distinctly residential campus but does allow for upper class students the opportunity to apply to live in approved off-campus housing, called Community Living Opportunities (CLOs). Many organizations and clubs are available for students to join or found their own.
== Athletics ==
The Houghton athletic teams are called the Highlanders. The university is a member of the Division III level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Empire 8 Athletic Conference (a.k.a. Empire 8) since the 2012–13 academic year. The Highlanders previously competed in the defunct American Mideast Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 2001–02 to 2011–12.
Houghton competes in 17 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor) …
