MN · Dorms · Off-Campus

Macalester College Off-Campus Housing (2026)

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Mac currently requires two years on campus — and starting with the Fall 2026 entering class, three years. Off-campus living is effectively a senior-year move.

Where students live

Walking-distance houses, duplexes, and small apartments in Macalester-Groveland (around Grand Ave and Snelling Ave) and adjacent Merriam Park, rented from small local landlords.

There's no purpose-built student housing market here — the college runs an unvetted listings board rather than partnering with complexes, and a new 224-bed residence hall aimed at juniors and seniors opens in 2027. Off-campus rentals are almost always unfurnished, and groups start hunting in early spring for the following year.

What you'll need

Most rentals here are unfurnished — budget for the big anchors: mattress, bed frame, sofa, and a table, split with housemates.

Apartment checklist   Apartment shop

Staying in the dorms instead? Head back to the Macalester dorm dimensions and dorm packing list.

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