Housing
College of the Atlantic
A dynamic community
Living on campus is a vital part of building community at College of the Atlantic. From historic seaside homes to sustainably built houses, each residence offers unique spaces for friendship, collaboration, and independence.
Life on campus
Life on campus is a central part of the COA experience. All first-year students live in campus housing, and many transfer and returning students choose to stay on campus as well, drawn by the strong sense of community that develops within each residence. Shared kitchens, community dinners, and lively house traditions help make every space feel like home, creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and comfort. Resident Advisors (RAs) are part of this supportive environment too—offering guidance, fostering community, and helping students navigate life at COA.
See it for Yourself
There’s no better way to get a feel for COA than to experience it for yourself. Explore our oceanfront campus, walk through our residences, meet current students, and see what life at COA is really like. Whether you join us for a tour, an info session, or a full day of exploration, we’d love to welcome you to Bar Harbor and help you imagine your future here.
Residence options
Blair/Tyson
Seven townhouses clustered around a lively courtyard, with colorful decor, shared kitchens, and a close-knit vibe.
Kathryn W. Davis Village
Among our greenest housing options, featuring biomass heating, composting toilets, vibrant common rooms, and a commitment to sustainability.
Seafox
A grand old home with a seaside porch, cozy nooks, and a community atmosphere that’s both lively and peaceful.
Cottage
A cozy former gatehouse, newly renovated, perfect for deep friendships and late-night chats around the kitchen table.
Peach House
The birthplace of COA—small, welcoming, and full of history. Renovated for modern comfort while keeping its quirky charm.
Collins House
Our newest residence, housing 46 students with cutting-edge sustainability features and bright, inviting common spaces.
Student voices
COA Might be Right for You if…
…you are ready to have your life and identity flipped on its head and dunked in the ocean repeatedly
Jonna Lynn Nielsen ’27
…you don’t know what you want to study because you have far too many interests to just focus in on one of them.
Wilson Korneev ’28
…you want to be in a small community where people will remember your name.
Alya Kiiashko ’25
…you want to meet politically, emotionally, and academically engaged people.
Alder Ame ’27
…you think being sent to the oceanside to improve your mental health actually sounds awesome (it totally is).
Carolina de Oliveira Castro ’26
…you are passionate about the natural world and want to study it and love spending time outside.
Conrad Kortemeier ’26
…you want to be surrounded and inspired by people who are excited about niche subjects, and by people who are still figuring out what they’re doing.
Marina Schnell ’25
…you have an open mind, enjoy small communities, and want a well-rounded (however unconventional) education experience.
Seth Sears ’28
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26