This article is a methodological scrutiny of the efficacy of the conceptual complex "home-at home", as a heuristic for understanding the nature of institutional culture as it articulates in higher education institutions. The approach adopted brings together a discussion on different conceptions of "home-at home", institutional culture in general, institutional culture and higher education in particular, and their methodological implications. Instead of suggesting a definitive approach I have attempted to draw out the ontological and epistemological ramifications as a way of clearing the conceptual ground. The idea behind this is to proceed while remaining fully mindful of the pitfalls attendant on research of this nature. I have tried to bring a sociological sensibility to bear on thinking through the implications of researching institutional culture, particularly in higher education where the reflex for reifying the university, that is treating it as an "ivory tower", is always proximate.