The Williston campus is conveniently located near I-89 and minutes from Burlington, the state’s largest city. Burlington offers a wide variety of art and performance venues, restaurants, and shops, and is situated right on beautiful Lake Champlain. Outdoor adventures in the Green Mountains and at Bolton Valley resort are a short drive, while the Adirondacks are accessible via car ferry across Lake Champlain.
Williston, too, offers a variety of dining and shopping options. Students interested in a day or weekend trip to surrounding cities can catch the Ethan Allen Express at the station less than ten miles from campus and be in New York City in seven and a half hours, while Montreal is just a few hours by car.
Williston Campus Housing and Dining
Vermont State University is pleased to announce a new student housing partnership with Saint Michael’s College (SMC). In response to student feedback and the growing need for expanded programmatic space on the Williston Campus, all Williston residential students will be housed on the Saint Michael’s College campus in Colchester beginning in May 2026.
This partnership provides Williston students with access to a vibrant residential environment, enhanced amenities, and a supportive residence life experience, while remaining just a short commute from the Williston Campus.
Saint Michael’s College is located in Colchester, approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the Williston Campus.
- Public Transportation: Local bus service is available for $2 per ride, with a daily cap of $4
- Parking: Students may park on the SMC campus at no additional cost. There is no separate parking fee associated with this housing arrangement
Williston students living at Saint Michael’s College will receive continued support from Vermont State University Residence Life staff.
- Three Resident Assistants (RAs)
- One live-in Assistant Director of Residence Life and Student Activities
VTSU Residence Life will provide programming, community-building activities, and student support directly on the SMC campus.
Eligibility Note: All students residing in Saint Michael’s College housing must turn 16 years old by December 31 of the current school year.
Students living at Saint Michael’s College may choose to participate in an SMC meal plan. Meal plans are optional and offer flexible weekly options.
Additional dining features:
- Students may add flex dollars to their Saint Michael’s College ID for use at Einstein’s Café.
- Meal plan sign-up is completed through eRezLife, the same system used for housing.
As part of this partnership, Saint Michael’s College will provide housing, meals, and access to common public spaces and designated facilities during general student hours, including:
- Dion Student Center
- Alliot Student Center
- Ross/Tarrant Sports Center (athletic events and limited open public hours)
- McCarthy Arts Center
- Campus Chapel
- SMC Library
All space rentals or special use of SMC facilities by VTSU must be arranged through the Saint Michael’s College Office of Conference and Special Events.
While Williston residential students will not participate in Saint Michael’s College clubs or student organizations, Vermont State University will continue to provide:
- Residence Life programming
- Student activities coordinated by the live-in Assistant Director
- Community-building events led by VTSU RAs
This ensures students maintain a strong VTSU residential experience while living on the SMC campus. 
Students will have access to:
- SMC athletic facilities during designated public hours
- Athletic events hosted on campus
Intramural sports and varsity participation at Saint Michael’s College are not available to Williston students.
- Vermont State University will continue to provide a counselor on the Williston Campus a couple of days each week.
- Students should continue to call emergency services (911) when immediate assistance is needed.
- At this time, students will not have access to Saint Michael’s College health or wellness services.
Students living at Saint Michael’s College will carry two IDs:
- VTSU ID – for Vermont State University services
- SMC ID – required for:
- Residence hall and building access
- Meal plan usage
- On-campus dining purchases
Do students sign up for housing and meals the same way?
Yes. Housing and meal plan selection is completed through eRezLife.
Are meal plan costs the same as other VTSU campuses?
Meal plans follow Saint Michael’s College pricing and options as listed above.
Can students use Saint Michael’s College facilities?
Yes, students may access designated public spaces and facilities during general student hours.
Can students join SMC clubs or activities?
No. Student activities and engagement will continue to be provided by Vermont State University Residence Life.
For additional questions about Williston Campus Housing at Saint Michael’s College, please contact Vermont State University Residence Life.
