MIT student housing integrates community and education

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), ranked as the world's best university in the QS World University Rankings 2027, utilizes its dormitory system as an integral part of the educational experience. Rather than serving merely as sleeping quarters, the residences are designed to foster unique community cultures where upperclassmen provide support and faculty members live on-site.

MIT currently maintains 11 undergraduate residence halls, including Baker House, Burton-Conner House, East Campus, MacGregor House, Maseeh Hall, McCormick Hall, New House, New Vassar, Next House, Random Hall, and Simmons Hall. Each location offers distinct living styles and amenities; for instance, some require meal plans while others allow students to cook for themselves.

Most first-year students are required to live in university housing. According to the MIT Course Catalog, over 3,400 undergraduates reside in these halls, supplemented by more than 900 students living in fraternities, sororities, or recognized independent living groups. The housing selection process involves students ranking their preferences, which are then processed through a random lottery system.