Frequently Asked Questions – Applying to Residence

Summer Semester: Open February 1^st

Academic Year: Open February 1^st

Winter Semester: Open September 15^th

First Year Student: a person who has not resided in Niagara College Residence. If you have applied previously, but did not reside in the residence, you would be considered a first-year resident.

Returning Student: a person who has resided in Niagara College Residence previously.

Applications Open February 1 (or next business day)

You can apply for Residence by filling out the online application through the online Housing Portal.  Applications will be accepted beginning on or before March 31 on a first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to availability.

Please note: When you apply for Residence you are required to pay a non-refundable $100 application fee per application.

Applications Open February 1 (or next business day)

First-Year Student applicants can apply for Residence by filling out the online application through My Housing Portal. Applications open February 1 (or next business day) and will be accepted until April 15 to be considered for the acceptance lottery based on distance from the residence. Any applications received after April 15 will be placed on a wait-list on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Returning Student applicants must create a new application on February 1 (or next business day) to be considered for re-acceptance into residence. Applications will be received on a first-come, first-served basis until April 15. Please note your account must be in good standing, with no amount owing.

Please note: When you apply for Residence you are required to pay a non-refundable $100 application fee per application.

Applications Open September 15 (or next business day)

You can apply for Residence by filling out the online application through the online Housing Portal.  Applications will be accepted at any time on a first-come, first-serve basis and is subject to availability.

Please note: When you apply for Residence you are required to pay a non-refundable $100 application fee per application.

Applications Open February 1 (or next business day)

All applications received from February 1 (or next business day) to March 31 will be waitlisted by the date the residence receives the application fee.

Acceptances will begin to go out on or before March 31.

Applicants who are not offered Residence acceptance will remain on the waitlist. Acceptance from the waitlist will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis based on availability.

Applications Open February 1 (or next business day)

First Year Student applicants living outside the Niagara Region, and within Canada, who apply between February 1 and April 15 will receive preferential acceptance into Residence. Where the number of applications exceeds the number of beds available, acceptance into Residence will be determined by a simple lottery.

Applicants who are not offered Residence acceptance will be placed on a waitlist by the date the residence received the application fee.

Applications will remain open after April 15 and will continue to be added to the waitlist by the date the residence received the application fee.

Acceptance and notification into the Niagara College Residence for the Academic Year will take place on April 20 or the next business day. 

Returning Student applications received between February 1 to April 15 will be waitlisted by the date the residence receives the application. All applications will be reviewed to ensure the account is in good standing prior to acceptance.

Applicants who are not offered Residence acceptance will be placed on a waitlist by the date the residence received the application fee.

Applications will remain open after April 15 and will continue to be added to the waitlist by the date the residence received the application fee.

Acceptance and notification into the Niagara College Residence for the Academic Year will take place on April 20 or the next business day. 

Applications Open September 15 (or next business day)

All applications received from September 15 to November 25 will be waitlisted by the date the residence receives the application fee.

Applicants who are not offered Residence acceptance will be placed on a waitlist by the date the residence received the application fee.

Applications will remain open after November 25 and will continue to be added to the waitlist by the date the residence received the application fee.

Acceptance and notification into the Niagara College Residence for the Academic Year will take place on November 25 or the next business day. 

*Please note that Winter availability is extremely limited as availability is based on withdrawals from existing residents in the Academic Year.

In the acceptance email, you will receive instructions on how to complete the rest of your acceptance details online through your Housing Portal. The acceptance details will need to be completed online and ask you important information related to contact and health information, payment information, emergency contact information and personality profile questions which will help you to select a roommate. You will also be asked to review and accept the Student Residence Agreement which is a legal document that serves as the contract between you and the Residence. Please ensure that you read it carefully and keep a copy for your records.

Your acceptance paperwork is important review and complete your acceptance paperwork in a timely manner.  You will not receive a personalized invoice for your Residence Fees until your acceptance paperwork has been completed. Failure to make payment by applicable deadlines could delay future application processes like roommate matching and move in scheduling or could result in your acceptance being rescinded.

You can check your Application Status in your Housing Portal at anytime. If your application is marked as 002. Applicant Paid you have been placed on a waitlist.

It is important to note that the residences are unable to provide a specific position number. However if you have questions about the waitlist system, you may contact us at anytime. You may find all of the Residence Contact Information on our Contact Us page.

Acceptances from the waitlist are based on availability and it is not a guarantee you will be accepted from the waitlist by the beginning of any given term. It is recommended that while on the waitlist you explore alternative housing options, such as applying to the other residence or looking into off-campus housing. Please note that the Niagara Residences are not affiliated with any off-campus housing options.

If you are unable to meet the payment options as outlined, your spot will be offered to a waitlist candidate, and you will forfeit your deposit after Deadline 1 as determined under the Termination and Cancellation Policy.

