Campus Life
Annapolis - About the Dorms
All freshman students are required to live on campus. This helps to create a sense of community among those attending the college and helps new students to adjust better to college life. About 82% of undergraduate students at the college live in one of the dormitories.
St. John's has not been immune to the nation-wide housing shortage that has plagued other learning institutions. Because rents have risen in downtown Annapolis, and because new construction is highly restricted in the historic district, the few apartments that are available are out of the price range of most St. John's students. Fewer sophomores, juniors, and seniors are choosing to live off-campus. This unanticipated situation puts additional pressure on the dormitories at the college. St. John's has completed two new dormitories, Gilliam Hall and Spector Hall, but can only guarantee on-campus housing for freshmen. The college cannot always offer a dorm room to all of the upperclassmen that request one. The Treasurer, Assistant Dean, and Director of Student Services, are working to find appropriate, affordable, off-campus housing for students who need it.
All the dorms are air-conditioned. Dorms are co-ed, usually by floor. There are no co-ed bathrooms. All dorms are non-smoking, as Maryland state law prohibits smoking in most workplaces.
There are eight dormitories: Humphreys Hall (1837), Chase-Stone House (1857), Paca Carroll House (1857), Pinkney Hall (1858), Randall Hall (1903), Campbell Hall (1954), Gilliam Hall (2004), and Spector Hall (2006). Historic buildings have lots of charm, but they require lots of maintenance. The college is constantly upgrading the dormitories and you will find a mix of old and new facilities in each. Because there are a limited number of single rooms, freshmen always have at least one roommate. Your room assignment will be given to you when you register. The dorm rooms are open for occupancy after registration.
Heavy luggage or packages can be delivered up to two weeks before registration day. Ship such packages to the following address: Your Name, St. John's College, 60 College Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401-1887. Mark the packages "Hold for Registration."
What's in the dormitory rooms?
Furniture for each student includes:
- Twin-size mattress and box spring
- Mattress and cover
- Desk and chair
- Study lamp
- Wastebasket
- Bookshelves
- Single dresser or half a double dresser
- Mirror
- Closet space (average 3 feet wide
The windows have Venetian blinds. (If you'd like curtains, it's best to wait until you see your room, since windows are not standard sizes.)
What to bring?
Dorm rooms have basic furniture. You may wish to bring:
- Sheets (we recommend twin extra long sized sheets)
- Towels
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Comforter or spread
- Small rug, other comfortable items like floor pillows or backrests
- Clothing, including winter jacket and formal wear for waltz parties and special occasions
- Hangers
- Shoes (including special shoes for sports and/or the gym)
- Raincoat and umbrella
- Computer and printer (not required for work at St. John's, but most students bring their own )
- Books, CDs, posters
- Stereo
- Hobby or special interest equipment (camera, musical instruments)
- Sports equipment and apparel
- Toiletries (and a tote to get them to the shower)
- Mug, fork, spoon, knife, plate, bowl, and food storage containers to use in your room
- Laundry detergent
- Plasti-tak or other removable adhesives for mounting posters, etc. (tape is not allowed because it damages the walls)
- Key chain for the key card required to enter your dormitory and the key for your room (for sale in the college bookstore)
Many students like to have a small microwave or refrigerator in their room. Small appliances are allowed, but not encouraged because the buildings are not wired to support the power demand of many appliances. Open heating elements such as hot plates, water boilers, and hot-pots are not allowed. Other items not allowed are: candles, incense, weapons and self-defense devices such as stun guns. Smoking is prohibited by state law inside all campus buildings, including the dormitories.
There are washers and dryers in the basement of Campbell Hall in Chase-Stone, and in the Gym; ironing boards are available on many floors.
In general, less is more. Wait and see what you need. You will have the opportunity to get it once you are here. The college runs shuttles to all the major shopping areas in and around Annapolis.