Residential Experience

students in Trumbull College
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students in Trumbull College

The Summer Colleges are a Hub for Community and Connection

Yale’s residential college system, first introduced in 1933, is an essential component of the Yale experience. Born out of Yale College’s mission to bring together and educate exceptionally promising students of all backgrounds, each community contained within the fourteen residential colleges represents Yale in microcosm, offering students a sense of intimate social and intellectual connection, as well as a space of civic and moral responsibility.

These residential colleges are dynamic spaces that enable students to develop creative, intellectual, group, and personal leadership. They feature a wide range of activities and opportunities, all of which you will be experiencing over your summer here!

In Yale Summer Session, we offer this same experience in the Summer Colleges.

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Dining

The idea of breaking bread together has always been, and continues to be, an essential element of the Yale University experience.  Dining at the residential colleges is a tradition that continues to bring together students in community and promote camaraderie within the college. Yale’s culinary team explores cuisines from around the world, serving dishes like falafel to brick-oven pizza to our world-renowned chicken tenders. 

New Haven

New Haven is a vibrant city in the Northeastern region of the United States, about halfway between New York City and Boston. Widely regarded as the pizza capital of the world, New Haven is filled with incredible cafes, restaurants, and a huge variety of other things to do! Hike to East Rock to see incredible views of the Connecticut coast or immerse yourself in nature at one of the numerous seaside parks.

Activities

Over the summer, there are so many different activities that will be offered to you. From arts and crafts nights to movies under the stars, pot painting and tea making to tie dying and talent shows.  Over the summer, you’ll also go on different trips outside of campus, visiting six flags, shows on Broadway, and Block Island among others!

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The Yale Summer Colleges

Yale’s Campus Experience in the Summer

Vibrant Campus Life

Life on campus is the true heartbeat of the Yale summer experience. We offer multiple activities every day. Whether competing in intramural sports, enjoying bustling mid-summer carnivals, or jumping into late night karaoke, the campus stays bright with energy. Every social event ensures that time between classes is just as unforgettable as the time spent inside them.

Expansive Facilities

Students over the summer have access to Yale’s wide array of gyms, libraries, and dining halls. Yale also offers its students robust support throughout the year, including the summer. Our student staff are here to guide you and help with anything you need!

Living as a Community

Community at Yale happens in the spaces between. Whether hanging out in the buttery, relaxing in sun-drenched courtyards, or living alongside friends from around the world, residential life is built for connection. It’s in these simple moments together that students find communities, building bonds that last well beyond the summer weeks you spend here.

Meet the Summer Staff

Our summer counseling staff are current Yale students selected for their skills and past experiences at mentoring. They’re incredibly eager to help you have a rewarding summer where you feel supported in every way!

Learn more
Evangelos
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“Campus life was great!” Evangelos recalls, “I made a lot of lifetime friendships that will endure a long time after the program.” While on campus, aside from being able to partake in all the events that YSS hosts, U-prep students take classes focusing on academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while also receiving coaching regarding critical and creative thinking. Furthermore, U-prep students have the opportunity to participate in evening electives, ranging from English pronunciation, SAT, and TOEFL practice, to art appreciation and American music! 
Evangelos
Wenjin
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My time here has been one of the most enriching and joyful experiences of my life. The courses were challenging yet rewarding, my professors and TAs were inspiring, and my classmates were both brilliant and kind.
Wenjin Peng
Abiel
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Abiel is a high school student from Ethiopia who joined Yale Summer Session last year for the English Language Institute's University Preparation for International High School Students program.
Abiel
Student Voices

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Yale Summer Session 2026

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