In just six months, students will be starting their first term of college or university! With such an exciting period on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about—and planning for—suitable living arrangements.
On-campus housing
In their first year of undergraduate studies, many students who move away from home will likely live on campus. Typically, university residences offer a variety of options, including single and double occupancy rooms, as well as apartment or townhouse style accommodations that house up to eight students. Each dormitory (or “dorm”) will vary in appearance, cost, and functionality, so we always encourage students and parents to visit the residence website. Most webpages will feature an interactive floor plan and virtual tour of each dormitory.
Except for gender-specific residences (i.e., all male or all female), most dormitories across campus are gender neutral (or “co-ed”), which means that each building will offer a mix of genders. The dorm rooms themselves, however, remain gender-specific (i.e., those who identify as men will be able to room only with men, and those who identify as women will be able to room only with women). Depending on the school, washrooms can be either gender-specific or gender neutral, so we suggest researching carefully.
Where should I live?
We understand that choosing where to live during one’s first year of study can be stressful. To help make the best decision, we ask students to reflect upon three factors: lifestyle, affordability, and impact.
Lifestyle: If you have been looking forward to living on campus and meeting a new roommate, we recommend applying for a double occupancy dorm that typically features two beds, two desks, and two closets. Depending on the layout, these rooms may have a shared bathroom or, more commonly, a washroom facility that is shared with one’s floormates. Most residences have their own cafeteria, kitchenettes with fridges and microwaves, common areas, recreational or gaming spaces, laundry facilities, and free internet.
As part of the residence application process, each student will be asked to complete a questionnaire that will assess their schedule, level of tidiness, and preferences in terms of quiet study time and social life. The purpose of this step is to ensure that students will be matched with a compatible roommate. If students are introverted or looking for some privacy, we advise a single occupancy dorm (you will still be able to meet lots of people!). On the other hand, if candidates are looking to live with a small group, the apartment set-up may be the right fit. These dwellings offer private bedrooms, at least two washrooms, and a fully functional kitchen for the chefs and bakers whom the whole floor will love!
Affordability: We understand that, for many families, budgeting is a priority. Simply put, some residences are more expensive than others. The difference in cost is attributed to privacy (with single occupancy dorms typically being the most expensive), amenities, demand, and location. Each school’s website offers a comprehensive breakdown of the living costs for each residence. It is important to note that, at some schools, meal plans are automatically included in residence costs, while, at others, the fees are additional. Remember to read the fine print, as many of these meal plans cost thousands of dollars.
Most students live in residence only during their first year of study, during which time they meet roommates, floormates, and classmates with whom they then rent an off-campus dwelling for the remainder of their studies. Off-campus housing, too, differs in cost depending on the city. An apartment in downtown Toronto or Vancouver, for instance, might be more expensive to rent than an entire house in Niagara. While students are in their first year of study, colleges and universities will provide a lot of information about finding off-campus housing and how to go about meeting with a landlord, signing a lease, and subletting their room if they return home during the summer term. However, it is always critical to do one’s due diligence and to thoroughly inspect any potential living arrangement in person.
Impact: Living with a roommate, or a few flatmates, can seem like a fun idea, but we advise students to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision. To assist with this process, we invite candidates to think seriously about what they need to learn best and to succeed: Are they extroverted or introverted? Do they enjoy a lot of conversation or do they prefer to keep to themselves? Are they easily distracted or can they work and study in the company of others? Do they need silence to stay focused or can they work with background noise? Do they thrive in a routine or are they flexible? Do they prefer their own washroom or would sharing washrooms and showers be okay? Do they have learning accommodations, dietary restrictions, physical needs, or a medical condition?
Do I have to live on campus?
Though some new students live on campus during their first year, some students choose to live off-campus. Staying in a dormitory is completely optional. Students can continue to live at home, rent a space (like an apartment), or live with a nearby relative or friend. Depending on the situation, students can map out commute costs and times, parking passes, and rent fees and utilities.
Remember…
Some colleges and universities guarantee a spot in residence for incoming, first-year students, whereas others do not. In the latter case, students are accommodated either through a first-come, first-served basis or a lottery system. Whether residence is guaranteed or not, an application to live on campus is required, so students: make sure that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible! There are varying deadlines for residence applications, so always double check when yours is due.
As always, our Educational Consultants are available to assist students with questions and to navigate the involved process of comparing residence options across multiple institutions. Give us a call!
