How to Apply to Residence
We make applying to residence easy!
Jump to a section:
- Things to know before applying
- Application Key Steps
- Applying for Fall 2025 - Applications are Currently Open
- Applying for Summer 2025 - Applications are Currently Open
- Next Steps after applying
Things to know before applying
Fall 2025 Residence Eligibility by Student Group
If you are an Ontario high school applicant and you received an offer of admission before March 1, residence will be guaranteed if you submit your residence application and $750 deposit by April 15. You do not need to accept your offer of admission until June 2.
If you submit your residence application and deposit after April 15, your residence guarantee is no longer valid. You will be assigned a randomly generated number that will be used to allocate spaces in residence.
If you are an Ontario high school applicant admitted after March 1 you are not guaranteed a space in residence, but you are welcome to apply for residence by submitting the residence application and $750 deposit by June 2, 2025
- Students with a completed residence application and deposit will be assigned a randomly generated number that will be used to allocate available spaces in residence.
- Your randomly assigned lottery number will determine whether or not you have a space in residence. Starting May 1, residence offers will be made on an ongoing basis.
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
Starting on May 1 and continuing through June 2, 2025, Ontario High School applicants who submit a completed residence application and $750 deposit 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.
You may apply for residence before accepting your offer of admission, however, you must accept your offer of admission by June 2.
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.
- See a glimpse into your life in Residence
Step 3:
Complete Application and Pay Deposit
- 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.
We are now accepting applications for Summer 2025! Application Deadline is April 1, 2025. Submit your applications through Housing Portal. Check out your Summer Residence Options and Fees here.
Occupancy Dates: May 6 - August 14, 2025
Summer semester move-in begins on May 6 (classes begin May 8). Check-out is the day after your last exam, with August 14, 2025, 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.
