First-year students live in one of the 21 beautifully restored Victorian-era mansions that ring our central campus. Did we say mansions? Yes, yes we did.
These grand and stately homes in the historic Hill Section of Burlington retain the gorgeous woodwork, bay windows, stained glass, and curved staircases of their era, but all have been updated to include ultrafast Wi-Fi, live and on-demand streaming TV and movies, laundry facilities, and other amenities. No two rooms are alike. Come take a peek inside!
Whiting Hall, built in 1880, is named for the home’s original owners, the Whiting family who owned the Whiting Brush Company on Pine Street in Burlington. Most rooms feature double-height windows, elaborate woodwork, and fireplaces with intricate marble surrounds.Hill Hall (pictured here) and Lyman Hall (left) were built side-by-side around 1884. The two houses are nearly identical, differing only in colors and trim work.Rooms in Lyman Hall include detailed built-ins, elaborate mantelpieces, and beautiful doors, original to the home.First-year res halls ring Champlain’s central campus, close to classes, the fitness center, dining hall, and eateries.In the Victorian era, people stored their clothes and belongings in built-in cabinets, armoires, and trunks. Closets and bureaus have been added to rooms as each building was renovated.Another double room in Lyman Hall with a Victorian-era mantelpiece and original tile work.Jensen Hall’s common room offers a cozy nook to chat with friends or catch up on your reading. The German phrase above the fireplace translates to: “The glory of this house is hospitality.”The distinctive Romanesque Revival-style architecture of McDonald Hall was designed by W. R. B. Wilcox in 1897 for banker Charles P. Smith and his family.Champlain’s main campus is situated in the Hill Section of Burlington, which boasts stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains.You can nearly roll out of bed and be in class when you live in Bader Hall. It’s just steps from all of the main buildings on campus. This Italianate residence was built by A. B. Fisher for Edward Lyman, who owned a dry goods store on Church Street called Lyman & Allen.With no more than 50 people per house, students are sure to find new friends and make incredible memories. Resident Assistants (RA) live in each house to provide guidance, plan events and activities, and suggest the best places to grab a bite downtown.When students are ready to put a little more distance between home and campus, they can choose contemporary suite-style residence halls surrounding Finney Quad or deluxe apartments with Lake Champlain and mountain views in downtown Burlington—just a short walk from campus and the waterfront.First-year and upper-year res halls ring Finney Quad, one of the most popular hangout spots on campus. It’s home to Champlain’s annual Rail Jam, hosted by the Ski & Ride Club.
