Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for Residence?

To be eligible for residence, you must be applying as a single person for a single occupancy bedroom. You should be enrolled in full-time studies at Ulethbridge. There is an option for a suitable paired roommate(s) if desired.

Am I guaranteed a spot in Residence?

Due to the influx of applications we receive, we are unable to guarantee you a spot in residence. 

How do I live in Residence after my first year?

You can apply for 2nd year residence from September 15 onwards of your first year of residence.   

When will I be notified if I will get an Offer of Accommodation?

70% of the total allocated beds will be offered in the first round (Lottery Draw). All further offers will be made based on first come/first serve by date of application and compatibility.

If you are a New University Student / First Year, here is what you can expect: 

• Early Bird Draw: Offers will be emailed out in mid-February. The deadline to respond will be on your offer. To ensure you are qualified for this early bird draw, your housing application must be submitted by January 15 along with your roommate preferences should you have any. 
• 1st Round of Offers (Lottery Draw): Offers will be emailed out by early June. The deadline to respond will be on your offer. To ensure you are qualified for this lottery draw, your housing application must be submitted by April 1 along with your roommate preferences should you have any. 
• 2nd Round of Offers: Offers will be emailed out by the beginning of July. The deadline to respond will be on your offer. Please make sure your roommate preferences are up-to-date should you have any. 
• Full Occupancy Notice/Option Email: If you have not received a room offer by the beginning of August, you will be sent an Option Email.

If you are a Continuing Student, here is what you can expect: 

• 1st Round of Offers (Lottery Draw): Offers will be emailed out by early June. The deadline to respond will be on your offer. To ensure you are qualified for this lottery draw, your housing application must be submitted by April 1 along with your roommate preferences should you have any. 
• 2nd Round of Offers: Offers will be emailed out by the beginning of July. The deadline to respond will be on your offer. Please make sure your roommate preferences are up-to-date should you have any. 
• Full Occupancy Notice/Option Email: If you have not received a room offer by the beginning of August, you will be sent an Option Email.

It's August and I have not received an Offer yet. What now?

After August 1st, once all housing residences are full, students will receive an email notifying them that an on-campus housing offer appears unlikely. Through this Option Email, students on the waitlist are asked to choose one of the following 3 options and communicate their decision to Housing Services in writing.

• Remain on the Fall Waitlist: Your application will remain open on our waitlist and we will make room offers as cancellations occur. While on the waitlist you will only be entitled to receive a refund of $100 if: we have not made you a room offer by the first day of the September contract (At this time, your application will be canceled, and the $100 deposit will automatically be refunded to your credit card) OR you have contacted us in writing to cancel your application, prior to our office issuing a room offer. Once an Offer of Accommodation has been issued and further rejected, your full advance payment of $100 be forfeited. 
• Cancel your application: Since the $60 application fee is non-refundable, we will refund the $100 deposit back to your credit card. Cancellations MUST be in writing and sent to housing@uleth.ca.
• Transfer your application: Transferring your application to the Winter term. Once you transfer your application to the Winter term, you are no longer considered waitlisted for the Fall term. There may be a small turnover during the December term break, and applicants carried forward in this manner are given waitlisted priority on these new vacancies. While on the waitlist for Winter, you will only be entitled to receive a refund of $100 if: we have not made you an On-Campus Housing offer by first-day contract in January (your application will be canceled and the $100 deposit will automatically be refunded to your credit card) OR if you have contacted us in writing to cancel your application prior to our office issuing a room offer. (Once an Offer of Accommodation has been issued and further rejected, your full advance payment of $100 will be forfeited.)

Fees

How do I pay my residence fees?

Residence fees will be available to view on The Bridge. Please follow the payment methods:

• Online Bank Payment*: Proceed to your Bank’s website; create the University of Lethbridge as a new 'payee'. When asked for an account number, please quote your nine-digit U of L student ID number.
  *When choosing this option, allow 48 hours ahead of the deadline date for payment to reach the University. Please log in to The Bridge to review your student account.
• Debit Payment*:  Debit payments can be made at either of these two locations - Housing Services Office (C420 - University Hall) or Cash Office (AH144 - Anderson Hall)
  *Please ensure your debit limit has been increased from your financial institution to cover payment.
• International Student Payments: GlobalPay for Students (Ensure accurate payment of your housing fees, spend less time at your bank, and get the funds to the U of L fast) or PayMyTuition (The University of Lethbridge has partnered with PayMyTuition for international tuition payments. With PayMyTuition, you can pay your tuition payments from any bank, in any country, in any currency at better than bank exchange rates. PayMyTuition is fast, simple, and cost-effective.). Check to make sure you are able to use GlobalPay.
• Scholarship and Student Loans: Be sure to apply early if you are seeking financial assistance. Visit the Uleth Scholarships & Student Finance website for more information. 

