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Saint Michael's College is a small private Catholic liberal arts institution founded in 1904 and operated by the Society of Saint Edmund in Colchester, VT. The college enrolls approximately 1,800 to 2,000 undergraduate students and is known for its tight-knit campus community, strong academics, and commitment to service. The campus sits in Colchester, a suburban town five miles north of Burlington - Vermont's largest city and a vibrant college hub. Many students remain on campus for multiple years, but upperclassmen often explore off-campus rental options in Colchester or Burlington, where housing is competitive due to several nearby colleges and a strong regional economy.
Saint Michael's College requires all incoming first-year students to live in campus residence halls during their freshman year. This requirement supports the college's strong residential community model and helps new students connect with peers, faculty, and campus resources from the moment they arrive.
Students who have completed their freshman year are typically eligible to live off campus, subject to enrollment and conduct requirements. Some students choose to remain on campus through their junior or senior year given Saint Michael's strong residential culture, but off-campus living in Colchester and Burlington is a popular option for upperclassmen.
The Burlington-Colchester rental market is competitive and moves fast due to multiple colleges and a strong local economy. Students should begin searching for off-campus housing in November or December for the following fall, as well-located apartments near Saint Michael's or in Burlington neighborhoods often lease up by January or February.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Saint Michael's College before signing a lease.
Students aiming for the best apartments in Colchester or popular Burlington neighborhoods like the South End or Hill Section should start their search in October or November. The greater Burlington area housing market is tight year-round, driven by a limited housing supply and demand from UVM, Champlain College, Saint Michael's, and other area schools. Starting early gives you the best chance at securing a well-located, fairly priced unit before competition intensifies.
December through February is when the Burlington-Colchester rental market reaches peak activity for the following fall. Landlords in desirable areas near campus or close to Burlington's Church Street district often have waiting lists or receive multiple applications simultaneously during this window. If you are searching during this period, be prepared to act quickly and have your references, income documentation, and co-signer information ready before you begin touring.
Students who wait until March or later will find fewer desirable units available, particularly in neighborhoods close to Saint Michael's campus or Burlington's walkable core. However, the broader Colchester and South Burlington area often has more availability than Burlington proper, and occasional unit turnover does free up apartments through the spring. Checking platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and local Colchester-area property managers frequently is the best strategy for late searchers.
Near the Winooski Park campus, with apartment complexes and residential streets offering convenience and easy access to college facilities.
About five miles south, popular with upperclassmen for its proximity to downtown and reasonable rents compared to the city core.
A Burlington neighborhood popular with students for its walkable access to downtown and dining at relatively reasonable rents.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Yes, all incoming first-year students are required to live in campus residence halls during their freshman year. This supports Saint Michael's strong residential community culture, and many students choose to remain on campus beyond their first year.