Smithsonian

Housing Rates and Amenities 

This conservation-focused campus houses undergraduates, graduate students and working professionals in a “community of practice” on the grounds of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in the foothills of the Shenandoah Mountains in Front Royal, Virginia.

All rooms are furnished with carpeting, window treatments, extra-long twin beds, desks, chairs, a private bath and ample closet space.

• Local telephone service, utilities, and free Wi-Fi are provided.
• The residence hall features common areas, a study lounge, and free laundry services.
• A 19-meal-a-week plan is required, and meals are provided in on-site dining commons.
• Applicants must satisfy a federal background check requirement (administered through the Institute) prior to their move-in date.

All rooms contain one of each of the following per-resident. 

Rates for Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation are for terms that run from August through June. Applications for a single semester are considered, and if approved, costs are pro-rated. For more information, call 540-635-0115. Rates for 2024-2025 are proposed and may change, pending approval from the Board of Visitors. A meal plan is required for residents living at Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Meal plan information can be found here. The posted rates do not include the $150 Housing and Residence Life application fee.

2024-2025 Proposed Housing Rates

The proposed rates are subject for approval by the Board of Visitors. Meal plans are required for residents living in the Smithsonian-Mason residence halls.