 

When do I pay my residence fees?

Student housing fees are due on the Friday before Move-In day, and the first week of January for the Winter term. The housing fees are posted after you complete the Online Check-In in July.

 

Where can I check my residence fees?

You can view your housing fees by logging onto The Bridge and view your Student Account Summary by Term. You will need your Ulethbridge (Ulethbridge student ID and password) to log in. Please note that the balance reflects transactions processed as of the previous business day, and this information may not be available until after building assignments are announced. Transactions that have not yet been processed by the Cash Office will not be reflected on the statement, and as such, it may not be an up-to-date balance at the time of viewing.

 

What is included in my room rate?

Room rates include all utilities and are based on a two-term (single-student) contract. A large portion of your Housing fee is applied to utility bills (electricity, gas, and water). Please turn off your lights when not in use, conserve water whenever possible, and leave your windows closed during winter months to conserve heat and avoid the costly damage of frozen pipes. In addition to keeping your rent down, you are helping to do your part in our campus' commitment to going green. A utility surcharge may be levied to offset increased utility costs due to the effects of deregulation and the resulting inflationary impact. *Note: Fees listed are per bed / 4 month term.

 

When should my fees be paid?

Housing fees must be paid in full at the beginning of each term. However, your dining plan fees must be paid in full at the beginning of the academic year. 

 

Residence Refunds & Withdrawals

How do I withdraw from residence?

To withdraw from residence during the academic year, go to the Housing Office (C420 in University Hall) and fill out a cancellation form. 
 

Is there a fee for withdrawing from residence?

All students who choose to withdraw from residence will be charged a $400 fee for breaking their contract. 
 

What if I decide to cancel my residence offer before September?

There are several scenarios if you have decided to cancel your offer prior to September. See where you fit in:

• Rejecting your Offer of Accommodation: Written notice is required. Please email housing@uleth.ca. Your $60 application fee is non-refundable and your $100 deposit will be forfeited.
• Not responding to your Offer of Accommodation: You have not RESPONDED to your Offer of Accommodation email that was sent to your Ulethbridge email via DocuSign. Your $60 application fee is non-refundable and your $100 deposit will be forfeited.
• Accepting your Offer of Accommodation, provided confirmation funds, but have not moved in: Written notice is required. Please email housing@uleth.ca. Please note that if you have put down a Dining Plan deposit ($500.00) it is fully refundable.

Deadlines: 

Before July 1: 

• Charge: $700 
• Refund $300

Before July 15:

• Charge: $800
• Refund: $200

Before August 1:

• Charge: $900
• Refund: $100

On or after August 1:

• Charge: $1000
• Refund: $0

Admission declined by Registrar

• Charge: $0

What if I decide to transfer to Lethbridge College?

If after accepting residence accommodation here at ULethbridge Housing, the cancellation policy of $400 still applies. If you are in the Nursing program at Lethbridge College, you can still live in residence here at ULethbridge. 
 

What if I cancel after September? 

We understand that life happens and things happen that may require you to cancel after move-in day. These are the steps:

• Providing Housing with written notice: Must be completed and received by Housing Services on or before the last business day of the previous month to make the notice effective for the last day of the following month. Notice provided after the last business day of the month shall not be effective until the end of the following month.
• If you're withdrawing from the University, provide documentation from the Registrar's Office: Students withdrawing from the university mid-semester are required to provide notice as soon as they are aware that they are withdrawing. Withdrawing students are to follow the normal move-out procedures.
• Cancellation Fees APPLIED: A cancellation fee of $400.00 is assessed for breaking the contract. The charge applies in all instances, whether the student cancels his or her residency or the Housing Office initiates the cancellation.
  *Note: A minimum charge of $1000.00 will be assessed plus the cancellation fee.​

 

I'd like to cancel my offer. Are there any exceptions? 

