Stouffer College House, comprised of Stouffer Hall and Mayer Hall, stands as one of the strongest community atmospheres on campus. Stouffer is home to about 300 undergraduates, 6 GRAs (Graduate Resident Advisors), 6 RAs (Resident Advisors) Interim Faculty Director Kellie Jurado, 2 College House Fellows, and our House Director Amber Williams. (To find out more about our staff, please visit our staff page). Though no resident is permanent, our traditions and camaraderie live on with each passing year.

Truly embodying the motto of "Nihil Domo Similius", a Latin knock-off of the Stouffer Food Company's "Nothing Comes Closer to Home", Stoufferites come to love their building. Stouffer College House boasts the highest retention rate on campus, which is indicative of the lasting friendships and contacts that are formed by House members.

Stouffer is unique in that its two buildings offer residents various living styles while maintaining an overall house connectivity. Stouffer hall has a higher ratio of underclassmen, though some upperclassmen choose to live there all four years. Mayer Hall on the other hand is largely upperclassmen with 2 floors dedicated to Freshman. Despite the physical seperation of the buildings, our community is deeply connected and encourages residents to evaluate what living situation best suites their needs.

A crucial part of the Stouffer community is the Steering Committee. Comprised of 24 students (two representatives from each floor/section), the House Director and Faculty Director, Steering is the official government of the House and funds the majority of activities. This allows for ANY interested resident to run or request events, making Stouffer truly student directed. All house events are free for residents, from GRA/RA-organized events like Friday Night Films, Lunar New Year celebrations, and numerous study breaks to the annual gala "Stouffer Semi-Formal". There is rarely a night at Stouffer where something isn't happening.

August marks not only the start of a new school year, but also the annual Stouffer Outdoors trip. An exciting day of canoeing allows students the chance to bond even before classes begin. Stouffer Outdoors start the Stouffer experience off with an adventure.

Wednesdays at 9 PM have become synonymous with Cookies. Residents gather in the Faculty Directors' apartment or the Stouffer Patio to unwind, chat and indulge their sweet tooth.

Fellows Nights provide the students with an opportunity to interact and dine with a prestigious member of the University of Pennsylvania Faculty. This tradition hosted by one of our Fellows are known to attract guests as famous as former University President Judith Rodin.

Every year, a dedicated set of marauders plunge into a paranoia-inducing game known as Assassins. Sock battle has never inspired so much terror, bliss, or looks of sheer confusion as one student creeps  along a wall and while another attempts to eliminate their target.

The Stouffer Tribune is our mounthly newsletter, which updates students on the buildings happenings. The newsletter has become a much anticipated source of puns, spoofs, and made-up news. Students are encouraged to submit articles of any length and content.

Not only does Stouffer have a plethora of traditions, activities, and ways to engage, we also have spaces with foosball, ping-pong, pool and any number of boardgames. In warmer weather, volleyball and basketball pick-up games on the Stouffer patio arise almost out of nowhere. An annual barbecue and benefit auction on the Sunday of Spring

Fling become a staple and heavily-attended activity. Stoufferites hail their dorm as the best College House in the University, the city of Philadelphia, and the universe.

Nothing comes closer to home, except Stouffer.

-James Schneider C'04

(updated June 2009 by Ryan Weicker, C'08)
(updated Sept 2012 by Amanda Atkinson)
(updated Mar 2016 by Colleen Cacace)