Inbound Exchange Student Life and Housing

Global Village:

The Global Village at Montclair State University was founded in the 2023-2024 Academic Year and has successfully supported over one hundred students in their study abroad experience at Montclair.

International exchange and National Student Exchange students will be given priority placement in our Global Village at Alice Paul Hall, which is in one of our best dormitories and very close to the train to NYC. These are apartments where students are not required to have a meal plan and can choose to either stay in a single room or share a room with a fellow student to lower their costs of living. Students will have the opportunity to live with other exchange students (both domestic and international), Study Abroad Peer Advisors, and other Montclair students within the Global Village which will allow cultural exchange. Students can either walk to class or utilize a free campus shuttle.

All students are also invited to utilize Global Belongings, a sustainability effort, that allows students to borrow lightly used goods such as bedding, kitchen supplies, and more that were donated to our global community.

There is an African Proverb that says that “it takes a village” and we hope that by joining us in our global community, you will be able to make meaningful connections with your peers and feel supported as you navigate your experience at Montclair State University.

What is the standard layout of an apartment at the Global Village?

Village apartments will either have a double bedroom layout with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shared kitchen and living room OR a single bedroom layout with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shared kitchen and living room.

What furniture and amenities are included in the housing at the Global Village?

What items are not included in a standard room at the Global Village?

• Dining and Cooking: Plates, bowls, silverware, drinking glasses, pots and pans, cutting boards, silverware, oven mitts, measuring cups and spoons, etc.
• Cleaning Supplies: Vacuums, brooms, mops, trash cans, laundry hampers, shower curtains, etc.
• Entertainment: Television
• Linens: Beddings, pillows, towels, throw pillows, throw blankets, etc.

What Global Belongings (our supply closet) provides free of cost to our exchange students on Orientation Day?

• Linens: Students can request a bag of bedding that includes a pillow, comforter, fitted sheets prior to arrival to Montclair.
• Dining and Cooking: Plates, bowls, silverware, drinking glasses, pots and pans, cutting boards, silverware, oven mitts, measuring cups and spoons, etc.
• Cleaning Supplies: Vacuums, brooms, mops, trash cans, laundry hampers, detergents, soaps, shampoo, etc.
• Decorations: Posters, canvases, art, fake plants
• Additional Items: Shelf stable food and spices left from previous students, coffee machines, microwaves, area rugs, additional seating, throw blankets, yoga mats, tennis racquets, air mattresses, full size mirrors, hair dryers, straighteners, extension cords, shower curtains, etc.

Campus Life

Getting involved on campus is one of the most rewarding ways for exchange students to make the most of their experience at Montclair State University. By participating in student organizations, campus events, volunteer opportunities, and recreational activities, students can build meaningful friendships, develop valuable leadership and communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of local culture. Active involvement also helps students feel more connected to the university community, making the transition to life in Montclair and the local region smoother and more enjoyable. Beyond the classroom, campus engagement creates opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and lasting memories that can enrich both academic and professional journeys

At Montclair State University, your success, well-being, and sense of belonging are at the heart of everything we do. The Division of Student Development and Campus Life (SDCL) is here to support you from your first day on campus through graduation, ensuring you have the resources, opportunities, and connections needed to thrive.

Our dedicated SDCL team on both the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses are committed to fostering a compassionate, welcoming, and vibrant campus community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered. Through our programs, services, and outreach, we focus on:

• Student Belonging – Creating meaningful connections through student organizations, leadership opportunities, and campus traditions.
• Mental Health & Well-Being – Providing access to counseling, wellness programs, and recreation to support your holistic health.
• Holistic Wellness – Ensuring you have the tools to succeed academically, socially, physically, and financially.
• Basic Needs Support – Helping students access food, clothing, housing assistance, and essential services for personal stability.

Every department within SDCL is designed to support your success—whether you need help adjusting to college life, finding community, exploring career paths, or overcoming challenges. We are deeply committed to student-centered, data-informed decision-making, ensuring that our programs evolve to meet your needs. 

At Montclair, we are a community that looks out for one another. We encourage you to get involved, take advantage of the many opportunities available, and reach out when you need support. You belong here. Connect with our SDCL team, lift up your fellow Red Hawks, and make the most of your Montclair experience!

Student Organizations and Campus Events:

Inbound Exchange Students are invited to visit Engage or download the CORQ App prior to their arrival to Montclair. Engage is an involvement platform that connects you to organizations and departments, helps you learn about events and gives you the freedom to explore what we have to offer within our campus community. Here are some of the things our students can expect to find on Engage.

• Find events happening for our campus.
• Use your event pass to check in to events.
• Track your involvement including organization membership and event attendance.
• Find community service opportunities.
• Find resources–things like contact information for organizations and departments, forms, and the Leadership Certificate Program.

In regards to campus organizations, students can also connect with them via Engage.

• Montclair has over 180 student organizations that students can get involved in.
• These range from academic groups based on majors, cultural groups, religious organizations, language based organizations, and so much more.
• These organizations allow you to connect with others across our campus community.

Campus Recreation:

The Department of Campus Recreation strives to:

• Be an integral part of the collegiate experience.
• Exceed accepted national standards of quality for programs and services.
• Be responsive to the needs and desires of an ever-changing campus population.
• Create an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, acceptance and mutual respect. Discriminatory behavior including but not limited to racism, religious intolerance, sexism, ageism, homophobia, transphobia, harassment and discrimination against those with disabling conditions will constitute a violation of University policy.

The Student Center can be viewed an integral way to get active socially and physically on campus.

• These offers include:
  • Aquatics and Safety / Swimming
  • Club Sports
  • Free Equipment Lending
  • Fitness programs Intramural Sports
  • Special student life events.
  • Fitness center.

Outdoor Adventure:

Outdoor Adventure at Montclair State University gives our campus community new opportunities to explore the beauty and splendor of New Jersey and the surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of trips including canoeing, hiking, camping and tubing. We encourage our exchange students to get involved and participate in unique experiences around the region.

These are unique ways to see the local area and get connected with other students who are interested in outdoor activities. Previous examples include:

• Skiing and Snowboarding at Lake Placid
• Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation
• Kayaking Trip
• Sunflower Farm Trip
• Harvest Festival
• Stairway to Heaven Hike
• And so much more!