Exemptions from cancellations penalties above may be considered under the following exceptions:

• You are not admitted to Ulethbridge: Waiver of cancellation penalties are considered in instances where incoming new students are not offered admission to the University of Lethbridge. Instances where current, continuing, or returning students are not admitted to a specific program by a Faculty or School does not constitute non-admittance by the University of Lethbridge and are therefore subject to the standard cancellation policy. Instances where students do not meet the academic requirements to continue in a program or instances where students are offered the opportunity to attend as open studies students do not constitute non-admittance by the University of Lethbridge and are therefore subject to the standard cancellation policy. 
• You have a substantiated medical condition preventing attendance to any Post-Secondary Institution: Official documentation must be forwarded to housing@uleth.ca. Examples of accepted documentation include a letter from a Physician or Registered Psychiatrist (Printed & signed on Clinic or Physician/Psychologist letterhead). As medical documentation submitted is required to waive cancellation penalties stipulated in the Single Student License Agreement (Housing Contract) or Offer of Accommodation, the standard for accepted documentation is high. Accepted documentation must confirm that a student has a substantiated medical condition that renders them unable to attend any post-secondary program during the contract period. Documentation must be provided to Housing Services within sixty (60) days of the end of the contract period. 
• International students: Who are denied their study permit or student visa. Written proof must be provided.

What is included with my Dining Plan?

The Dining Plan is comprised of two main components: base dollars and flex dollars.

Base Dollars allow you to purchase food from all Chartwells-operated dining outlets on campus. Base Dollar purchases are tax-free. Base Dollars are non-refundable. After May 1st, any remaining Base Dollars will be transferred into Flex Dollars. 

Flex Dollars allow you to purchase food from any Chartwells-operated dining outlet on campus, buy food via the After Hour's residence delivery program, and purchase at most Snack & Beverage vending machines on campus. All purchases are taxable (GST). Flex Dollars are no risk. Any Flex Dollars remaining at the end of the Academic Year will remain active on your student account for the duration of your time at the University of Lethbridge.
 

Do I have to purchase a Dining Plan?

If you choose to live on-campus during your first year and are located in a first year residence space room in University Hall, Piikani House, or Kainai House, the dining plan is mandatory.

• Students can use their dining plan at a number of locations all across campus, including Urban Market, Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Subway, Booster Juice, and more.
• Recent high school graduates may not opt out of the dining plan.
• Students living in Mt. Blakiston House, Siksika House, Tsuu T'ina House, or the Village have the choice to purchase an optional Dining Plan

 

What options are available to me if I have money left on my meal plan at the end of the academic year?

So long as you are a student at the U of L, any leftover dining plan dollars transfer to Flex Funds on your dining plan card.  If you leave the U of L, any leftover dining plan funds will be transferred to Bridge Bucks and are refundable through the Cash Office. This will be verified prior to being refunded. 

 

Can I continue to use my flex dollars if I am not living on campus anymore?

Yes! If you are still a U of L student (In Lethbridge) you can still use your Flex Fund dollars while living off-campus.

 

How can I check my Dining Plan balance?

Log into myfunds using your university username and password to see your Base & Flex dollar account balance.

 

If I return to residence, where will my remaining funds go?

The remaining dollars transfer to Flex Fund Dollars and can be used while you are a student who is still attending the U of L.

 

I have decided not to return to ULethbridge, how do I get my remaining funds back?

If you choose to not return or graduate, any remaining dollars on your dining plan will transfer to Bridge Bucks and can be refunded through the Cash Office.   

How am I assigned to a Residence building?

After you’ve submitted your Housing Application Profile Questionnaire, and paid the $160 application fee, you will be put on a waitlist in our system. We send out our first round of offers after January 15th for the first round of continuing students. This is done through our housing application program which places students together based on their profile questionnaire answers. The program considers the information that you provide in the online profile questionnaire, including lifestyle, building, and roommate preferences, as well as other information you tell us about yourself. Requested roommates are placed together provided ALL parties mutually request each other.  When your number is drawn, we will assign you to your first-choice residence building, if it is not yet at capacity. If your first choice building is full, we will assign you to your second choice, and so on. We cannot disclose your ranking, but we assure you that we take your lifestyle preferences into consideration when placing you.

We reserve the right to assign rooms based on availability. Although you are given the option to tell us where you prefer to be placed, we are unable to guarantee that you will be placed in a building that is among your preferred choices. Placement in the building of your last choice is a possibility based on situations of high demand.

 

Does completing my Housing application and submitting the deposit early give me an advantage in the building selection process?

Completing your Housing application and submitting your deposit early does not give you an advantage in the building selection process. However, we do recommend submitting your Housing application on the day it opens (September 15), as it allows time for you to change your choices, as well as familiarize yourself with the questions and residence expectations (link here to handbook).

