Off-Campus Housing
College of the Atlantic
After living on campus during their first year, many College of the Atlantic students take the exciting step of moving into town. Off-campus living offers a blend of independence, community, and access to everything Bar Harbor has to offer—while keeping you closely connected to campus life.
Why live off campus?
Off-campus living at COA offers you:
- Choice: Select your own housemates and style of living.
- Independence: Manage your home, meals, and schedules with greater flexibility.
- Community: Join a lively network of student-led gatherings, potlucks, and creative projects throughout Bar Harbor.
Plus, the rhythm of walking or biking home each day can offer a refreshing bookend to your busy academic life.
Who lives off campus?
About 1/3 of COA students live off campus. Most off-campus residents are returning students who choose to move into nearby housing after spending at least their first year on campus. Students who begin as first-years become eligible to live off campus after one year, while transfer students may live off campus immediately, starting in their first term.
Most off-campus students live in college-owned houses located throughout Bar Harbor, creating a vibrant and connected student neighborhood that blends independence with a strong sense of community.
Is it hard to find housing?
In two words: not anymore.
Recognizing the challenges of the local rental market, COA acted decisively—purchasing 18 residential units within Bar Harbor for student housing.
Today, more than 80% of students live in college-owned housing, either on or off campus, significantly easing the search process.
- Selection process: Begins during winter term for the following academic year.
- Support: Student Life provides clear steps and assistance along the way.
How far is off-campus housing from campus?
Most college-owned houses are located between one-tenth of a mile and one mile from campus, making it easy for students to walk or bike using nearby pedestrian paths and bikeways. This proximity helps off-campus students stay closely connected to daily campus life while enjoying the independence of their own living space.
Transportation options:
- Night bus: Shuttles students between town and campus after dark.
- Winter term day bus: Provides rides to campus, grocery stores, the YMCA, and downtown Bar Harbor—especially handy in snowy weather or after a big shopping trip.
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 can’t choose between the mountains and the sea.
Megan Maloney ’26
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26
…you want small, intentional community.
Conlan Lamb ’28
…you want to expand your perspective and knowledge of the world around you, and gain valuable connections from all around the world!
Trinket Lester ’28
…you question the answers to your questions, challenge the status quo, and seek tranquility in the heart of the spruce-fir forests.
Greta Bernier ’27
…you have the desire to choose your own path to a degree.
Béatrice St-Louis ’28