Keele Undergraduate Moving Information - Housing & Conference Services

Welcome to York University's Moving Information Hub! This is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about transitioning in and out of campus housing. Whether you're preparing to move-in or getting ready to move-out, we provide all the essential details and guidelines to make your experience smooth and hassle-free.

You can also connect with Housing & Conference Services, Residence Life, and your peers by liking YorkU Undergraduate Residence on Facebook, following us on Instagram, and by joining the Undergraduate Residence Facebook group.

Fall

Move-in date:
August 24, 2025 (first year)
September 2, 2025 (upper year)

Winter

Move-in date:
January 3, 2026

Summer

Move-in date:
TBA

Quick Tips:

Submit an early arrival request form if required (Fall only)
Know your key pick-up location
Fill out your move-in inspection report within 72 hours of moving in
Attend your orientation (Fall only)

*Please note that there is a strict no guest policy during orientation week.

Before move-in day

Students will have picked their room assignment in the Room Selection module or have received their room assignment via email. Students may log into the Housing Portal to confirm their room assignment. Please ensure you have added undergradres@yorku.ca as a recognized sender.

Don't wait—apply for your YU-card online early to avoid delays! First, ensure you're enrolled in courses. Then, review the picture requirements and upload a good selfie. Once approved, add your YU-card to your smartphone. If you don't have an approved YU-card application 2 weeks before move in, you might face delays in getting your YU-card and accessing services like the Dining Plan, residence buildings, laundry, and more.

Please visit the YU-Card Application page to apply for your YU Card.

If you cannot make move-in day, you can move-in during our business hours from Mon-Fri. If you face any extenuating circumstances, please contact us at undergradres@yorku.ca.

Students moving in on move-in day will be given a timeslot via email.

Move-in date and timeslot can be confirmed on the Housing Portal Home page. If there is no timeslot, you can move in during business hours.

If you require earlier accommodations due to extenuating circumstances, please have your supporting documentation available and complete the Early Arrival Request Form 2 weeks before move in day. Requests submitted after this date will be charged the Early Arrival Late Application Fee ($100). Please note that applications will be reviewed but approvals are not guaranteed.

Early move-in requests will not be accepted if submitted less than one week before move in day.

Note: Early move-in is only available for the Fall semester.

Any incoming resident who does not check into their room by the first day of classes and has not notified Housing & Conference Services by email of their late arrival, will lose their room reservation and will incur a no-show fee of $500.00 to their student account. Please email undergradres@yorku.ca to let us know of your late arrival.

If you need to arrive after 4:30pm, please inform our office of your request to arrive late by emailing undergradres@yorku.ca at least 48 hours prior your arrival, and we will give you instructions for after-hours move-ins. Please note we cannot accommodate move-ins later than 10:00pm. After Hours Arrivals will only be considered between move in day until the end of the second week of classes.

Heads up! During Orientation, overnight guests—including parents, guardians, or other family members—are not permitted to stay in residence. We want to make sure all students have the space and support they need to settle in and connect with their new community.

If your family plans to stay nearby, we recommend making accommodation arrangements in advance, as local hotels and lodgings can fill up quickly during move-in season. Thanks for helping us create a smooth and welcoming start for everyone!

Here are some options close to campus:

Executive Learning Centre (on campus)
Holiday Inn Express (11 mins by car, 40 mins by public transit)
Staybridge Suites Toronto - Vaughan South (11 mins by car, 25 mins by public transit)
Four Points by Sheraton Vaughan (10 mins by car, 28 mins by public transit)

Students may ship their belongings to residence after their move-in date. Housing offices will only accept packages from Canada Post and Purolator that are received by Central Mailing Services.

Instructions	Example
Full name York University, 4700 Keele Street Residence building and room number Toronto, ON M3J 1P3	Alex Smith York University, 4700 Keele Street Bethune Residence 215 Toronto, ON M3J 1P3

Students living in undergraduate residence will receive the Property and Liability Insurance insurance coverage included in their residence fees. For more information on what is included in the insurance, please go to our Student Property and Liability Insurance - Undergraduate Residence page.

Students may opt to have additional insurance through their own provider or their parents home insurance as well. The University does not take responsibility for any personal items that are lost or damaged in residence due to theft, fire, floods or other incidents beyond our control.

