Pre-College Student Life gives you a sneak preview of the college experience where friendships flourish, knowledge blossoms and individual strengths are celebrated. We believe in fostering a supportive community where you will thrive not only academically but also socially and emotionally.

You’ll also enjoy regional trips and campus activities that complement your studies. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where you’ll feel empowered to excel.

On this page:

Residential Experience

Most Pre-College students live on campus throughout the program. Teams of trained peer leaders, referred to as Resident Advisors (RAs), are undergraduate Wheaton students who live in and support the residential experience. Our Residential Life student and professional staff members help students transition to college life. In addition to the Residential Life staff, the Campus Safety team is available 24 hours to support our Pre-College students.

All residential students live in Pine Hall, which is typically used for first-year undergraduate student housing. All rooms are air-conditioned and furnished with twin extra-long beds, chests of drawers, closets, and desks with chairs. Students enjoy access to community study lounges and shared kitchens. Washers and dryers are available at no charge.

During the enrollment process, admitted students will have the opportunity to share their housing preferences related to their lifestyle including sleep habits, wake-up schedule and organizational preferences. Students are assigned to a double room with another student with similar housing preferences.

Commuting Experience

Pre-College students have the option of commuting to the program instead of living on campus in residence halls. Many commuting students find it allows for a good balance between the transition to college life and having support from home.

Parents/guardians are responsible for their student’s actions while their student is living off campus. The program will not provide supervision outside of Pre-College hours, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and scheduled weekend trips.

Dining

Wheaton Dining has been recognized for its quality and variety. We were recently listed among the Top 20 Best College Dining Experiences by College Rank. Students will dine in our beautifully renovated Chase Dining Hall which offers a series of cook-to-order favorites along with a salad and ice cream bar, a sandwich counter and delicious featured meals that change daily.

Residential student meal plans include breakfast, lunch and dinner on Monday through Friday. Brunch and dinner are provided on Saturday and Sunday.

Commuting students may opt to bring their own packed meals or purchase entry to Chase Dining as needed.

Weekend Trips and Evening Activities

Students will make new friends and lasting memories by participating in weeknight programming activities and weekend day trips to popular destinations such as Boston, MA and Newport, RI beaches.

Resources

Office of Summer Programming

The Office of Summer Programming is the primary resource for student and parent support. Located in Balfour-Hood Center, room 1962, lower level, the office is open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Atrium is connected to the summer office, offering a place where students can come to ask questions and seek advice, study, eat and hang out with peers.

Health and Well-Being 

We recognize that a healthy mind and body are fundamental pillars of success. We prioritize the holistic well-being of our students, fostering an environment that nurtures not only academic growth but also supports mental, emotional and physical health. Through our resources, wellness initiatives, and a commitment to promoting a balanced lifestyle, we empower students to flourish academically while cultivating lifelong habits of self-care and resilience.

  • Accessibility Services
    Wheaton College is committed to achieving equal educational opportunity and full participation for students with disabilities. Wheaton College will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations and appropriate support for otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Students requesting accommodations or seeking support services should contact Accessibility Services at least one month prior to the start of classes so that the college has sufficient time to evaluate and respond to the request.
    508-286-3794
    [email protected]
  • Sturdy Health Primary Care – Norton
    Wheaton’s designated student health center is a private neighborhood facility located on campus and owned and operated by Sturdy Memorial Associates.
    14 Taunton Avenue Norton, MA 02766
    (508) 285-9500
    [email protected]
  • Campus Safety
    Wheaton College is located on a self-contained campus in the suburban New England community of Norton, Massachusetts. Our Campus Safety officers patrol the campus 24/7 to provide a safe environment for our community. The Pre-College Residential Life staff works with Campus Safety to educate all students on safety procedures and emergency contacts during their time in the Pre-College Program.
  • Counseling Services 
    The Mental Health Support line is available to Pre-College students 24/7 for the duration of the program. Call us at 508-286-3905. Then press 1 when the voicemail comes on to speak with a clinician.
  • Pappas Fitness Center
    The Pappas Fitness Center, located in Balfour-Hood, is available for Pre-College students to use during their free time. The center is equipped with cardio machines, Nautilus circuit machines, plate-loaded machines, free weights, and treadmills, as well as gender-specific locker rooms. In addition to state-of-the-art strength, conditioning and aerobic fitness equipment, the facility includes four wall-mounted flat-screen satellite TVs and individual 13-inch flat-screen TVs on all treadmills.