First-Year Housing
Aiken Hall
Enjoy this historic residence hall’s close proximity to the library and academic buildings while living in Aiken Hall at Champlain.
Bader Hall
Bader neighbors the Center for Communication & Creative Media (CCM), the IDX Student Life Center, and is just a short walk away from other academic buildings.
Hill Hall
Just across the street from Finney Quad, Hill Hall is close to campus and right next to all the action and all your friends.
Lyman Hall
This turn-of-the-century mansion has some of the most beautiful interior woodwork on the Champlain College campus. Enjoy Lyman’s common room, porch, and front lawn to gather and relax.
McDonald Hall
This stately Victorian-era hall underwent a renovation in 2022 yet preserved its rich 126-year history. The building is now 100% fossil-fuel free and uses green technologies for heating and cooling.
Pearl Hall
Pearl Hall’s central common room is perfect for chatting with friends or playing board games. And the large front porch is a famous hangout spot on campus!
Schillhammer Hall
Experience the joys of semi-private bathrooms and having the library as your neighbor while living in Schillhammer Hall at Champlain College.
Summit Hall
Summit Hall is open during all school-year breaks, making it a perfect home for international students or students who want to be on campus during vacations.
Aiken Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 28 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | Less Than 1 Block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Historic architecture, sustainable renovations, accessible, air conditioning, kitchen, and proximity to the library |
Description
Built around 1885 in the American Queen Anne style by A.B. Fisher for Frederick Kennedy and his family, Aiken Hall is one of Champlain College’s most distinctive buildings. The estate was purchased by Champlain College in 1982. The hall has since been thoughtfully renovated, maintaining its elegant architectural details while earning Champlain’s first LEED Gold Certification for green buildings in 2009.
Aiken Hall offers modern amenities within a historic setting, featuring air conditioning, a full kitchen, and accessibility accommodations to ensure a comfortable living experience for all students.
Location
Situated in the heart of campus on Summit Street, Aiken Hall offers a blend of historic charm and modern convenience, just steps away from the library and academic buildings.
Common Spaces
Small lounges on each floor
Outdoor Spaces
Aiken Lawn & Summit Street Green
Namesake
Aiken Hall is named in honor of Lola Aiken, a former Trustee of Champlain College, recognizing her contributions to the institution.
Bader Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 21 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | Less Than 1 Block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Proximity to campus and shuttle stop |
Description
Originally constructed in 1873, Bader Hall was home to Edward Lyman, a Burlington business owner, his wife, Minerva, and their daughter, also named Minerva (Minnie). Minnie and her husband Robert Roberts inherited the house and lived there while Roberts served as Mayor of Burlington. After Champlain College bought the property in 1960, it served as an administration building before becoming a residence hall. The hall has been fully renovated, creating an inviting student experience while carefully honoring the elegant architectural features, such as restored millwork, doorways, and lighting fixtures. The hall has been outfitted with geothermal heating and cooling to support Champlain’s commitment to sustainability. Bader neighbors the Center for Communication & Creative Media (CCM), the IDX Student Life Center, and is just a short walk away from other academic buildings.
Location
Conveniently located in the central campus at the corner of Maple and South Willard streets, Bader Hall boasts beautiful west-facing views of Lake Champlain for students to enjoy.
Common Spaces
Common room
Outdoor Spaces
CCM Building, Campus Shuttle Stop
Namesake
Champlain President C. Bader Brouilette chose the name Bader Hall to honor his mother, Edith Bader. The formal name of the building is Edith Bader Hall.
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Hill Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 37 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | Less Than 1 Block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Lyman Hall’s twin |
Description
Hill Hall is a twin to Lyman Hall, both of which were built by Alfred B. Fisher in 1884 for the Dunham brothers, successful lumber barons. This renovated turn-of-the-century mansion boasts beautiful woodwork and charm on the inside and out. It’s just across the street from Finney Quad and close to neighboring halls Lyman and McDonald, making it a perfect community space. Students can enjoy gathering and relaxing in common areas and the front yard.
Location
Sitting right on the corner of South Willard Street and Maple Street, Hill Hall is located directly across from Main Campus. Students are just steps away from the center of the action, making getting to class and on-campus activities a breeze.
Common Spaces
Common room
Outdoor Spaces
Front yard, rear covered porch
Namesake
The hall was named after Ralph Nading Hill Jr., a well-known and respected Vermont author who was raised in this home and wrote the first history of Champlain College, The Invisible College.
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Lyman Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 36 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | Less Than 1 Block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Hill Hall’s twin |
Description
Lyman Hall is a twin to Hill Hall, both of which were built by Alfred B. Fisher in 1884 for the Dunham brothers, successful lumber barons. The home was subsequently home to a wealthy merchant and later a department store owner, among other residents. Lyman Hall’s original garage and chauffeur’s residence is now used by the College at West House. This turn-of-the-century mansion has some of the most beautiful interior woodwork on the Champlain College campus. Students can enjoy Lyman’s common room, porch, and front lawn to gather and relax.
