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students in group in the fall

Living on Campus

Living on campus is an essential part of the McDaniel College experience. First-year students, sophomores, and juniors are required to live on campus (unless they live with their parent/guardian within 30 miles of campus or they are 25 years old or older)

 On-Campus Housing

The First Year residential communities are designed to provide support through the transition to college, and students interact regularly with professional staff as they get settled into their new home. Upperclass students have several options for housing on campus, including traditional residence halls, apartment style living, and college-owned houses near campus.

 

 Dining Options

The dining experience at McDaniel College is based around fresh food and community. With more than 80% of students living on campus, sharing a meal is a central part of the McDaniel experience. And you'll do that while enjoying food that is is freshly prepared by our chefs. We offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, and label all menu items accordingly. Your McDaniel 1Card is your link to to on and off campus dining options. Add funds to your prepaid account - McDaniel Bucks - and use your 1Card to make purchases on and around campus.

 Campus Safety

The Department of Campus Safety helps students navigate a successful and safe experience at McDaniel College by providing 24 hour a day protection to the College community 365 days a year.

 Health & Wellness

Maintaining good health and well-being is essential for every student's success and overall college experience. At McDaniel, we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive range of resources and support to help you thrive during your time on campus. Whether you're seeking medical care, counseling, fitness programs, or mindfulness groups, our dedicated team is here to empower you on your journey to a healthier and happier life.

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 Parking Information

Parking permits cost $500 per year are issued based on the results of a lottery. In prior years, around 60 - 70% of first-year students who entered the lottery were awarded a parking permit. Commuter students are guaranteed on-campus parking. 

Special parking requests such as medical, family and employment needs must be accompanied by appropriate documentation.

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 Follow Along!

Get insider information from current ambassadors, as they share what campus life is really like on Instagram @go2mcdaniel!  For the latest campus news and announcements, follow us on Facebook and Twitter @McDanielCollege.

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Residence Life Staff

Residence Life staff provide students with information and referrals to campus resources, educational programming in the halls, social gatherings to let the residence halls achieve a sense of community, assistance for individual students experiencing challenges, and a network of support for our residents at their home away from home.

Contact Residence Life
Students sit at table in dining hall
Students sitting in outdoor chairs on campus.
Students laughing and in conversation sitting in outdoor chairs.
Students sitting in outdoor chairs on campus.
Students on computer in residence hall room.
Student on computer in hammock on campus.
Students sitting in outdoor chairs on campus.
Students sitting in outdoor chairs on campus.

With over 90 student clubs, organizations, sports, and activities, our community always has something going on. No matter what your passions and interests might be, you’ll explore them, hone them, and discover new ones that you never dreamed of (but can’t believe you ever lived without).

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85%

of McDaniel Students Live on Campus

24/7

Hours/Days per week Scotty's Convenience Store is Open.

15+

Local Restaurants and Businesses Accepting McDaniel 1Card Payment. 

Photo of a student using a weightlifting machine in Merritt Fitness Center.

Find what moves you at McDaniel. McDaniel Fitness and Recreation

You can stay active at McDaniel in all your favorite ways, whether that’s going for a jog around the Hill, gardening at the McDaniel Environmental Center, or scoring a hole-in-one at the on-campus golf course. The Hill is home to professional-grade sport and fitness facilities where you can enjoy independent and group recreation. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add courses on activities like yogalates and weight training to your course schedule.

Fitness and Recreation McDaniel Athletics
Photo of a student using a weightlifting machine in Merritt Fitness Center.
Photo from above of the staircase and equipment in Merritt Fitness Center.
Photos of cardio equipment in Merritt Fitness Center.
Students playing video games in Rec Room on campus.

A Place to Relax Rec Lounge Get Your Game On

The McDaniel Rec Lounge features pool tables, arcade games, board games and video game systems, providing you a relaxing place to hang out with friends, meet new people and unwind. Tournaments and other events are regularly held in the Rec Lounge and the arcade games are swapped out regularly so you can constantly achieve that new high score!

Students in Rec Room on campus.
Students in Rec Room on campus.
Student Center Renovation - rec lounge
city of westminster

Your home away from home. Living in Westminster The Perfect College Town

Close your eyes and picture the quintessential college town. If you’re seeing cafés, coffee shops, and old brick buildings full of thriving small businesses — you’re picturing Westminster. Of course, we’re biased, but we really do feel like Westminster has it all. Just a short walk down the Hill from McDaniel and suddenly you’re in a charming town of about 20,000 people — rich in history, culture, and comfort.

If you're craving a change of scenery, we've got you covered. McDaniel College has it nearby! For the nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, we are a short drive from Deep Creek Lake, waterfalls, and the Appalachian Trail. If the urban landscape is more your style, we’re also just a quick trip from the major hubs of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., where our students enjoy nightlife, culture, and internships. 

Learn more about living in Westminster
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Residence Life Staff

Residence Life staff provide students with information and referrals to campus resources, educational programming in the halls, social gatherings to let the residence halls achieve a sense of community, assistance for individual students experiencing challenges, and a network of support for our residents at their home away from home.

Contact Residence Life
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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