Colchester offers convenient, relatively affordable housing close to the Saint Michael's campus and is a popular choice for upperclassmen. The tradeoff is that it is a quiet suburban community, so students looking for more nightlife and urban amenities often supplement with trips to Burlington.

Colchester is approximately five miles north of downtown Burlington, which typically translates to a 10 to 15 minute drive depending on traffic. Green Mountain Transit buses also connect the two communities, though the trip takes longer by bus.

Rents in Colchester are generally lower than in Burlington proper, with shared apartments typically running $700 to $1,000 per person per month. Larger units shared among three or four roommates can bring the per-person cost down meaningfully.

A car is strongly recommended for anyone living in Colchester, as the town is primarily suburban and most daily errands require driving. While Green Mountain Transit provides bus service to Burlington, the frequency and coverage are limited enough that relying solely on public transit can be challenging.

Colchester's location on Lake Champlain gives residents access to swimming, kayaking, and boating at Mallets Bay and other lakefront parks. The Champlain Bikeway trail network is ideal for cycling, and the proximity to Burlington means easy access to hiking trails and the Winooski River greenway.