Student climbing a rock wall

Student Life

At MCLA, exploration goes way beyond the classroom. With so many opportunities to get involved on and off campus, your college experience can be anything you make of it. What will you do here?

Make an Impression 

Become a leader, dive deeply into a project, or get inspired to pursue something new. We have so much to offer — we know you do, too.  

Student dancingACTIVITIES & ORGANIZATIONS

Join one of our 50+ clubs and organizations, or start your own. From film to fashion to skiing, there is truly something for everyone.  

Student Government

Participate in local democracy! SGA represents the MCLA student body and is in charge of allocating student activity funds.

Student Media

Find your voice and share it with the world. Contribute to our student-run media outlets: Our weekly newspaper, the MCLA Beacon; WJJW, our FM radio station; or Beacon Web News, the College’s weekly newscast. 

Service & Leadership

Learn, grow, and lead by serving our local and global communities. Our Volunteer Center can connect you to service and civic opportunities that align with your goals and interests.  

Make Yourself At Home 

Our on-campus facilities are designed with you in mind — so you have the space you need to grow, learn, and of course, relax. 

Student hanging out on the quadHOUSING

Learn more about living on-campus. We have three styles of residence halls with rooms available to all students. Also learn how we support students who are ready to move off-campus.  

DINING

Fuel your college experience with our on-campus dining service. Find out how you can eat healthy in college, where to go for late-night snacks, and what meal plan option is right for you.

Fitness & Recreation

No matter your goal, we want your fitness journey to be fun. Exercise at our campus gym, sign up for a class, or play an intramural sport. You can also bike, hike, swim, or ski on the nearby trails, lakes, and mountains.

Explore Your Identity 

T-shirt reading MCLA UnitedOur differences comprise our excellence. You can be sure that you are welcome here. MCLA even tops the list of best equity campuses across the U.S. We’re proud of our strides in this area and know there will always be farther to go. Use these resources to connect with other students and learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here: 

Multicultural Center

Gender and Sexuality Center

Make Connections — Make Anything

Nestled in the natural beauty of the Berkshires, MCLA is an incredible place to spend your college years. Read how our students extend their reach into North Adams, a boom town for culture and opportunity, and in the Berkshires.

Sonja Stewart
I wanted to bring awareness to young teachers to show what these kids face after the bell rings.
Sonja Stewart, M.Ed.
Director of Family Support and Advocacy at Berkshire County Arc (BCArc), Pittsfield, Mass.
Stewart oversees a staff of 27 nurses, case managers, and outreach workers in her roles as director of both the Adult Family Care Program and the Family Support Center. In November 2019, she received a statewide award for her leadership in family and individual support.