Please note:

The Niagara College Residences do not accept promissory notes from students who are planning to use the proceeds of their OSAP loan to pay their Residence fees. You must make the necessary arrangements to submit your Residence fees prior to the due dates below.

It is strongly recommended that these contacts are the parents or legal guardians of the resident. As the Primary or Secondary Contact, you will serve as an emergency contact and you may also be contacted if any other significant concerns or problems arise with the resident. In the case where the Primary contact is unavailable, the Secondary contact will be contacted. Once the Residence is provided with this contact information, the Manager will notify the Primary and Secondary contacts, via the supplied email, that they have been identified as Primary/Secondary Contacts for the Resident. This email will outline the role and responsibility of the Primary/Secondary Contact and provide the Primary/Secondary Contacts with the opportunity to opt-out of this role.

If you have questions at anytime about our suite or overall facility accessibility, please contact us at anytime.

For accessibility services on campus, please visit Niagara College Accessibility Services by clicking here.

Once your application has been accepted, you will be able to provide your details on the Medical, Accessibility, and Special Consideration section when completing your acceptance information. Providing this information helps us support your success in Residence.

For accessibility services on campus, please visit Niagara College Accessibility Services by clicking here.

Please note that the Requests for Special Considerations form is taken into consideration once the student has been accepted into Residence and will not assist the student in bypassing the waitlist.

Summer Semester 2026

Free Orientation Early Move-In Day: May 7, 2026 (No Charges Apply)

Upon Request Early Move-In Day: May 5, 2026 (Charges May Apply)

Upon Request Late Move-Out Day: August 22, 2026 (Charges May Apply)

 

Academic Year 2026 – 2027

Free Orientation Early Move-In Day: September 3, 2026 (No Charges Apply)

Upon Request Early Move-In Day: September 1, 2026 (Charges May Apply)

Upon Request Late Move-Out Day: April 28, 2027 (Charges May Apply)

 

Winter Semester 2026

Free Orientation Early Move-In Day: January 7, 2027 (No Charges Apply)

Upon Request Early Move-In Day: January 5, 2027 (Charges May Apply)

Upon Request Late Move-Out Day: April 28, 2027 (Charges May Apply)

 

Please see each residence for a suggested list of move in items:

• Daniel J. Patterson 
• Welland 

While making your residence feel like home is of the utmost importance, it is also important to consider that your suite and/or bedroom will be a shared space. Please consider size and quantities of items for your space when preparing for your move-in. 

The following items are not recommended or permitted for move-in:

• A moving truck, trailers, or additional large furniture. One small shelving unit (small bookcase or nightstand) is permitted.
• Any television larger than 40″. Each bedroom comes with a small flat-screen television.
• Anything which can alter the condition of your room (ex) wall decals, nails (etc). You may only use white stick-tac or branded 3M command strips to hang posters or décor
• Bed risers (Residence beds are already raised as high as is safe for under bed storage)
• Extension Cords and Multi-Plug outlet blocks
• Fridges, freezers
• Funnels, beer pong tables or any other high-risk drinking paraphernalia
• Halogen Lamps, candles, or incense
• Hot plates, deep fryer or any cooking appliance with an open heat element
• Large volume alcohol containers such as mini-kegs, kegs, bubbas
• Pets (excluding fish – please see the pet section for more)
• Pipes, hookahs, bongs, rolling paper or other smoking paraphernalia
• Plants or Real Christmas/Holiday Trees – Fake plants and small desk-sized fake Christmas/Holiday Trees are permitted.
• Single-serve glass alcohol containers
• String Lights (i.e. Fairy Lights, Christmas/Holiday Lights).
• Subwoofers and Amps

Note: All included furniture and items provided in the Residence must remain in your suite and cannot be stored if you choose not to utilize them.

All students are expected to leave the residence 24 hours after their final exam/project OR by 11 am on the last Saturday of the semester, whichever comes first. Specific move out dates and instructions will be communicated to residents well in advance of the residents move out days.

Students that require accommodations past the last Saturday of the semester and would like to request an extended stay must complete a Move Out Late Form, available at the residence front desk. Please be advised that all requests are not guaranteed and must be approved by Management and are subject to an additional fee.

After Move Out, all suites will be inspected for damages and cleanliness before the security deposit in the student’s account is returned to them. Please see the Move-Out Checklist for details on how to ensure your full deposit is returned.

If a resident re-applies for residence before Move Out day, their security deposit will transfer to the following term and another deposit is not required. If the deposit needs to be replenished due to damage or cleanliness charges after leaving their old suite, the student will be notified.

If a resident is not planning to return to residence, their security deposit, less any charges for damages, will be returned to their home address in the form of a cheque address to the student within 6-8 weeks of their move out date.

myDormStore is a curated dorm shopping solution made by students, for students. Students can order everything to make their residence dorm into their home.

Head to https://mydormstore.ca/ to begin making your move-in experience easier today!

