Boarding life

Inherited from 165+ years of American boarding school tradition, now in Vietnam.

There’s always something going on at Shattuck-St. Mary’s International School Vietnam!

At SSM Vietnam, we offer a boarding program that builds independence, life skills, and leadership in a safe, multicultural environment. One of the benefits of the boarding school experience is the chance to live and learn among peers, friends, and faculty. At SSM Vietnam, our dormitories are more than just a place where students sleep – they are homes where students and faculty live, learn, laugh, and grow.

Beginning from Grade 7 to Grade 12, our boarding option offers a balance of independence and guidance, helping students prepare for both academic success and life beyond the classroom. 

Students have the opportunity to live in our brand-new dormitory, conveniently located just a short walk from our state-of-the-art learning and recreation facilities. Designed to be a comfortable and secure home away from home, our residence halls offer a variety of amenities to support both your academic and personal well-being:

  • Shared bathrooms with private stalls and showers
  • A microwave oven on each floor for easy meal preparation
  • A filtered hot/cold water dispenser on every floor for convenience
  • Washers and dryers for laundry use
  • Ample storage, including 1 closet and 2 sets of drawers per student
  • Secure access with locked doors and active door alarms at night for safety

We strive to create a supportive and welcoming living environment where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Please peruse the FAQ below for much information on bedding, what to bring, what not to bring, etc. It is our hope that the following information should be helpful, both to new and returning students and families, as you make plans for the start of the school year at SSM Vietnam. 
 
If you have a question you do not see addressed below, please contact the Admissions Office (+84 985 531 038) or use the “Request More Info” button below and start a conversation with us.
 
Request more info

Frequently Asked Questions

Each room is shared by two students and includes a bed, desk, wardrobe, and storage. Bathrooms are shared and located outside the bedrooms.

Roommates are paired based on age, gender, and compatibility. We aim to foster positive relationships and mutual respect in shared living spaces.

Yes—students can personalize their space with respectful decorations on bulletin boards. Offensive, political, or inappropriate materials are not allowed. Furniture cannot be rearranged or removed.

Our boarding team includes dorm parents, a residential nurse, and support staff. A duty roster is posted so students always know who to contact for help.

Students should bring clothes for school, activities, and casual wear; toiletries; personal items like laptops and water bottles; and labeled bed linens and towels. A full packing list is provided before arrival.

Students choose between:

  • Self-service laundry (cheaper, supervised by staff), or
  • Professional laundry service (collected twice weekly).

Students decide their option at the start of the year.

Mornings start at 6:30 AM with breakfast and school prep. Evenings include dinner, free time, and a 2-hour supervised Study Hall (20:00–21:55). Lights-out is at 22:30.

Weekend activities include trips (cinema, bowling, local tours), on-campus sports, game nights, and optional enrichment programs. Students may also request to go off-campus with parental approval.

Yes, but use is regulated. Devices must be turned off and handed in at lights-out (22:00). Misuse (e.g., late-night use, cyberbullying) leads to confiscation and possible disciplinary action.

Visitors are allowed during visiting hours with permission. However, no one is allowed to stay overnight (except for day students in emergencies with prior approval)

Yes, with prior approval. Off-campus trips require parent permission and dorm parent clearance. Students must sign out and return by curfew (20:00 weekdays, 21:30 weekends).