Living on Campus

The residential experience at Dominican is every bit a part of your academic journey as your time in the classroom. Neighbors in your residence hall become friends, and the campus becomes your community. 

Before, after and in between classes, your time is yours. And, at Dominican, there are plenty of ways to fill that time: movies and cooking demonstrations in your residence hall; student clubs and activities; relaxing or studying; sports and recreation; and so much more. 

While You’re Here

You’ll also get acquainted with our hometown. San Rafael, a small city of 57,700, is filled with parks, shopping, restaurants, museums and historic sites, an amazing farmer’s market, and a civic center designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This lively California town offers seasonal concerts, art walks, a film fest, and plenty of other events throughout the year. 

Much More to Explore 

Located in the San Francisco Bay area, our campus gives you access to internship and job opportunities in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and beyond. Plus, we’re close to some of the most exciting, historic, and beautiful places in the Golden State, from hiking in ancient redwoods, to exploring the wine country, to watching big wave surfers at Ocean Beach. 

  • 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge — Cross into San Francisco to enjoy its attractions and eateries, and neighborhoods and nightlife — from Golden Gate Park, to Haight St. to China Town and more. 
  • 25 minutes to Berkeley — Take a walk along historic Telegraph Ave. and find cheap eats, funky shops and best locally-owned bookstores. 
  • 28 minutes to Muir Woods National Monument — Enter this giant Redwood forest and get lost in nature
  • 40 minutes to Point Reyes National Seashore — Explore the rocky coast, sandy beaches, and open meadows. 
  • One hour to Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley — Sample your way around the vineyards, hiking and biking trails, and fun shopping areas in either of these two distinct destinations in the winemaking region 
  • Two hours to Santa Cruz — Head to the beach boardwalk for a ride on the famous Giant Dipper. 

Get to Know Us

Learn more about Dominican by signing up for a guided campus tour and speaking with an admissions counselor.

Schedule a Guided Campus Tour

Take a 3D Virtual Tour

Contact Information

We support all students. Please contact us.

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students in residence hall

Where You Will Live

An ivy-covered, stately stone building. Sunny rooms with hardwood floors and built-in shelves. A cluster of living-learning communities called Edgehill Village. Off-campus townhouse life. Dominican’s residence halls are full of character — and opportunities to connect with your peers.

Explore Housing Options
students dining in caleruega

Where You Will Eat

Fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients — that’s what meals are made of here. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in our chalet-style cafeteria, or power up with a smoothie or espresso at Chilly’s Cafe.

Learn More About Campus Dining
swimming pool on campus

Health and Wellness

The Conlan Center is home to the Dominican Penguins, and it’s also where you can hit the fitness center or swim some laps. Our Student Health Center’s free services are there for you when you need them

Visit Student Health and Wellness Visit Conlan Rec Center
Paul Raccanello

Paul Raccanello, EdD

Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Lorisa Lorenzo headshot

Lorisa Lorenzo, PhD

Associate Dean of Students
dominican seal

Jessica Frazier, MA

Director of Student Engagement & TORCH Success Program
dominican seal

Aaron Clark, MS

Director, Housing and Residence Life
Susana McKeough headshot

Susana McKeough, MSN, RN

Family Nurse Practitioner Student Health Center Director
Mary Vidal headshot

Mary Vidal, EMT

Health Services Coordinator
dominican seal

Diane Suffridge, PhD

Director, University Counseling Services