8/10/25

The Unofficial Guide to the Best Dorms at Claremont McKenna College: An Insider's Look

Hey there, future CMC Stag or Athena! If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the middle of one of the most exciting & maybe slightly stressful parts of starting college: figuring out where you’re going to live. Let’s be real, your dorm is more than just a place to crash after a late-night study session at the QCL or a TNC party. It's your home base, your community, & a huge part of your college experience.
I remember being in your shoes, endlessly scrolling through forums & trying to decipher the cryptic descriptions on the official college website. That’s why I’ve put together this unofficial, no-holds-barred guide to the dorms at Claremont McKenna College. We're going to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of each quad, the personality of every dorm, & what you can really expect from campus living.
A quick heads up: CMC has a pretty cool system where there are no "freshman-only" dorms. All the residence halls are a mix of students from all class years, which is awesome for getting to know upperclassmen right away. So, whether you're a bright-eyed first-year or a seasoned senior, this guide is for you.

A Quick Lay of the Land: The Three Quads

First things first, let's get a handle on the basic layout of CMC's residential life. The campus is basically divided into three main residential areas, known as the "quads": North Quad, Mid Quad, & South Quad. Each has its own distinct vibe, so where you end up living can definitely shape your social life.
  • North Quad: The undisputed social hub of campus. If you're looking for a lively, energetic atmosphere with something always going on, North Quad is your spot.
  • Mid Quad: The happy medium. It's a great mix of social & chill, with a variety of dorm styles & a central location that’s hard to beat.
  • South Quad: The "quiet quad." If you're someone who values a more peaceful living environment & stunning views, you'll feel right at home here.
Now, let's break down each quad & the dorms within them.

North Quad: The Heart of the Party

If you’ve heard anything about CMC's social scene, you've probably heard about North Quad. This is where you'll find the legendary "TNC" (Thursday Night Club) parties & a constant buzz of activity. The dorms in North Quad are arranged in a suite-style, with four rooms sharing a bathroom. This setup is fantastic for building a tight-knit group of friends right from the get-go. You're not just living next to people; you're sharing a space with them, which naturally leads to a lot of bonding.
One of the most talked-about aspects of North Quad is the lack of air conditioning in the past. For years, students braved the Southern California heat with fans & open windows. However, BIG NEWS: as of Fall 2025, CMC is providing portable AC units for all North Quad rooms, with plans for permanent installation in the near future. This is a game-changer, folks.
Here's a look at the dorms that make up North Quad:
  • Appleby Hall: One of the original dorms on campus, Appleby has that classic college feel. It's a two-story building with double occupancy rooms & those signature suite-style bathrooms. The rooms have large windows & the doors open onto outdoor patios, which is a really nice touch.
  • Boswell Hall: Similar to Appleby, Boswell is a two-story dorm with double rooms & a suitemate setup. It’s right in the heart of the North Quad action, so you'll never be far from the social scene.
  • Green Hall: You might have seen Green Hall in a recent CMC dorm tour video. It’s a classic North Quad dorm with double suites. The rooms are a decent size & perfect for making your own cozy space.
  • Wohlford Hall: Rounding out North Quad is Wohlford Hall. Like the others, it’s a two-story building with double rooms & a suite layout. The shared lounge has AC, so even before the individual units, there was a place to escape the heat.
The Vibe: North Quad is stereotyped as the home of the "econ bros" & the party animals. While there's some truth to that, it's also a place with a strong sense of community. If you're an extrovert who loves to be in the middle of everything, you'll thrive here.

