Brown Residential Commons | Colgate University

Welcome to Brown Commons, where students draw on a tradition of learning and service as exemplified by our namesakes, former religion and philosophy professor and campus chaplain Coleman Brown, and his wife, community advocate Irene Brown.

Explore our Community

Students from all commons are welcome to join Brown Commons events and follow on social media:

Brown Commons on Instagram

About Brown Commons

Shield with violets and compass roses — Click the Brown Commons crest to learn more about its history

Mascot: River Otter

Burke Hall

In this multistory residential facility, students reside in traditional double rooms on the three upper floors. Study lounges are available throughout the building. The first floor and ground level are dedicated to seminar rooms, classrooms, offices for the Residential Commons, and social lounges. There is also a small kitchen with scheduled open hours.

East Hall

East Hall features primarily traditional residence hall double rooms with a small number of singles and triples. Laundry facilities are located on the first and third floors, and there is a lounge on the first floor. The Center for Women’s Studies is located on the ground floor, accessible via a separate entrance.

Andrews Hall

Andrews Hall features mostly suite-style living for its residents, featuring two bedrooms with a shared common space between them. Suites in this building consist of a small common room connected to bedrooms. The suite common rooms typically serve as the primary space where students study and socialize.

Gate House

Gate House is a two-floor residence hall featuring traditional residence hall doubles. Each room is individually climate controlled with heat and air conditioning within a pre-set temperature range set for the building. There are laundry facilities on the first floor and a lounge on the second floor.

100 Hamilton Street

100 Hamilton is a small two-floor residence hall featuring singles, doubles, and triples which houses the Sophomore Residential Seminar Program. There is a recreational space on the ground level, as well as kitchen and laundry facilities. There is also seminar room on the first floor.

Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People perform as part of the Brown Commons Coffeehouse series. The Coffeehouse attracts artists in all genres for intimate performances on campus.

Faculty and staff associated with the commons host after-hours talks, colloquia and seminars throughout the semester, allowing for academic discussion outside the classroom.