 

When will I know my room assignment?

You will find out your room assignment and your roommate's name when you arrive. We are unable to inform you of either your room location or your roommate's name until that time because we will be assigning rooms right up until move-in day. Your room style will be indicated on your offer of accommodation.

 

Can I move to a different Residence building if it’s not the one I want?

We understand that not getting your first-choice building may be disappointing, but we assure you, that we work very hard to ensure the Residence experience and amenities are equal across all buildings. Regardless of what building you are in, fostering community is our priority. Residence Assistants (RAs) live alongside you to facilitate academic programming and connect you to exclusive resources.

There are often no vacancies in residence for the first academic term. Therefore, building and room changes are only considered (or required) after the second week of classes. These switches occur at the discretion of the Residence Life Management Team under exceptional circumstances. You will be charged or credited accordingly for any differences in room rates between residence rooms and/or buildings. Roommate mediation will always be the first choice of resolution to any requests for change due to a roommate dispute. There is a $50 fee for submitting a room change request.

 

Can I live in a single room?

Single rooms are assigned based on factors such as specific needs, age, etc. If you require accommodation due to health or accessibility concerns or other factors, please contact Housing right away. 

In some cases, students who requested a single room but were placed in a double room may still be moved if a suitable vacancy occurs. If you are moved from double- to single-room accommodation prior to your move-in day, you will be notified through your ULethbridge provided e-mail, and your residence fees will be adjusted accordingly. Any moves from double- to single-room accommodation after move-in day will be at the discretion of the Residence Life Management Team.

If you are moved from a double to a single room, you will be responsible for paying the single-room rate, which will be prorated from the time the offer of single-room accommodation is accepted.

How are roommates assigned?

Roommates are assigned based on compatibility through the algorithm of the questionnaire on the housing application.  Requested roommates are placed together provided they are mutually requested where possible.   Roommate requests are not guaranteed in the event a student is not eligible for a room style (continuing vs first year), and if a unit has already been filled  (late applications, etc.). We make every effort to match people with similar lifestyle habits, such as whether they study with or without music, whether they prefer to go to bed early, how tidy they prefer their surroundings and more. We recommend you fill out your Profile Questionnaire honestly so we can match you accurately.

 

Can I request a roommate?

Yes! You certainly can. On your Housing application, there is a spot where you can request living with a specific person. To be considered, you both:

• Must be eligible to live in the same buildings and rooms
• Mutually request one another
• Fill out the lifestyle portion of the housing application with the same criteria

Students who wish to live together can be placed together as roommates if they meet the criteria above; however, roommate requests are not guaranteed.

 

Does my roommate have to be the same gender as me?

As part of our commitment to diversity(check handbook), we are pleased to offer both single-gender and all-gender housing options, enhancing flexibility so all students feel comfortable in the place they call home.

If a student chooses the 'all-gender housing' option when completing the online Profile Questionnaire, we will not consider their gender identity when placing them in a room or suite with other student(s). They will be matched with someone else based on their lifestyle preferences (tidiness, study habits, bedtime, etc.). As a result, they may be assigned a roommate or suitemate(s) who identifies as the same gender, or with someone whose gender identity is different than theirs. All-gender housing is an opt-in process, and accommodations will be available based on demand.

Many students do not choose a roommate and are matched with a roommate based on the applicable information they provide. Roommate requests are given the highest priority above all other requests.

 

What if I don't know anyone to request as my roommate?

Many students do not choose a roommate and are matched with a roommate based on the applicable information they provide on the Profile Questionnaire. Don't worry, we've received many compliments about our roommate-matching process!

 

When do I find out who my roommate is?

You can offer to share your contact information with your future roommate after August 15th. Due to FOIP, we do not give out roommate information without permission. Mutually requested roommate requests are notified if their requests are granted on their Offer of Accommodation.   

 

What if my roommate and I don’t get along?

Sharing a room is just like any other relationship: it requires openness, flexibility, and respect to be effective. It's important to communicate openly with your roommate right from the start and constructively work through disagreements.

Residence Assistants (RAs) are there to support both of you and will help mediate disagreements. Room changes are arranged by Campus Life Housing Coordinators only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted as there is little to no room availability to make switches for the first month or so of the academic year. Thankfully, mediation is successful in the majority of roommate disputes, when it comes to this. While getting along may not always be easy, it's certainly worthwhile.