Mid Quad: The Best of Both Worlds

Can't decide between the social energy of North Quad & the tranquility of South Quad? Mid Quad might be your perfect match. It's a diverse collection of dorms, ranging from recently renovated halls to the newest & most modern residence hall on campus. The location is also a major plus, as you're close to Collins Dining Hall & just a short walk from pretty much everywhere on campus.
A lot of money & effort has gone into renovating Mid Quad over the past few years, & it really shows. Many of the older dorms have been completely gutted & redone, with new bathrooms, lounges, & most importantly, air conditioning.
Let's explore the Mid Quad dorms:
  • Beckett Hall: Located just south of the dining hall, Beckett is a great choice for those who like to roll out of bed & grab breakfast. It's a gender-inclusive hall with air-conditioned single, double, & triple rooms. It's also a substance-free dorm, so it offers a quieter, more focused living environment.
  • Berger Hall: Berger is another renovated Mid Quad dorm with a mix of room types. It's known for having a nice, modern feel & comfortable lounges for studying or hanging out with friends. A recent YouTube tour showed off a single in Berger, which is a great option for upperclassmen.
  • Benson Hall: Benson is a popular choice in Mid Quad, with a mix of single, double, & triple rooms. Like the other renovated dorms, it's got AC & updated amenities. It's a solid, reliable option for anyone looking for a comfortable & convenient place to live.
  • Crown Hall: Crown is the largest residence hall at CMC, with three floors of air-conditioned single, double, & triple rooms. It has a beautiful central lounge, spacious rooms, & a prime location on the west edge of Mid Quad. It's a very popular choice for a reason. One student even called it their "favorite dorm building on campus."
  • Marks Hall: Marks is a three-story building with a variety of room types. It was part of the Mid Quad renovation project, so you can expect modern amenities & a comfortable living experience. It even has a music practice room in the basement, which is a huge plus for musically inclined students.
  • Phillips Hall: Phillips is another one of the renovated Mid Quad dorms, offering a mix of single, double, & triple rooms. It has a similar feel to Beckett & Berger, with modern bathrooms & comfortable lounges.
  • Claremont Hall: The newest & most talked-about dorm at CMC, Claremont Hall is the epitome of modern college living. It's a stunning building with amazing amenities. While it's technically part of Mid Quad, it has a vibe all its own.
The Vibe: Mid Quad is the chameleon of CMC's residential life. You can find a little bit of everything here. It's social, but not as in-your-face as North Quad. It's a great place to find your niche & build a strong community of friends.

South Quad: The "Quiet Quad" with a View

If your ideal living situation involves a bit more peace & quiet, then South Quad is calling your name. It's known as the "quiet quad" for a reason. It's a bit further from the main campus hub, but the trade-off is a more relaxed atmosphere & some of the best views on campus. The dorms in South Quad are known as the "towers," & they've all been recently renovated.
The towers are a great option for students who want a more traditional dorm experience, with long hallways & a strong sense of floor community. Plus, the views from the upper floors are absolutely breathtaking.
Here's a rundown of the South Quad towers:
  • Auen Hall: Auen is an eight-story tower with single & double occupancy rooms. Each floor is single-gender, & there's a comfortable lounge on each floor where residents tend to build strong bonds. A recent dorm tour showed off a cozy double in Auen, giving a great sense of the space.
  • Fawcett Hall: Like Auen, Fawcett is an eight-story tower with single & double rooms. It was renovated in 2008, so the rooms & amenities are all up-to-date. The 360-degree views from the upper floors are a major selling point.
  • Stark Hall: Stark is the third of the South Quad towers. It’s also a substance-free dorm, making it a great choice for students who want a completely sober living environment. The rooms are similar to those in Auen & Fawcett, with those same incredible views.
The Vibe: South Quad is perfect for students who are a bit more studious & prefer a quieter, more relaxed living environment. It's a great place to focus on your studies, but there's still a strong sense of community on each floor.

A Note on Freshman Housing & Having a Car

As a freshman, you might be wondering about the logistics of moving in & getting around. One thing to keep in mind is that freshmen aren't allowed to have cars on campus. This can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're coming from out of state & have a lot of stuff. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can find affordable, convenient storage solutions right in the Claremont area by renting someone's garage, attic, or basement. It's a great way to store your extra belongings without having to schlep them back & forth from home.
And for upperclassmen who do have cars, finding parking on campus can sometimes be a headache. If you're looking for a more convenient & affordable parking solution than the campus lots, Prked is a great option. You can rent a private driveway or garage from a local homeowner, giving you a guaranteed spot that's often closer to your dorm than the official lots. It's a pretty cool way to solve the campus parking puzzle.

Making Your Choice: Finding Your Perfect Fit

So, there you have it – a comprehensive, insider's guide to the dorms at Claremont McKenna College. Honestly, there's no single "best" dorm at CMC. It all comes down to your personality, your study habits, & what you're looking for in a college experience.
Here's a quick recap to help you make your decision:
  • If you're a social butterfly who wants to be in the heart of the action, choose North Quad.
  • If you want a balance of social life & study time, with modern amenities & a central location, go for Mid Quad.
  • If you're looking for a quiet, studious environment with amazing views, South Quad is the place for you.
No matter where you end up living, you're going to have an incredible experience at CMC. The dorms are more than just buildings; they're communities. And the friendships you make in your dorm will be some of the most lasting & meaningful of your college career.
I hope this was helpful in your dorm-hunting journey. Let me know what you think, & welcome to the CMC family!
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