Grinnell College is a residential college. There are 19 residence halls and 7 college-owned houses. All students are required to room and board in college residence halls and houses. Exceptions to this policy are made only for students whose parents are Grinnell College faculty or staff; students living with their parents; students who are 22 years old or older; and students with children. Depending on room availability in residence halls and college-owned houses, the college may allow some exceptions for third-year students and seniors. A student may not move out of the residence halls without written permission from the Office of Student Affairs. Housing assignments are made through the housing office using a lottery system and the housing form submitted by new students.

Our philosophy regarding residential life is a simple one; we expect students to treat each other and staff members with the same respect they would receive from others. But, simplicity can be deceiving. Our residential life program works as well as students want it to work, involving considerable effort on the part of students. There are few rules. Students are treated as adults. Students have a great deal of freedom and responsibility regarding their behavior individually and collectively.

In self-governance, the residence life coordinator's (RLC) role is one of counselor, adviser, educator, and non-disciplinarian. Each RLC has a student staff consisting of peer counselors, called student advisers. Together, the RLCs, and student advisers and hall council representatives provide a structure for self-governance within the halls.