Accommodations

Dormitory Rooms

For 2025, we will have three three dormitories at Manchester University at our disposal – Garver Hall, Helman Hall, and Oakwood Hall, all of which are air-conditioned. On your registration form, you can indicate your dorm preferences and also any challenges or special needs you might have. Dormitory spaces will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, but also taking into account such concerns as mobility issues, problems with carrying, etc (be sure to specificy these concerns in the appropriate section of the registration form).

Note: If we max out of Garver, Helman, and Oakwood dorms, we will be able to assign people to East Hall, which is very similar to Garver and just a little farther away.

Helman and Oakwood Halls

Both Helman and Oakwood Halls are fully air-conditioned and have an elevator between floors. There are single and double occupancy room options. In both facilities, one bathroom is shared between 2 rooms. Two rooms and a bathroom constitute a suite (unlike in other colleges we have used for Camp, when you walk into the suite you will see a door to the bathroom on one side, and 2 other locked doors to the bedrooms).  Note that Oakwood is right across the street from the Dining Hall and right down the block from our classroom buildings. Staying at Helman requires some walking: it is roughly a 5-minute walk away from where most of our activities will be located (the walk to main Campus is actually quite pleasant, since Helman is nestled among a small forest of mature oaks and other native trees). 

There are only 62 rooms each in Helman and Oakwood, so we may max out of one or even both facilities. We recommend that you sign up early if you really need or want the convenience of air-conditioning, elevators, and more private bathrooms. We will post a notice on the Registration Form when/if Helman Hall and/or Oakwood fill up. 

Garver Hall

Air-conditioned – and newly renovated – Garver Hall has 65 rooms, and there are both single and double occupancy room options. Each floor has separate common bathrooms for men and women. Garver Hall is located right next to the dining facility kitty-corner from the main classroom facility (Cunningham Academic Center). Note: there is no elevator in Garver Hall.

Note: Sleeping facilities at Manchester U. are college dormitory rooms. They are relatively comfortable and offer easy access to all of our activities, but they can fall well short of motel/hotel level standards. If you require motel/hotel-level accommodations, then we strongly urge you to register for MBC as a commuter (or commuter with meals) and arrange to stay at any of several local area hotels or B&B’s.

Bring a Mattress Pad!! We have been told by a few students that if you can bring a mattress pad the mattresses might be more comfortable. Also see info below about linens.

Single vs. Double Occupancy; Roommates

“Single Occupancy” means you will have a room to yourself (bathrooms are shared between 2 rooms in Helman and Oakwood; community bathrooms in Garver). Unless otherwise specified on your registration form, if you select “double occupancy” we will pair you up with another student of the same gender and approximately the same age group, unless, of course, we get a request from you for a specific roommate (and a corresponding request from the other person).

Attending MBC as a Commuter

Students may elect to reside offsite – at private homes, B&B’s or area hotels – and register at the “commuter” rate.

Motels, B&Bs and RV Parks

Those who prefer to stay off-site in motels, B&Bs or RV parks in the area may register for MBC as commuters. For your convenience here is a link that lists area accommodations. 

Linens & Bedding

Dorm residents are encouraged to bring their own linens and pillows if possible. If this is inconvenient, linen sets may be rented from Manchester U. for a fee of $22 (payable through our registration form). The actual content of the linens package is as follows. 

  • 1 large bath towel
  • 1 hand towel
  • 2 washcloths
  • bed sheets
  • pillow cases
  • pillows
  • one blanket

– Note on Personal Items: All dormitory residents must bring your own shampoo, shower gel, soap and other personal items (these are NOT provided in the linens package).

– Note on Pillows & Blankets:  MU does NOT provide pillows unless you rent a linens set; blankets are provided regardless of whether or not you rent a linens set.

– Note on Mattresses. You can make the dormitory mattresses more comfortable if you can bring a mattress pad.

– Note on Price of Linens Sets. The price has increased substantially since last year because MU is using a different supplier.

WIFI

Strong and reliable WIFI is available on the Manchester University campus; as of last year no special login information was required.

Meals

Meals are buffet-style in the air-conditioned Switzer Center.  MBC Students in residence must sign up for the meal plan. Commuters may sign up for the meal plan or obtain camp meals on a pay-as-you-go basis. 

Special Diets

It is very important to let us know about your dietary restrictions or concerns on the registration form, since the folks at the Switzer Center must be alerted in order to meet your needs.

Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine

The Dining Hall (in the Switzer Center) will prepare special meals for Vegetarians and Vegans upon request; we must provide them with fairly exact numbers so be sure to mention your vegetarian or vegan preference on the registration form.

Vegetarian vs. Vegan. Vegetarian cuisine can include milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and other dairy items; and eggs. Vegan cuisine features no animal products whatsoever.

Other Food Allergies and Concerns

Those with food allergies or special diets can generally be accommodated by the the Switzer Center. Students who indicate that they require special diets on their registration forms will be contacted by the Switzer Center, and arrangements will be made for them to pick up specially prepared food at each meal.