The price of summer housing at the College will increase from $70 to $80 per week this year. The increase comes after the Office of Events and Summer Programs did a price reassessment and determined that an increase was needed for the College to pay the cost of maintaining the housing, according to Director of Events and Summer Programs Joe Anderson.

Summer housing is given to students remaining on campus for summer jobs or internships in the surrounding area or on campus. Brunswick and Harpswell Apartments are the only summer housing options available because they have kitchens. Moulton Union’s dining services are open throughout the summer as well.

“It’s been a long time since the price has increased. It was $65 for years and years … and stayed there through [Covid-19],” Anderson said. “My understanding is that there was some hesitancy to really increase the price during that time. Now we’re sort of playing catch up.”

While the College is increasing its price, Anderson said that $80 dollars a week (or $320 a month) is still significantly cheaper than any comparable rentals in Brunswick which would likely charge $1200 a month at minimum.

“We’re probably losing money at this rate. We are also a mission-focused organization. It’s trying to strike that balance between trying to come somewhere near covering our costs but also be affordable for students and for the programs that need students here to do research,” said Anderson.

Anderson has an appreciation for the summer housing process in its ability to give students a more real-world rental experience.

“It’s a little bit more like renting an actual apartment, and I think that’s really valuable. You’re coming to college to get prepared for the real world,” he said. “This is sort of part of that experience. Living with roommates, entering into a rental agreement, being able to cook and prepare food while working during the day.… It’s probably going to be [like that for] the next few years of your life after college.”