Carleton College is a residential college; therefore, all students, except those married or having dependent children living with them, must live in College-operated residences and participate in the College dining plan. The College recognizes the benefits associated with independent living environments and, as a result, offers a limited number of releases from the residency requirement through the Northfield Option program. Northfield Option is offered to seniors and juniors only.

How it works

Northfield Option is part of the campus housing selection process and is based upon a seniority system--seniors have priority over juniors. Randomly assigned housing lottery numbers determine selection priority.

Who's eligible?

Students who will be classified as seniors and juniors beginning Fall Term of the following year are eligible to apply to live in non-College operated housing.

Do I need to reapply each year?

Yes, all students must reapply each year for Northfield Option. Students who currently have Northfield Option are not guaranteed Northfield Option for the next year.

How to apply

What do I do?

You may request Northfield Option for yourself by putting your name on the Northfield Option Wait List on The Hub. Select Northfield Option Wait List under Residential Life and submit your name and proxy name (if you are off campus or will be off campus).

How are offers made?

Offers for Northfield Option will be sent via campus mail.

Do not sign a lease for off-campus accommodations until you have been offered Northfield Option and returned your acceptance form. A signed lease agreement does not guarantee that you will get Northfield Option.

What if I receive an offer?

It is imperative that you return your acceptance letter by 5 p.m. on the date indicated in the approval letter. Failure to respond by the deadline is interpreted as declining Northfield Option and an offer is extended to another student.

What if I don't receive an offer?

• Seniors and juniors who apply during the lottery number sign-up period and are not offered Northfield Option will remain on a wait list in order by lottery number.
• Seniors and juniors who apply for Northfield Option after the lottery number sign-up period will no longer be offered based on their housing lottery number but rather on a “first come, first served” basis according to class year, request date, and Fall Term enrollment status.
• If you do not receive an offer by late April, it is unlikely that you will receive an offer.

Read the Northfield Option FAQs