Residential Colleges - The University of Mississippi

The Residential Colleges at the University of Mississippi were designed to give undergraduates a distinctive opportunity to live and learn in a shared academic environment. CDFL was tasked with creating a holistic setting that enhanced the student experience while fostering a strong sense of community among faculty and residents.

Completed in two phases between 2009 and 2010, the colleges together provide housing for nearly 800 students and faculty. Phase 1, South College, spans 154,281 SF across five levels and accommodates 462 students, while Phase 2, North College, offers 331 beds within a four-story structure. Both facilities combine academic, residential, and social spaces, featuring classrooms, study areas, computer labs, lounges, and dining areas designed to encourage collaboration and connection. A shared kitchen and server located on the plaza level provide flexible dining experiences managed by Aramark.

Architecturally, the colleges reflect an interpretive Greek Revival style consistent with the traditional Ole Miss aesthetic. Brick veneer, GFRC panels, and standing-seam metal roofs unify the two buildings visually and complement the surrounding campus. Structurally, the facilities feature concrete lower levels with steel stud bearing walls and cold-formed steel trusses supporting the upper stories. CDFL’s engineering and design teams worked closely to optimize building systems for comfort, energy efficiency, and longevity. Variable air systems and four-pipe vertical fan coil units serve residential and shared spaces, maintaining consistent environmental quality throughout.

In response to increasing demand and a compressed construction schedule, the University adopted a Construction Manager delivery method for Phase 2, allowing the project team to deliver 335 beds within just 13 months and meet the August 2010 opening deadline. Designed in joint venture with Eley and Associates, the Residential Colleges at the University of Mississippi stand as a model for community-centered campus living — balancing tradition, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the university.

Photography by Jeffrey Jacobs Photography