Location
Located right in the middle of campus, Lyman Hall sits directly in the heart of the Champlain community. With its proximity to campus and its neighbor Hill Hall, Lyman makes it easy for its residents to get involved with campus life.
Common Spaces
Common room
Outdoor Spaces
Front lawn
Namesake
The building was named Lyman Hall by then Champlain President C. Bader Brouilette to honor both the family that had lived there for so long and two faculty members of the same name who had made significant contributions to the College.
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McDonald Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 45 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | 1 block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Located on Finney Quad |
Description
Originally designed by architect Walter R.B. Willcox for prominent businessman and banker Charles P. Smith and his wife, Anna, the Romanesque Revival residence remained in the family until it was acquired by Champlain College in 1979. The stately Victorian-era hall underwent a sustainability-focused renovation in 2022 yet preserved its rich 126-year history. The building is now 100% fossil-fuel free and uses green technologies like geothermal for heating and cooling. Students can enjoy new furnishings alongside original features, including a grand staircase, elegant paneled common room, unique fireplaces, and porches. The updated residence hall balances historic preservation with Champlain’s commitment to modern accessibility, comfort, and sustainability.
Location
Centrally located on the corner of Maple Street and South Willard Street, McDonald Hall sits right in the middle of the action. Students can enjoy our lively Main Campus just a few steps away and Finney Quad in the backyard.
Common Spaces
Common room
Outdoor Spaces
Large front yard, off of Finney quad
Namesake
The hall was named in honor of Verne McDonald, the Vice President and Director of Admissions at the College from 1964 to 1989.
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Pearl Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 49 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | Less Than 1 Block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Closest residence to dining hall |
Description
Built by architect Alfred B. Fisher as his family home in 1889, Pearl Hall is of particular importance to the history of Burlington and Champlain College. Among its many owners before its purchase by Champlain in 1968, the home was at one point owned by J. Holmes Jackson, a prominent dentist and several times Mayor of Burlington. Its central common room is perfect for chatting with friends or playing board games. Pearl’s large front porch is a famous hangout spot on campus; on sunny days, students can be found playing music, doing homework, or lounging in hammocks, and as the sun sets, students can take in the beauty of a Vermont evening.
Location
Located in the center of Champlain’s campus on South Willard Street, Pearl Hall sits in the heart of student life. Students can enjoy easy access to the dining hall, academic buildings, and more.
Common Spaces
Common room
Outdoor Spaces
Large front porch
Namesake
The building was named Pearl Hall to honor H. Dean Pearl, former Principal of Burlington High School, Professor of Education at the University of Vermont, and for seven years the Director of Admissions at Champlain College.
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Schillhammer Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 26 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | 1 block |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
Adjoining semiprivate bathrooms |
Description
Built in 1895, the original owners of the house, Oliver and Sarah Presbry, lived in this Victorian-era residence from 1895 to 1921. The house was then occupied by various families, most notably James Cashman, a Burlington City Engineer. In 1994, Champlain College purchased the house and converted it to its current use. Champlain also purchased this building’s carriage barn, known as Carriage House, which also houses first-year students. Schillhammer is great for students who don’t want to be in the center of campus but prefer to be conveniently close to their classes. Many of the rooms have adjoining semiprivate bathrooms, and a few offer spectacular views of beautiful Lake Champlain and the gorgeous evening sunsets.
Location
Located on the corner of Cedar Lane and Summit Street, Schillhammer Hall is close to the Miller Information Commons (aka the library) on the backside of the campus. Students can enjoy a small, close-knit living environment and views of Lake Champlain.
Common Spaces
Common room
Outdoor Spaces
Porch
Namesake
The hall is named in honor of Richard Schillhammer, a former Trustee of Champlain College. Schillhammer graduated from Champlain College (when it was called Burlington Business College) in 1934. He founded Queen City Printers Inc. in Burlington in 1951; the company remains in business today.
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Summit Hall
| Housing Type | Victorian-Era Mansion |
|---|---|
| Housing for… | First-year students |
| Number of Students | 48 |
| Distance from the Center of Campus | 2 blocks |
| Types of Rooms | Standard Bedroom |
| Features |
break hall that remains open during breaks kitchen |
Description
The original part of the house was built in 1893 for Samuel Emerson, a University of Vermont professor, and a modern wing was added to the south side of the building in 1962. Champlain College acquired the house in 1990 and completed extensive renovations. This stately brick building is appreciated for its many unique rooms and boasts a large lounge, which can be used for practicing and playing musical instruments, watching movies, or engaging in one of many frequent social or educational residence hall programs. Students who live here get to enjoy a big common space and the largest lawn on campus. The hall is ideal for games and social activities. Summit Hall is open during all school-year breaks, making it a perfect home for international students or students who want to be on campus during vacations.
Location
Summit Hall is located in the heart of the Burlington Hill Section, close to the Miller Information Commons (aka the library) and the Main Campus. Students can enjoy the largest lawn on campus at this hall.
Common Spaces
Common room, kitchen
Outdoor Spaces
Biggest lawn on campus
Namesake
N/A
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