The College System

A Place to Belong: The Colleges at Trent

Tradition and history meet modern and vibrant living & learning spaces

Trent University’s colleges have been at the centre of the student experience for over 50 years. Colleges are more than residences, dining halls and classroom spaces. They are also communities that promote learning, embrace diversity, and foster meaningful connections among students, faculty and staff.

Each college is run by a principal who leads a team of dynamic academic support staff offering personalized assistance for any challenge that you may face. From orientation to convocation, your Trent college will be there to support your educational journey.

Choose the College that's right for you

All Trent students, in all years, whether you live in residence or not, get to choose their college. Trent's five colleges are as unique as you are – each one offers different architectural styles, student spaces, residence room layouts and extracurricular activities.

Spend a little time deciding which college at Trent is right for you. 

Which college will you choose? Go to the Colleges website or the Housing website. 

Exterior view of Scott house at Traill College in the summer time around mid-day

Catharine Parr Traill College

As one of Trent's two original colleges founded in 1964 and located in Peterborough’s downtown core, Traill College marks the point at which the university intersects with the urban community.

Catharine Parr Traill College
Exterior view of Champlain College in the fall around mid-day

Champlain College

Situated on the west bank of the Otonabee River, Champlain embodies the spirit of adventure and discovery of the famous French explorer for whom it is named. Champlain hosts many wonderful spaces including the Great Hall. Exploration of the world happens at Champlain.

Champlain College
Student's working on laptops in Lady Eaton College dorm room

Lady Eaton College

Lady Eaton is located on a hillside near a collection of trails and paths overlooking the University, with a unique sense of tradition, community and student spirit. For five decades, history, music and athletics have been hallmarks of student life at LEC.

Lady Eaton College
Student studying in her Otonabee college dorm room

Otonabee College

The word “Otonabee,” from the Anishnaabe language, means “fast and boiling waters,” giving you a sense of the exciting and energetic life that awaits you at this college. OC is a thriving neighbourhood, right in the heart of campus with performances, speakers and a wide range of activities.

Otonabee College
Exterior view of Gzowski College bulding in the summer time around mid-day

Gzowski College

Gzowski College is integrated with Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning, and named after famed CBC journalist and broadcaster and Trent’s eighth chancellor, Peter Gzowski. Events and programs revolve around themes of environmentalism, fair trade, and Indigenous learning.

Peter Gzowski College