Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about living on campus at Lesley University. For more information, please contact us.
Who is eligible to live on campus?
Lesley University offers on-campus housing to full-time undergraduate students.
First-year students: Undergraduate students who enter Lesley University in the Fall as First-Year students are guaranteed campus housing in Cambridge for the first two consecutive years, provided that they meet two conditions:
- Show evidence of satisfactory academic progress, and
- Meet the May 1st housing/enrollment deposit deadline for the next academic year.
Students living in University housing for the first time are assigned residences/rooms by the Office of Residence Life.
Transfer students: Transfer students entering Lesley University “freshman” status (15 credits or fewer) are guaranteed on-campus housing for the first two years, provided they meet the June 1st housing/enrollment deadline. Transfer students with 16 to 45 credits are guaranteed on-campus housing for the first year at Lesley, provided they meet the June 1st housing/enrollment deadline.
After the first two years, students are offered on-campus housing on a space-available basis.
How do I become a Resident Student?
Simply call the Lesley College of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Admissions Office at 617.349.8800 or the Art Institute of Boston Admissions Office at 617.585.6600 to obtain a Residence Application Form. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to reserve a room for on-campus housing.
Where do first year and transfer students typically live?
First-year and Transfer students live in the residence halls throughout the Doble and historical Brattle Campuses, among upper-class students. Students are grouped together in each of the halls to foster friendships and community.
What are the Residence Halls like?
Most Residence Halls have a kitchenette, lounge area with television, and a laundry room along with student rooms. Each room features a single bed, mattress, window shades, desk, chair, dresser and a wardrobe or closet space for each student who lives in that room. We offer Special Interest Housing such as: The Arts, Wellness, Recreational, Holistic, Community Service, Quiet Living, and Scholarly Living. Two of the residence halls on campus are substance free and all are smoke free. All co-ed residence halls have gender specific bathroom facilities and some halls have single occupancy bathroom facilities.
How are the residence halls staffed? What is a "CA?"
The residence hall staff includes professional live-in staff and Community Advisors commonly referred to as CAs. The CA is an upper-class student who develops a true sense of community in the hall by sponsoring both social and educational programming. Your CA is an advisor, mentor, and a resource person. They are also trained to respond to different types of emergency situations.
Can we have pets?
No pets are allowed in the residence halls. This includes fish, reptiles and hamsters.
What kind of meal plan will I have?
All resident students are required to have a University meal plan. Lesley students enjoy large dining halls located on the first floor of White Hall on the Doble Campus and the first floor of Washburn Hall on the Brattle Campus. In addition, there are three cafes: Charlie's on the Doble campus, the Porter Cafe on the 3rd floor of University Hall, and the AIB Cafe. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining hall as an all you can eat buffet Monday through Friday with brunch and dinner on the weekends. Vegan and vegetarian selections are available and the food service manager works with students to meet any special dietary needs. You will receive additional information when you arrive on campus and will be able to choose a meal plan option that best meets your needs.
Can you tell me something about campus security?
Lesley University has 24-hour Public Safety office. Officers are always on campus and available to respond to questions or emergencies at any time. Public Safety is also available to escort students between Lesley building and campuses during evening hours. Shuttle service is available between the Doble, Brattle, University Hall, and AIB campuses when classes are in session.
Should personal belongings be insured?
Lesley University assumes no responsibility for loss of, or damage to personal property. It is strongly recommended that students insure their personal property either by a personal or family insurance policy. We encourage students to engrave valuable property with their names and/or alternate form of identification. Students must always lock their room doors and carry their keys with them.