FAQs & Resources

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Application/Admissions Questions

• When is my enrollment deposit due?

  Once you submit your enrollment deposit, you will be officially enrolled as a Champlain College student!

  Please make sure to submit your payment by the following deadlines:

  • Early Decision admission: January 5, 2025
  • Early Action admission: Three weeks after admittance
  • Regular Decision admission: Submit your deposit on May 1 or within three weeks of the date on your updated financial aid offer. Your enrollment deposit will be applied to your Fall and Spring tuition bills ($250 per semester). Deposits are nonrefundable.
  • Transfer student admission: Submit your nonrefundable deposit within two weeks of the date of your financial aid offer letter. Transfer students who submit their deposit by June 15 are guaranteed housing.
• I would like to request an extension on submitting my deposit. Is that possible?

  Yes. We are committed to helping our admitted students complete the process of enrollment at Champlain. Deposit deadlines for all applicants are stated above. If you need to request a deposit extension, please contact your assigned counselor. If you are unsure who your assigned counselor is, you can email admission@champlain.edu.

• How can I connect with other admitted students?

  Begin connecting online with fellow students on Instagram and on our student-moderated Discord server.

• When can I access my Champlain account and my Champlain email?

  Champlain Account

  Within a week of submitting your deposit, you will receive an email from Champlain with the username and temporary password for your Champlain College Student Account. After you receive the email, activate your Champlain College Student Account as soon as possible (instructions are provided on the activation page; follow instructions for “New Users”).

  Champlain Email

  You will be able to access your MyChamplain email account and, with it, many other campus e-resources, around May 15. You will receive an email at your current email address when your Champlain College email account is ready. Your new Champlain College email address is firstname.lastname@mymail.champlain.edu. If you previously activated your Champlain College Student Account, you will need to reset your password at welcome.champlain.edu to begin using your new email.
• When should I plan to start the other tasks I need to complete, like filling out housing request forms, waiving insurance, etc.?

  Once you have paid your deposit and activated your Champlain account, the next task will be to fill out your Housing Preference Form.

  Find a full list of your preparation tasks and deadlines in Next Steps.

• I might be interested in deferring my enrollment. What is the process for doing that?

  We typically allow students to defer admission for one calendar year. To request to defer your enrollment, please email admissions@champlain.edu.

Residential Life Questions

• What should I pack?

  In addition to a list of what to bring (and what NOT to bring) to campus, you’ll find move-in information and other tips here.

• What are the residence halls like, and how do I choose one?

  All first-year students live in one of the restored Victorian-era mansion residence halls located around Main Campus. You can find out more about each residence hall here. You’ll be able to your preferences when you submit your Housing Preference Form online.

  First Come, First Served
  Housing placement priority is given in order of when your enrollment deposit is received. The faster you submit those forms, the more likely you are to be placed in one of your top-choice residence halls or with the roommate(s) you’ve selected.

  Your Student Housing Preference Form is due June 1.

• When will I find out my housing assignment?

  By August 1, your Housing Assignment will be posted on The Housing Director, our online housing portal. We will also send an email to your MyMail account with this information.

• When will I find out who my roommate is?

  Your roommate assignment will be available when you get your housing assignment. Both will be posted on The Housing Director, our online housing portal, by August 1.

• Are single rooms available?

  Single rooms are available in first-year housing, but there are a very limited number of them. Priority for those rooms is given to those with a medical need.

  Students who believe they may qualify for housing accommodation should work with the Office of Accessibility. Please refer to their website for details.

• I need to request a housing accommodation. How do I do that?

  Our Office of Accessibility provides detailed instructions about the types of housing accommodations we offer and how to apply for them.

  The deadline for completing a Housing Accommodations Request Form is June 1.

• Can my roommate and I have our own bathroom?

  Most campus housing features common bathrooms that are shared by all students on each floor. Those with a medical need should reach out to the Office of Accessibility and will need to submit a Housing Accommodations Request Form.

