On-campus housing

Students wishing to live on campus, either in Chouinard or Ahmanson Hall, must contact the Housing Office directly in order to receive an on-campus housing package. Students are urged the contact the Housing Office as early as possible, since the demand for on-campus housing often exceeds available space.

The Housing Office is located within Chouinard Hall, room 101. You may contact us by calling 661.253.7897, or e-mail us at oncampushousing@calarts.edu [1]. The housing staff is available year round (excluding Institute holidays). The Housing Office offers many services to the residents, including: room assignments, room switches, dealing with student conflict/security or complaints. We also offer help with personal issues, van trips to local stores, banks or a day trip here or there!

The Housing facilities consist of two buildings on campus, Chouinard and Ahmanson Halls. On-campus housing offers easy access to the academic building, where the majority of classrooms, studios, art galleries, rehearsal and performance spaces are located. Each room is fully furnished and is equipped with a telephone jack, satellite cable and network on line connections. The resident halls have laundry facilities, a swimming pool and sauna.

Our residence halls accommodate 450 students. With an average enrollment of 1,200 students, spaces fill up quickly and our occupancy begins at 100%. A priority list is included with your housing package. Upon receipt of your acceptance letter from the Admissions Office, please call the Housing Office directly for information.

We begin mailing applications to new students April 14. All applications are processed on a first come first serve basis. In order to be considered for on-campus housing, applications must be filled out completely and include the deposit. Submitting an incomplete application will seriously jeopardize your chance of receiving housing, as your paperwork will not be processed.

Roommates/suitemates: Student personal information received by the Housing Office is handled in a confidential manner. We understand some schools share information in regard to your roommate; we do not. Therefore, you will not receive information on your room assignment or your roommate until you physically check in.

There are no pets allowed in or on Housing property, whether on a permanent or transient basis for any reason.

New students move in date is the first Monday in September, Labor Day holiday each year. We do not offer summer housing.

The Housing License Agreement is for the entire academic year.

Each hall has a Resident Assistant (RA). They are available to help students adjust to on-campus living. The RAs are returning students and are trained in CPR and First Aid and are also there for students who just need someone to talk to.

The rooms are furnished, but bring whatever you think you need including any books, materials or clothing related to your field of study. Space is limited so be selective. If you plan to ship your belongings you must be here to receive them. We do not have an on campus storage facility for your belongings. If you are interested in summer storage, there are several self-storage facilities off campus available to you.

The resident halls are a living space, not a workspace. For health and safety reasons we ask that students not utilize their rooms as studio space. Workspace is provided in the academic building. Music students may only rehearse in the academic building.

Housing on campus is available to married students as long as both partners are registered CalArts students. We recommend that married students share a room in Chouinard Hall if space is available. We do not have facilities for children.

An Institute calendar will be included with your registration package. During posted holidays all Institute offices will be closed. The cafeteria is also closed during these times. Be prepared to make other arrangements for your meals, such as cooking in your room, using the pantry or eating off campus. Students who wish access to their studios, cubicles, rehearsal spaces, and dorm rooms may still do so. When the Institute is closed please be aware that student services may be limited. During spring break all offices are open.

You are responsible for cleaning your room. You will be asked to make arrangements with your room/suite mates to clean and maintain the common areas of your room and suite. Health and safety inspections take place each year, handled by housing staff. Advance notice will be given of the inspection.

Chouinard Hall
Chouinard Hall houses approximately 338 students and is open to all registered students in good standing. Chouinard Hall is made up of two or three room suites, with a shared bathroom. Each room is designed for double occupancy. Chouinard rooms are approximately 300 sq. feet. All rooms are furnished with standard twin size beds, cabinets or shelf units, dressers, wardrobe or a walk in closet.

Ahmanson Hall
Ahmanson Hall consists of 17 apartments. Each suite has 5 or 6 individual bedrooms. Each student has a private bedroom (approx. 10x10), an extra long twin-size bed, desk, chair and bookcases. Residents of the suite share a common living room, kitchen and bathroom. The living area has a dining table and chairs, couches and end tables. The kitchen is equipped with cabinets, stove and refrigerator. You will however, be required to bring kitchen utensils, pots, pans, etc. Ahmanson Hall is reserved for graduate students or returning 3rd and 4th year undergrads or transfer students. Consideration will be given to those students with prior graduate/undergraduate degrees and are at least 30 years of age.