Writing papers, doing projects, studying for exams – you know these are part of being a student. But a chance late-night discussion on Kafka or Kendrick, a spur-of-the-moment banana split party study break, a hike with new friends from the end of the hall – these are part of campus living. Through an accumulation of these small experiences – sometimes planned, but often spontaneous – you develop the acquaintances and friendships that define your Menlo experience.
Because residential life is the best way to immerse yourself in the Menlo community, most students are required to live on campus, and many others choose to do so.
There is ample on-campus housing for all students; however, roommate preferences and room preferences are not guaranteed. Juniors and seniors who are interested in living off-campus will be responsible for securing their housing off-campus on their own. At this time, Menlo College does not have any active partnerships with off-campus housing vendors.
Students can be exempted from living on campus if they meet the following criteria:
Students who cancel their housing contract must do so by July 1 for the Fall semester and December 1 for the Spring semester. After July 1 and December 1, there will be a penalty fee for any housing contract cancellation
The following halls are available for students to select from: El Camino Hall, Howard Hall, Kratt Hall, O’Brien Hall, Michaels Hall, and the John Arrillaga Residence Hall.
The prices listed below represent the total room and board cost for one semester, per student. Room and board includes the room, 18 meals a week at the dining hall (including $120.00 in flex dollars), shared laundry access at no additional charge, utilities, and access to Wi-Fi and Ethernet internet. Rooms include a bed, desk, desk chair, and a wardrobe or dresser for each occupant.
2024-2025 Costs
2025-2026 Costs
Through its non-discrimination policy, Menlo College affirms gender-inclusive housing as a safe living space for all of our students, particularly those who may identify as transgender or gender non-binary, who are questioning their gender identity, or who do not wish to prescribe to a particular gender classification. All five residence halls are mixed gender, but depending on the suite or floor, may be single gender or all gender.
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Menlo College is committed to providing students with reasonable accommodation for well-documented disabilities. Individuals who are seeking special accommodations within the residence halls are encouraged to contact the Student Success Squad as soon as possible via appointment, email: advising@menlo.edu, or phone: 650-543-3935.
Pets are not allowed in the residence hall with the exception of a non-lethal fish in a ten-gallon tank. If you are seeking an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), all requests should begin with the Student Success Squad. ESAs are governed by the Fair Housing Act; should you be approved for an ESA, the Office of Student Affairs will provide you with a supplemental contract to complete on behalf of your animal.
Letters and packages can be picked up from the campus post office, attached to the Student Union and Dining Hall.
Post office operating hours will be published at the beginning of each semester and break.
To deliver mail to campus, please use the following address: [Your Name] Post Box # (if applicable) Menlo College 1000 El Camino Real Atherton, CA 94027
Campus security is managed by the Office of Student Affairs; trained guards are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are available via phone to assist with any concerns. Security guards make regular rounds of campus and provide additional support to the College, such as collaborating with the Atherton Police Department or monitoring security cameras.
Please call or text Security at 650-400-5837 in any of the following circumstances:
Security works collaboratively with the Office of Student Affairs and the Resident Assistant team. Anytime the Office of Student Affairs is closed, a Resident Assistant (RA) is available for support, such as to mediate a conflict in your hall or help you if you are concerned about the well-being of yourself or a friend.
For parking information, visit our Parking Policy.
Menlo College offers a vastly different dining experience than what you might expect. It is more than great food. It is a community centered on culinary expertise, fresh ingredients, healthy options and a shared sense of environmental and social responsibility.
Menlo is committed to creating a dining experience you’ll remember. Our dining hall showcases our commitment to sustainability within our food service operations. We achieved “Green Restaurant Certification” in 2014, reflecting our combination of organic food, local purveyors, the use of recycled materials, waste diversion and composting.
Meals are provided for residential students, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday through Friday, with brunch and dinner on weekends and most holidays. The meal plan is required for residential students and is included in the room and board fee.
For more information on Menlo Dining Services and meal plans, please visit the Menlo Dining Services website.