  The deadline for completing a Housing Accommodations Request Form is June 1.

• Will I get my first-choice of room size and residence hall?

  We do our best to provide students with one of their top choices, whether that is a specific hall, roommate, or other accommodation. Students are placed according to their housing preference profiles and in spaces that will be conducive to a great living experience.

• Can I have a pet?

  Pets are not allowed in campus housing. Service animals and assistance animals are the exception to this policy. More information is outlined on the Office of Accessibility Animal Policy webpage.

  The deadline for completing an Assistance Animal Application Form is June 1.

• What is the guest policy in residence halls?

  Typically, guests are welcome in residence halls Sunday-Thursday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

  All guests must be visiting a particular person in the residence hall, and the person hosting the guest is responsible for the guest at all times. Guests may stay overnight with agreement from other room occupants; however, each guest may stay a maximum of two nights total each semester. Students and guests must sleep in a room not a lounge.

• If I am living on campus, can I bring a car? What are my transportation options?

  First-year students are not permitted to bring a car to Champlain.

  Champlain College is located in a residential neighborhood in the City of Burlington, so parking on campus and surrounding streets is extremely limited. In an effort to make the most efficient use of our parking spaces and maintain the excellent relations we enjoy with our neighbors, Champlain has developed a strict campus parking policy that applies to everyone: students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The good news is that there are still plenty of ways to get around:

  • You can ride any city bus for free.
  • We offer discounted Carshare Vermont memberships.
  • We offer discounted trips in a bike share program.
  • We have great bike parking amenities.
  • And nearly everything you could need in Burlington is within walking distance! That includes theaters, movies, art galleries, clothing stores, shopping malls, coffee shops, banks, restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

  While first-year students are not permitted to bring a vehicle to campus, there is a waiver provision based on specific criteria for those who can demonstrate a medical or employment need to have a car on campus. Should a waiver be granted, the parking will be at our satellite lot at 175 Lakeside Avenue, with a small number of Main Campus spaces available for those who meet additional criteria. This off-campus lot is easily accessible by an eight-minute shuttle ride, which operates 18 hours per day, and we offer free taxi rides for the times shuttles aren’t running. A parking permit costs $175 per semester.

  For a complete description of parking regulations and instructions for obtaining a parking permit waiver, visit the parking website.

• What types of transportation are available to get back to my hometown?

  Getting to and from home for the holidays is easy using long-distance transportation options. Champlain is only 15 minutes from the Burlington International Airport, and the downtown bus station, which serves Greyhound, Megabus, and Vermont Translines, is just a short walk from campus.

  There is an Amtrak station in nearby Essex Junction, and we typically offer free shuttles there during break periods. And there’s a good chance that there are other Champlain students who live close to your hometown and would give you a ride. Try using Facebook or student carpooling apps, such as Wheeli.

• How will I receive mail?

  Emails will be sent to students’ Champlain MyMail account when letters and packages arrive. Visit the mailroom page for more information.

• Does Champlain partner with a moving service and storage company?

  Storage Scholars is the preferred moving, storage, and shipping partner of Champlain College. We are committed to making your move-out process as smooth and timely as possible!

  Looking to ship your belongings to Champlain? Here’s how it works:

  1. Storage Scholars Ships You Empty Boxes: They send a bundle of empty boxes along with tape and prepaid return shipping labels to your home.
  2. You Pack & Ship Back: You pack your items in the boxes, seal them up, and ship them back over to Storage Scholars over the summer months.
  3. They Receive & Deliver: The Storage Scholars team receives those packages, stores them, and delivers them ready and waiting in your room when you arrive on campus.

  Sign Up Now

  Looking to store your belongings over the summer? Here’s how it works:

  1. They Supply: They supply all the essentials to pack and safely store all your items.
  2. They Pick Up: A fellow student will come grab your things at a time that is convenient for you!
  3. They Deliver: When you are ready to come back to campus, they will have your items delivered and waiting for you in your new home.

