The Office of Residence Life is dedicated to the development of inclusive communities that foster a sense of belonging for all students. As a residential college, the value of a Bates education is enhanced by our intentional residential model and we firmly believe in the benefits of living within the Bates community on-campus. We also recognize that the needs of non-traditional students may go beyond the typical residential setting. We encourage any non-traditional student considering Bates or admitted to Bates to reach out to us to talk more about their situation.

Non-traditional students at Bates are typically considered learners who delayed college enrollment for more than 5 years post high school for a variety of reasons. Characteristics that may indicate you are a non-traditional student include:

• Financial independence
• Having dependents or a need for family housing
• Lacking a standard high school diploma (e.g., GED)
• Military or career experience

Students identified as having one or more of these characteristics are encouraged to reach out to Residence Life to discuss their specific situation. Students may be placed in college housing and programs that are individualized to reflect their respective needs and experiences. Non-traditional students may also consider requesting an exception to live-off campus as opposed to in residence. You can learn more about off-campus living, the financial details, and meal options on our website.

Important Information Concerning Residential Housing:

• Non-traditional students are held to the same standards, policies and procedures as all other students at Bates including guest policies and others in the On-Campus Residential Regulations.
• Bates does not have dedicated housing for non-traditional students. While Bates does have some singles and/or independent dwellings, they are limited in number, are subject to availability, and may change each academic year.
• Bates does not provide family housing or allow students to live with non-Bates students. Residence Life assigns all housing arrangements to students.
• Students may not have any animals in residence unless it is an approved emotional support or service animal.

Frequently Asked Questions