong community & its intellectual atmosphere. It's a great place for students who are looking for a more traditional, academic environment.
The "Big & Bold": Silliman & Davenport Colleges
Silliman & Davenport are two of the largest residential colleges at Yale, & they offer a more "classic" college experience.
Silliman College: Silliman is the largest residential college in terms of area, & it takes up almost an entire city block. It has a massive courtyard, a beautiful dining hall, & a wide range of facilities. Silliman is known for its diverse & active community, & there's always something going on. It's a great place for students who want a lot of options & a bustling social scene.
Davenport College: Davenport is another one of the larger colleges, & it's known for its lively & social atmosphere. The college has a beautiful courtyard & a grand dining hall. Davenport is known for its strong sense of community & its active social life. It's a great place for students who are looking to get involved & meet a lot of new people.
The "Understated" Ones: Grace Hopper & Berkeley Colleges
Grace Hopper & Berkeley are two colleges that are sometimes overlooked, but they have a lot to offer.
Grace Hopper College: Formerly known as Calhoun College, Grace Hopper was renamed in 2017. It's one of the smaller colleges & has a close-knit community. The college has a beautiful courtyard & a cozy, welcoming feel. Grace Hopper is known for its friendly atmosphere & its strong sense of community.
Berkeley College: Berkeley is centrally located on Cross Campus & has a beautiful, historic feel. The college is known for its beautiful architecture & its quiet, studious atmosphere. It has a beautiful library & a peaceful courtyard. Berkeley is a great place for students who are looking for a more low-key, academic environment.
The Parking Predicament in New Haven
Now, let's talk about something that might not be on your radar right away, but will definitely become important if you decide to bring a car to campus: parking. New Haven isn't exactly known for its abundant & affordable parking. In fact, it can be a real headache. Finding a spot near your dorm or apartment can be a challenge, & the lots that are available can be pretty expensive.
This is another area where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Instead of circling the block for hours looking for a spot, you can use Prked to find and rent a private driveway or garage from a local homeowner. It's a super convenient & often more affordable way to secure a parking spot for the semester or the entire year. It’s a pretty smart solution to a common urban problem, & it can save you a lot of time, money, & frustration.
So, Which Yale Dorm is REALLY the Best?
Honestly, there's no single "best" dorm at Yale. Each residential college has its own unique charm & personality, & what's perfect for one person might not be the right fit for another. The truth is, your Yale experience will be what you make of it, no matter which college you're in.
The residential college system is designed to create small, tight-knit communities within the larger university, & it does a pretty amazing job of that. You'll have a built-in support system, a home base, & a place where you can truly be yourself. So, embrace the randomness of the assignment process, get excited about your new home, & get ready for an unforgettable four years.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions about life at Yale.