  Talk about making it easy! Watch this video to learn more about the process.

  This is the only moving company that is insured and permitted to be on campus. All moving and storage arrangements are managed directly by students, who will need to coordinate on-campus pickup and retrieval of belongings. Email info@storagescholars.com or call (336) 815-0100 with questions.

• Are there quiet hours in the residence halls?

  Quiet hours are 11:00 PM-7:00 AM daily. Of course, courtesy is expected 24 hours a day. During exam periods, 24-hour quiet is required in all residence halls.

• I like to ski or snowboard. Where is the closest mountain, and how can I get there?

  On the weekends, a free shuttle bus takes students to Sugarbush, about an hour’s drive from campus.

  Other ski areas within driving distance are Jay Peak, Burke, Killington, Smugglers’ Notch, and Mad River Glen. For more information about skiing and riding in Vermont, click here.

• What does the meal plan look like? How does Flex work?

  All residential students are required to purchase the Carte Blanche meal plan, which grants unlimited access to the IDX Dining Hall!

  The Carte Blanche meal plan also includes $150 in Flex dollars to be used at EATS, the retail dining court in the CCM building where you’ll find Zime and The Grille. Flex dollars are used like cash at both the IDX Dining Hall and EATS. When you use your card at IDX, it will swipe against your meal plan, if you have one. If you’re out of guest swipes, you can still bring a friend in for a meal using your Flex dollars.

• Can I use my meal plan off campus (campus cash)?

  You cannot use your Carte Blanche meal plan to purchase things off campus. BUT your Champlain College ID (CC Card) can also act like a debit card, providing you with CC Cash.

  You can make deposits that will load onto your CC Card, which you can then use for the bookstore, and at snack bars. This is separate from your Carte Blanche meal plan. You may also use the debit card around town at multiple vendors, wherever merchants display our CC Card logo.

Academic Questions

• Does Champlain College accept Advanced Placement (AP) credits or college credits from other institutions?

  Yes, depending on the score and AP exam that a student has taken. If a student earns a 4 or better on an AP exam, Champlain will award three credits for each exam. For Computer Science, Statistics, and Calculus AP exams, an AP score of 3 or better will be awarded three credits toward specific Computer Science, Statistics, and Calculus courses. If a student earns a C or better in a course at another institution, the credit will be awarded.

  In order to be granted the credits, Champlain must receive notification of the AP score or student transcript from the college.

  If you have taken any AP exams, have an official score report sent to the Office of Admissions in August. If you have taken courses at another college, please have that institution send an official transcript. Any courses completed on a college campus must have an official transcript for credit to be granted.

  MAIL TRANSCRIPT(S) AND/OR AP SCORES TO:

  Champlain College
  Office of Admissions
  P.O. Box 670
  Burlington, VT 05402

• Where can I find an academic calendar that shows when school begins and when the holiday breaks are?

  You can find all of that information and more in the academic calendar here.

• What kinds of academic support are available?

  Champlain offers a wide range of resources to help you meet all of your academic goals!

  First, we have an amazing system of academic support through our SMART Space. This is an entire building devoted to academic success strategies that will help you build your skills, such as goal setting, organizational strategies, reading strategies, note-taking, study strategies, time management, and test taking.

  We also have tutor and peer mentoring labs across disciplines, plus online resources available 24/7 through Smarthinking, and academic coaching programs designed to build your academic skills. And we can’t forget about our award-winning librarians, who are second to none when it comes to academic guidance!

  We also recognize how important mental health is to your academic performance, and we make a point to offer stress-management techniques and fun programs like puppy therapy around midterms and finals.

  We are here to help you get the most out of your valuable college education and build skills for a successful future.

  Check out all the academic support opportunities Champlain has to offer.

• When and where can I purchase my books?