Once you find what you’re looking for, myDormStore fulfills your custom order and delivers to your residence before you arrive (please note: it is recommended to select priority shipment for best results)

It is not mandatory to purchase a meal plan while living in Residence. Niagara College does offer meal plans through their food service provider Chartwells. If you are interested in purchasing a meal plan please visit: dineoncampus.ca/niagara

Students can expect weekly light housekeeping services. This means that every week a housekeeper will come to your suite and clean your bathroom and kitchen areas and mop the floors. Housekeeping staff are unable to touch your personal belongings; therefore, to allow for a full cleaning to occur you must make sure your counters, table tops, floors and shower areas are clear of any items. Please be aware that our housekeeping staff will not enter your bedrooms and therefore the bedrooms are the student’s responsibility to clean.

Students may refuse housekeeping services if they prefer to clean themselves, however housekeeping staff are required to enter the suite week to check that the smoke and heat detectors are working.

The Residence front desk is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We are available for questions, comments, and/or concerns at any time you have some. Please stop down and get to know our Residence Services Representative during your first few weeks here at Residence.

For general inquiries and non-emergencies, you can contact the Front Desk by phone or e-mail below:

The Residence does not offer any family or co-ed accommodations.

Parking is available to Residents who purchase a Parking Permit from the College. For detailed Parking Information, please refer to the Residence Handbook & RCLS and Parking Services information online at www.niagaracollege.ca/studentlife/parking .

The Residence offers great security from the moment you pass through the controlled access main entrance until you slide your electronic card into your suite door. Video cameras are located in all common areas, hallways, and entrances. The front desk is also staffed 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Additional On-Campus Safety and Security regularly check in with the Residence. More information can be found on their website by clicking here.

The Residence Departments will primarily communicate with you through your email address that you provide when completing your application. Communication such as newsletters, deadlines, and/or any building-wide event that affects students will be communicated through email and visual posters in high traffic areas.

Your Residence Advisors (RAs) are always organizing educational events as well as events that are strictly for fun. These events allow you to meet people in your new community. Check out bulletin boards located on each floor throughout the building, attend floor meetings, and let your RA know what type of activities you would like to see in Residence.

For even more, please follow us on our Facebook and Instagram:

Niagara Residence Facebook Page | Niagara Residence Instagram

If you are disturbed at anytime of the day or night, before contacting the front desk, please try to talk to the resident(s) who is/are causing the disturbance first. Get to know your neighbours and build a respectful community. If the disturbance continues notify the front desk and a manager or RA will help you reach an acceptable volume by speaking to the resident(s). At the same time, remember to be reasonable with the level of volume you produce as well.

Your mailing address for the Niagara Residences are:

While living in Residence you may wish to have a guest visit you. You are permitted two (2) guests, for a maximum of two (2) overnights consecutively and no more than ten (10) nights in a month.

All guests are required to sign in with the front desk, and provide a valid photo ID for verification. For more details on having Guests and Visitors in the residence.

Please see your residence’s Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS) document under our ‘Resources’ Tab. 

The residence and the institution do not assume any responsibility for personal property that is lost, stolen or damaged from any cause. Residents are strongly encouraged to obtain insurance to cover the liabilities outlined in your Student Resident Agreement (SRA). Residence does not purchase such protection for personal property. Additionally, residents must also take positive steps to ensure their safety by locking suite doors, and ensuring that only authorized persons enter their room, suite and/or the building.

Residents are encouraged to explore purchasing their own policy or to speak with their current household insurance holder to see if the policy can be extended to cover the residents’ time away in residence. Residents are also encouraged to take steps to bring a lockbox or personal safe to keep smaller items like medication, important documentation or other small valuables even more secure.

Please refer to the cancellation policy located here: Termination and Cancellation Policy.

Cancellations

Cancellations occur prior to move-in. If you wish to cancel your residence application or the Student Residence Agreement, you must cancel through My Housing Portal prior to move-in. Cancellations will not be accepted over the phone.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals occur after move-in. If you wish to withdraw from residence, please contact the front desk for a Residence Withdrawal Form. You must return it to the front desk within 5 business days of the anticipated departure date. Withdrawals will not be accepted over the phone.

Please note that the Residence operates independently from the Institution and if you cancel your application or enrolment at the Institution, you will also need to cancel your Residence application. Refunds will be issued by the Manager as detailed in section 8.06 of the Student Residence Agreement.

The Residence would be happy to have you stay with us! Stay overnight starting May through August and take advantage of our Special Promotional Code ‘VISIT’ for 10% off the nightly rate (plus taxes, based on double occupancy, based on availability). Plan your visit at our WELLAND or NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Residences and start your Niagara College experience TODAY!

Book your stay at either the Niagara-on-the-Lake or Welland Residences during the week of June 6 – 15, 2025 using Promo Code GRAD2025 and receive a 15% Discount.

Plan your stay at our WELLAND or Niagara-on-the-Lake Residences TODAY!

For more information regarding convocation, you can visit Niagara College’s information page here