New students receive a brief housing questionanaire in their acceptance materials from Admissions. New students requesting housing are assigned rooms and are informed of their room assignments by mid-July. Students are housed in double or single bedrooms in our residential buildings. The number of single bedrooms available is very limited.All  student apartments are single sex, but our buildings house both male and female students. Research and our experience indicate that there is no reliable way to predict roommate compatibility. However, every effort is made to match students based on the information they supply on the housing request form.

Montserrat does offer the Off Campus Dining Network, a program designed to provide students a flexible meal option that allows them to buy food at a local grocery store, or eat at one of the city’s nearby restaurants who have joined the plan. For more information, call Brian Bicknell, Dean of Student Services, at ext.1130 or go to www.ocdn.com.   Students are able to prepare meals in their own apartments. Each apartment or townhouse has a full kitchen. The student must provide supplies and utensils. Students receive a checklist of necessary items to bring by mid-July. At many Montserrat sponsored activities, food is provided free of charge. In addition, about once a month, a faculty or staff member will prepare an inexpensive meal for the students. The cost to the student is $1.00.

There is a  large capacity coin-operated laundromat located within walking distance of the College. There are also several dry cleaners near campus.

The College has limited parking spaces. Therefore the College does not guarantee parking anywhere for students. Some buildings have limited parking and a sticker must be obtained to park in specified lots. Although cars may be towed without a sticker, registering for a sticker does not guarantee a space.

Students are not allowed to stay in housing during breaks. During the Winter Holiday break students may request to stay, and must pay a  fee if allowed to stay.This is due to the length of the winter break, and the College must employ RAs to stay on campus during this time.

Resident Assistants (RA’s) lives in the residence halls. RAs are students selected for their good judgment, communication skills, and interpersonal skills. The RA’s duties include: providing information about the College to residents, peer advising, providing information and referral, enforcing college policies, reporting maintenance problems to the facilities office, performing daily rounds, and monthly inspections.

The Housing Contract for student housing is an agreement for the entire academic year. Students who wish to withdraw from housing must submit their request in writing to the Director of Residential Life and Programming. The Director of Residential Life and Programming will then consult with the Dean of Student Services, Student Accounts, and the Director of Financial Aid. They will decide whether the request to withdraw will be granted and are guided by the policies on both the contract and in the student handbook. Any refund of charges will be determined by the date the request to withdraw is granted.

 Freshmen may bring a car to campus, however it is not recommended. Parking spaces are limited and during the winter season, the City of Beverly has winter parking bans that are strictly enforced. The College does not provide off-street student parking. The post office, grocery store, laundromat and commuter train station are within walking distance. In addition, student activities provides shopping trips as an opportunity to shop at vendors further away from the College

No, smoking is not allowed inside any of the residence halls or the academic buildings.

Students withdrawing from the College must complete the Withdrawal form from the Registrar’s office. Any refund of charges will be determined by the withdrawal date.

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted on college premises. This also applies to those students over 21 years of age. Possession and use of illegal drugs and controlled substances is contrary to College policy and a violation of Federal and Commonwealth of Massachusetts laws. Students in possession of drugs and alcohol are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and subject to college disciplinary action in addition to any action taken by local or federal authorities

Violations of College policy are documented and sent to the College’s Judicial Board, which consists of students, faculty and staff. The Judicial Board hears statements from all parties involved in the case and makes a determination based on clear and convincing evidence. Students found in violation of College policy are sanctioned accordingly. Sanctions range from warnings, fines, and disciplinary probation up to discontinuation from enrollment. More detailed information is available in the Student Handbook.

Montserrat College of Art seeks to help students develop as individuals both in and outside the classroom. Monthly receptions in the Montserrat Gallery introduce students to professional artists and allow for informal discussions surrounding art and its place in their lives. Through student activities, students are encouraged to get involved, explore new ideas, have fun, express themselves, and develop new friendships. There are regular activities and events scheduled throughout the year, including the annual Halloween party, the annual Global Holiday party, movie nights and coffeehouses. Students are invited to get involved and share their ideas and creativity.   Peer Leaders and Resident Assistants are helpful resources. The Assistant Dean of Student Services and the Coordinator of Student Activities are available to discuss programs, events and activities. New events can be planned and student involvement is essential.  

The College will try to help you contact your son or daughter in an emergency. You can call the, the Registrar’s Office at (978) 921-4242 ext. 1192, the Dean of Student Services at ext. 1130 or, if the student lives in College Housing, the Director of Residential Life and Programming at ext. 1134.