  Once you have your Fall schedule, you may order your textbooks. With your course schedule in hand, visit the Campus Store’s website. Click on the “Books” tab, then continue through the directions to “Search by Course.”

  Once you have selected your term, department, course number, and section, you’ll be able to view all required books. Make sure your section numbers match your schedule. You’ll have the option to buy or rent books new or used based on availability. All options can be purchased in the store or online.

  When purchasing online, you can choose between free shipping or picking up your books when you get to campus. If you choose in-store pickup, you just need to bring your Champlain College ID card to the bookstore. Note that we do not ship to residence halls, the campus mailroom, or any other on-campus location.

  If you choose to wait and order your books when you get to campus after the semester starts, the staff at the Campus Store will help you out. If we’re out of stock for a book you need, we’ll put in a special order and pay for the shipping. Talk to a team member if you need help.

  How To Rent Your Textbooks
  The Campus Store has almost all books available for renting. To rent a book, you need to bring a credit or debit card, along with a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID card). All rented books must be returned to the bookstore by the last day of finals for each semester. If a rental is not returned at the end of the semester, you will be charged the difference between the rental cost and purchase price.

  Return Policy
  All books, with a receipt and in resalable condition, can be returned to the Campus Store within seven days after the start of the semester. If you add/drop a course, you can exchange or return books within 30 days as long as you show valid paperwork.

  Campus Store Price Matching
  When buying or renting textbooks, if you find a book somewhere else locally or online for less, we will match the price.

• What are the computer requirements for incoming students?

  Find a complete list of our computer requirements by major as well as information about discounts available at specific retailers here.

• If I am interested in studying abroad, what should I do?

  Start planning now! Whether you’re looking to spend a semester or a full year studying abroad, you’ll want to meet with an Advisor from our Office of International Education sooner rather than later. They will help you plan your academic schedule to incorporate the study abroad program of your choice.

  Learn more about all of our study abroad opportunities here.

• Whom should I contact if I have questions about my major?

  You should direct any questions you have about your major to your Program Director.

• If I don’t like my major, can I change it?

  Yes. If you are an enrolled new student who has not started classes yet, you may call or text an Admissions Counselor at (802) 625-0201 to discuss your options regarding changing your major.

  If you have already started taking classes at Champlain and want to switch majors, contact your current Faculty Advisor and the Program Director of the major you wish to switch into. They’ll work together with you and the Registrar to transition your program.

Finance Questions

• Am I eligible for a scholarship?

  All students admitted into a Champlain bachelor’s degree program are automatically considered for one of our merit-based scholarships. These scholarships focus on students who exemplify excellence in academics and engagement outside the classroom.

  All admitted students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be considered for Champlain’s need-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need, allowing the College to enroll the brightest, most diverse group of students regardless of family income.

  Champlain reviews each student individually and awards scholarships that match the student’s level of achievement, need, and other characteristics.

  For more information, contact Champlain College’s Compass Student Services at (802) 860-2777 or compass@champlain.edu.

• I’d like to set up a bank account in Burlington. Which banks are close to campus?

  Banks within walking distance to campus include:

  • TD Bank (an ATM machine is on campus)
  • Citizens Bank

  Also, you can use your Champlain College ID card as a CC Cash Card. Once you deposit funds into your account, you can use your CC Cash Card as a debit card at merchants on- and off-campus-wherever you see the CC Cash Card logo!

• Do I have to purchase health insurance? Where do I go if I get sick?

  Health insurance is required for all students. If you do not have outside insurance, Champlain College offers a health insurance plan that you can purchase. Learn more about our Full-Time Student Health & Accident Insurance options.

  If you get sick, you can go to the Student Health Center. It provides health care to Champlain College’s undergraduate and international students, both on-campus residents and commuters.

  All students are welcome, whether you’re covered by Champlain insurance or your parent’s or guardian’s policy. The Student Health Center staff includes registered nurses and nurse practitioners, as well as a variety of medical consultants.