What can I have in my room?

What you can have in your room depends on the building and room you are living in. Please refer to our Move-In Planning Guide for more detailed information on what to bring on move-in day.

 

Is On Campus Housing safe?

Student safety is important to us. Ulethbridge goes to great lengths to provide a residence community where everyone is safe from harm. The front doors of each residence are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week with entry by student card.  Campus Security is available 24/7 and residents will also have access to a RAD (Residence Assistant on Duty) during the evenings and weekends, and holidays. Read more about Safety & Security (refer handbook here) in Residence.

 

Are there rules in Residence?

While the rules of buildings and spaces may differ, the desire for an atmosphere where everyone considers fellow residents, student wellbeing, academic excellence, and community remains a priority. All rules and community guidelines can be found in the Residence Handbook which all residents should familiarize themselves with upon arrival.

Can I vape in my room or common room?

No. Vaping as with smoking, bongs, etc. is prohibited in ALL indoor spaces on campus. Legalized substances can only be smoked by folks in designated smoking spaces who are over the age of 18.

 

Can I store my bike in Residence?

Bicycle rental storage is available through the Sport and Wellness Centre. 

 

Can I park my car at my Residence?

Yes, however resident parking passes are in high demand and sell out quickly. Passes are available through the online check in process in July and are NOT allocated in accordance with building location, but rather on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you have missed the online check-in, you may purchase a parking permit through Campus Mobility.

 

Are laundry machines available in Residence?

Yes, card-activated laundry facilities are available in each facility on campus. Laundry is $2.00 per load per wash and dry cycle and is payable via Bridge Bucks on your student ID card.  Residence room charge covers all utilities (water, heat, electricity), and wired/wireless internet.

 

What if something in my room needs repairing?

If you have a room maintenance request, including concerns with extreme heat or cold, please submit an online maintenance request. Housing has a team of maintenance staff  who work to maintain a safe and attractive living environment for students. They will direct your request to the appropriate maintenance personnel for their consideration. While maintenance will try to contact you to arrange a suitable time to complete any necessary repairs, occasionally it may be necessary for maintenance personnel to enter your room to do work whether or not you are present.

 

Can I get mail/parcels delivered to Residence?

Mail/parcels are delivered to Shipping and Receiving on campus and processed the following business day. Please allow up to 24 hours for us to receive your parcels.  Each resident will receive an email to their uLethbridge account once we receive their parcels. To retrieve your package you must provide identification. We ask that you pick up your parcels within 48 hours. When receiving PERISHABLE MEAL DELIVERY KITS we will store your meal kit for a maximum of 24 hours, due to limited refrigeration space. You can call or email the Housing Office to arrange for someone else to pick it up on your behalf. For building addresses, view our Contact Us page.

Where do I get takeout delivered to Residence?

For takeout deliveries to your residence, you can use services like SkipTheDishes or Save-On-Foods. Please note that all deliveries must be picked up from the front entrance lobby stored on the shelves. For UHall, pick up is just outside the housing office.

I am a parent/guardian. How do I get information about my child in residence?

Please note that the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) prohibits us from sharing or discussing a student's file with anyone other than the individual student, including parents and guardians. In accordance with this legislation, any monetary refunds will be made directly to the student. Students are responsible for any outstanding accounts (Registrars' Office, Cash Office). If students wish to have us share information with a Parent or Guardian, they must contact our office and provide the proper authorization. The student may contact U of L FOIP Office for more information.
 

How do I send mail to my student?

Find your student's mailing address here. Please be aware we cannot provide a room number to anyone; however, if the parcel/letter is clearly addressed to the residence building they live in with your student’s name we will ensure it is delivered to the appropriate assigned room. All student mail and parcels are received by the shipping and receiving department on campus to be sorted and delivered to Housing Services Office the following day. Please provide at least an extra 24 hrs after delivery to campus for mail to reach your student. Students can pick up parcels at the Housing Office (C420) in University Hall during office hours.

We also offer the Hugs from Home program every fall. It is a way for parents to connect with and support their students near the end of the fall term when papers are due and final exams are around the corner. This time of year can be very stressful and tough to be away from family, it also doesn't help that the days get shorter. It is the perfect time to send your love and encouragement with a Hug from Home!  If you wish to send your student a gift of support and encouragement you can purchase a gift from the ULeth Bookstore.

I'd like to stay connected with what is happening in Residence, how do I do this?

Feel free to follow us on Social Media via Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.