Theme Houses

Union's theme houses are unique on-campus residences where like-minded upper-class students live together for the purpose of embracing and promoting a common theme. Our themes are self-directed living environments who offer programs throughout the year in conjunction with campus partners. The houses, all co-ed, range from apartments of seven students to houses of 20 students or more.

You can indicate your desire to live in a Theme Community for the 2025-2026 school year on your Housing Registration Form in your Housing Portal. This form is available on January 6th through January 31st.

More information about the Theme Program for the 2025-2026 school will be available in the upcoming months.

Established: 2005
Focus: Art and creativity
Location: 201 Seward Place
# of students: 10
Arts House is designed to create an environment that fosters creativity and imagination. Its programs speak to the mission of bringing awareness to all artistic endeavors on campus.

Established: 1985
Focus: Multicultural
Location: The John Smith House, adjacent to Admissions Office at Grant Hall
# of students: 15
Bronner House strives to raise awareness of the diverse cultures and ethnic groups that make up the campus community. Also known as a multicultural center, it is located next to Breazzano House and the Office of Admissions at Grant Hall. Coming together in a family atmosphere, residents learn about each other’s cultures and backgrounds.

Established: 2021
Focus: Cinematic House
Location: 32 Union Avenue (across the street from Union tennis courts)
# of students: 8
Cinematic House is focused on learning about the world through film.

Established: 2021
Focus: Dance and movement
Location: 207 Seward Place
# of students: 8
Dance House is a community committed to expression of creativty through movement. It is open to students with all levels of dance experience.

Established: 2008
Focus: Literature
Location: 315 Seward Place
# of students: 8
Dickens House residents celebrate their love of literature and learning. Named after 19th century English novelist Charles Dickens, the house hosts events based on literary works, themes and questions.

Established: 2008
Focus: LGBTQ+ community
Location: 301 Seward Place
# of students: 8
Iris House is the first Union College residential space dedicated to concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. It aims to provide a comfortable space for LGBTQ+ students and student allies, and to raise awareness about historical and contemporary LGBTQ+ issues.

Established: 2015
Focus: Creativity and collaboration
Location: 209 Seward Place
# of students: 7
Maker House’s goal is to aid innovative students who are passionate about making their ideas and designs into a physical reality. We achieve this by providing a group of people and a collaborative space with which to discuss ideas and help bring them to fruition. Maker House encourages all forms of making; whether it be sewing, welding, woodworking, cooking, etc., we thrive on cross collaboration between these seemingly unrelated interests.

Focus: Sustainable campus living
Location: 1294 Lenox Road
# of students: 15
Ozone House promotes environmental awareness while serving as an example of sustainable living. Residents work together to create a sustainable and fun atmosphere. The house founded the Ozone Café, and members work closely with various campus departments to offer sustainable options for Union.

Focus: Political and social discourse
Location: 233 Seward Place
# of students: 12
Symposium House was one of the first theme houses on campus, offering dinner and discussion with a focus on political and social awareness. Residents foster an intellectual forum in which faculty and students can openly converse and cultivate a social atmosphere based on discussion, dialogue and honesty.

Established: 2013
Focus: Technology
Location: 325 Seward Place
# of students: 8
Tech House was established by students who wanted to create a space for the appreciation of technology in a social and cultural context. Residents of Tech House have a devotion to understanding the advancements in the use and development of technology. Residents of Tech House are also aware of internet sub-culture and the concerns of safety in a digital age.

Established: 1995
Focus: Community service
Location: Wells House - Behind the Admissions Office at Grant Hall
# of students: 20
Wells House serves the community through volunteer work on campus and in Schenectady. Each house member is required to complete 20 hours of community service a term.