How to Apply to Residence
We make applying to residence easy!
Things to know before applying
Fall 2025 Residence Eligibility by Student Group
If you are an Ontario high school applicant, residence will be guaranteed if you receive an offer of admission on or before March 1, and you submit your residence application and deposit of $750 by April 15.
If you receive an offer of admission after March 1, or submit your residence application and deposit after April 15, you will be entered into a residence lottery.
You will be guaranteed a space in residence for your first year of studies if you submit the residence application and $750 deposit by June 2, 2025.
You are guaranteed residence for the full duration of your undergraduate degree if you submit your residence application and $750 deposit by June 2, 2025.
As an International transfer student, you are guaranteed a space in residence for the full duration of your undergraduate studies if you submit your residence application and $750 deposit by June 2, 2025.
All other transfer students will be entered into a residence lottery and considered only after all eligible first-year students have received a residence offer.
Canadian upper-year undergraduate students: You are not guaranteed an offer of residence beyond your first year of studies. Although you may apply and pay the deposit by the deadline to be entered into an upper-year lottery, offers will only be extended once all other priority groups have received an offer of residence. You will receive an offer (pending availability) or waitlist number in mid-June, after first year housing offers are confirmed.
International upper-year students: With the exception of PhD candidates, if you began your studies in Fall 2024 or beyond, you are guaranteed University housing for the duration of your academic endeavors at U of G, as long as you are currently living in residence and apply and pay the deposit by April 15. If you are an International PhD student, you are guaranteed University housing for the first year of your studies.
- Canadian Graduate students: You will be entered into a graduate student lottery, and will receive a waitlist number or an offer of residence (pending availability) by mid-June.
- International Graduate students: With the exception of PhD candidates, if you began your studies at the University of Guelph in Fall 2024 or beyond, you are guaranteed University housing for the duration of your academic endeavors at U of G. If you are an International PhD student, you are guaranteed University housing for the first year of your studies only.
You are encouraged to explore off-campus housing. For additional support and resources visit the Off-Campus Living Website.
Residence Lottery
- Ontario High School applicants who receive an offer of admission to the University of Guelph between March 2 and June 1, 2025, and submit a completed residence application* by June 2, 2025, will be placed in a residence lottery.
- If an Ontario High School applicant receives an offer of admission to the University of Guelph on or before March 1, 2025, but does not complete their residence application* by April 15, their guaranteed residence spot becomes invalid. They can still complete their residence application by June 2, 2025 and be entered into the residence lottery.
- Starting on May 1 and continuing through June 2, 2025, Ontario High School applicants who submit a completed residence application* will be notified within 48 hours of submission if they have a confirmed residence offer, or if they will be placed on a residence waitlist.
Fall 2025 Residence Application Key Steps
Step 1:
Receive an offer of admission to U of G
Applying for residence is a separate process from your U of G program application. You must have an offer of admission to the University of Guelph to apply for residence.
Step 2:
Browse our residence living options
- Browse Our Communities and room styles.
- Experience the diverse Residence Learning Communities we offer to enhance your learning experience.
- Check out Residence Tours - 360 tours, videos, and more.
- See a glimpse into your life in Residence
Step 3:
Complete Application and Pay Deposit
- The Fall 2025 Residence Application opens on February 1, 2025.
- Access the application through your Housing Portal. This is where you will rank your building choices, add your preferences and complete a lifestyle questionnaire so we can match you with a suitable roommate.
- Before you pay the deposit, please be aware of our cancellation policies and penalties.
Additional Resources
Summer and Winter Residence
Who is eligible for Summer Residence?
Summer Residence is available to students who are enrolled in summer courses, completing a co-op work term (on or off-campus), or working for Student Housing Services as summer student staff.
Occupancy Dates: May 7 - August 15, 2024
Summer semester move-in begins on May 7 (classes begin May 9). Check-out is the day after your last exam, with August 15, 2024, at noon as the final check-out date.
Missed joining us in residence in the Fall? Returning to campus for the winter semester after a work term or study abroad?
Room assignments will be released in early December.
Note: If you are currently living in residence for the Fall semester, you don’t need to submit an application for the Winter semester. Your original application was for both semesters. You’re set!
After Applying, what's next?
Congratulations! Now that you've completed your application, sit tight. Learn more about our offer process, room assignment, cancellation and refund policies in our Frequently Asked Questions.
