The department of Residential Education and Housing Services at Occidental College aims to foster safe, inclusive, and educational residential environments. Therefore, we offer gender-inclusive housing options for students of all class years.

Gender-Inclusive Housing as a First-Year or Transfer Student

We currently offer both gendered and gender-inclusive spaces within our first year communities. In gender-inclusive communities, communal restrooms are not designated to any specific gender and are free to be used by all residents. Each first-year or transfer student will complete a housing application. Incoming first-year students that are interested in living in a gender-inclusive environment should make note of this on their official housing application.

Gender-Inclusive Housing as a Returning Student

Returning students are given multiple options for living in gender-inclusive housing. Returning students have the ability to select a roommate of any gender. However, there are select communities located across our housing system that accommodate for this room selection. During the formal room draw process, students will have access to this information. 

Current Gender-Inclusive Communities

  • Baldwin House (1480 Campus Rd.)
  • Berkus Hall
  • Berkus House
  • Chilcott Hall
  • E. Norris Hall
  • Food Justice House (4863 Stratford Rd.)
  • Haines Hall
  • Newcomb Hall (3rd Floor)
  • Paulhan House
  • Pauley Hall (3rd Floor) 
  • Stearns Hall

FAQs

Yes. Gender-inclusive housing in our first-year halls only applies to the communal restrooms. Individual rooms are designated by gender. However, if you need a gender-inclusive room please make sure to note this on your official housing application and email resed@oxy.edu with any questions.

Each restroom has individual stalls with toilets that close and lock, as well as individual shower stalls that close and lock. Each stall, both toilet and shower, has privacy panels installed. Some restrooms may also have standalone urinals in addition to the individual stalls.

Gender-inclusive housing is for everyone! All interested students should make note of this on their official housing application.

The term co-ed operates on the assumption that there are two genders: male and female. It leaves little room for progressive theories on gender, and no room for those who do not identify as their gender assigned at birth, those who are transgender, those who identify as nonbinary, or other genderqueer identities. Gender inclusivity is based on the notion that there are more than two genders, in fact an infinite amount. Allowing for gender-inclusive housing, as opposed to co-ed, is just one part of our commitment to creating a culture based on inclusiveness and acceptance for diverse identities.

We feel it is important for students to have an open dialogue with their parent(s) or guardian(s) so that they can be supportive of the student's housing decision. Students over the age of 18 are legally able to make decisions about their housing contracts.
Contact Residential Education & Housing Services
Berkus Hall

Office hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.