Residential Life & Housing
Living, learning, belonging
Campus Life
Living in community
At College of the Atlantic, living on campus means more than just a place to sleep—it’s a community experience shaped by shared meals, late-night conversations, and lifelong friendships. From restored seaside estates to sustainably built houses, each residence has its own character and its own traditions.
First-year students, and many transfers and returners, live on campus. Every resident plays a role in building the spirit of their house, from sharing kitchen duties to hosting weekend dinners.
Community Spirit
A campus built for connection
COA’s residences are as unique as the students who live in them. Some are restored seaside estates reimagined as vibrant communal homes, while newer houses are designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind. Most first-year students live in houses with 20–45 other students, allowing them to build community with a diverse group of peers from their cohort. In their second year, students move into smaller houses for a more intimate living experience.
Each house is equipped with a kitchen stocked with basic tools and a cozy living room where students can be found doing homework, playing games, or enjoying a cup of tea. These kitchens and common spaces serve as the heart of each house, where weekend meals, spontaneous gatherings, and shared responsibilities create a sense of belonging. There are three laundry rooms located on campus. Resident Advisors (RAs) provide guidance and support, helping students feel at home and fostering connections across the community. On the weekends, you can find students cooking, celebrating, and maintaining cherished house traditions, keeping the spirit of campus alive throughout the week.
Our Homes
Explore our on-campus residences
Blair/Tyson
Seven townhouses designed with community in mind, clustered around a lively courtyard with shared kitchens and a close-knit vibe.
Cottage
A cozy former gatehouse, newly renovated, perfect for deep friendships and late-night chats around the kitchen table.
Kathryn W. Davis Village
Among our greenest housing options, featuring biomass heating, composting toilets, vibrant common rooms, and a commitment to sustainability.
Peach House
The birthplace of COA—small, welcoming, and full of history. Renovated for modern comfort while keeping its quirky charm.
Seafox
A grand old home with a seaside porch, cozy nooks, and a community atmosphere that’s both lively and peaceful.
Collins House
Our newest residence, housing 46 students with cutting-edge sustainability features and bright, inviting common spaces.
Off-campus living
Transfer and returning students who prefer a different style of independence often rent houses or apartments nearby in Bar Harbor. Off-campus life still keeps you connected to the COA community, while offering a bit more autonomy.
COA maintains resources and tips for navigating off-campus housing options.
Building your home away from home
Resident Advisors (RAs) play a vital role in maintaining the supportive, welcoming atmosphere that defines residential life at COA. Your RA will help you settle in, navigate the ups and downs of college life, and build strong connections with your housemates.
Together, you’ll share responsibilities—from cleaning shared spaces to planning events that turn your house into a true home.
Student Resources
Thorndike Library
Research expertise, specialized databases, and guidance for independent and collaborative projects across disciplines.
Registrar
Registration, course offerings, student forms, transcripts, and support as you design your program of study.
Writing Center
Focused help for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and refining papers, projects, proposals, and presentations.
Career Development
Internship planning and placement, resume and interview preparation, and connections to meaningful work.
Academic Support Services
Study skills, learning strategies, and accommodations designed around your strengths and challenges.
more student resources and info
Everything you’re looking for (we hope) in one central place.
Meal menu
From curries to carnitas, savory tofu to Maine seafood, our dining hall celebrates flavor, community, and responsible sourcing.
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