Packing list

A quick message or video chat helps break the ice and plan your space. Discuss décor and who’s bringing items like a mini-fridge or rug to avoid duplicates and make move-in smoother—plus, it’s a great start to building a strong roommate relationship!

Storage space is limited, please bring only the essentials. To help you prepare, we've put together two convenient lists!

Traditional-style residence packing list

Suite-style residence packing list

For photos on what your room may look like please visit the residence buildings and gallery page.

Clearly mark all of your items with your first and last name and room number.

Purchase stylish bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen items, at great student-friendly pricing. Residence Linens has a variety of items that will turn your room into your second home! Order online at Residence Linens and your items will be delivered to your residence before move-in day.

Enjoy the convenience of your own fridge in residence! Coldex will deliver your fridge before you move in and pick up your fridge after you leave. Order your fridge rental online at Coldex. Note: community fridges have limited space in traditional style residences. It is strongly recommended that you bring or rent a mini fridge.

You will need to bring valid government-issued photo ID or YU-card in order to move-in. Valid ID would include a passport, drivers license, Ontario ID Card (or equivalent) or YU-Card.

Move in day

First year students: Aug. 24, 2025

Time	Event
9:00 am - 3:00 pm	Residence Move-in
3:00pm - 4:00pm	Unpacking and getting settled
4:00pm - 4:15pm	Head to Residence Orientation
4:15pm -9:00pm	Residence Orientation

Upper year students: Sept. 2, 2025

Time	Event
9:00 am - 4:00 pm	Residence Move-in
4:00pm - 5:45pm	Unpacking and getting settled
5:45pm - 6:00pm	Head to Residence Orientation
6:00pm -9:00pm	Residence Orientation

All Winter intake students: Jan 3, 2026

Time	Event
9:00 am - 4:00 pm	Residence Move-in
4:00pm - onwards	Unpacking and getting settled

Please review our Transit & Driving Directions. Only one vehicle per student during move in.

Direct yourself to your Key Pick-Up Location.

Keys are only issued to the student resident (no exceptions)
Must show YU-card or government issued photo ID for verification
Once verified, you will receive your welcome package, residence access card and room keys

Maps

We ask that only the student checking in visit the key pick-up location. All students are required to understand and adhere to the electronic lock operating instructions.

First-year move-in day August 24, 2025
Residence	Pick-Up Location (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Atkinson Suites and Tatham Hall	Housing Services Office 108 McLaughlin College
Founders Residence	Satellite Check-in Desk Founders Residence
Vanier Residence	Satellite Check-in Desk Vanier Residence
Winters Residence	Satellite Check-in Desk Winters Residence
Pond Residence	Satellite Check-in Desk Pond Residence
Bethune, Calumet & Stong Residence	Satellite Check-in Desk Stong Dining Hall

Summer Key-pick up All other dates
Residence	Pick-Up Location (M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Buildings TBC	Housing Services Office 108 McLaughlin College

*Please note: if you are approved to move-in after-hours, please follow the instructions in your approval email for key pick-up.

After picking up your key, proceed directly to your residence.
Unloading Area: There is a designated space near the entrance for quick unloading.
Time Limit: Parking near residence buildings is temporary. Be ready to unload quickly and then move your vehicle to a nearby lot.
Your Responsibility: Staff and volunteers (volunteers are only available on Fall first-year move-in day) are available for guidance, but you are responsible for moving your belongings.
Elevator Access: Not all residences have elevators—stairs may be required. Pack light and easy-to-carry items.
Traffic Circles: These are emergency/fire routes. They may be used for unloading on move-in day, but do not leave your vehicle unattended. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed or towed.

Complimentary parking will be provided in the parking lots indicated on the move-in map for first year student move-in day on August 24, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. only.

Students moving in on all other days should contact Parking Services for a short-term move-in pass that can be used during the move-in period.

PLEASE NOTE: Traffic circles outside buildings are designated emergency/fire routes. While they can be used for unloading on move-in days, please do NOT leave your vehicle unattended for any length of time. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed or towed.

After move in

Undergraduate residence room inventory and condition report:

Complete and submit the report within 72 hours of move-in.
Accurately note the room’s condition, including any existing damages.
This report will be used at move-out to determine if damage charges apply.
Report any concerns to Housing & Conference Services promptly.
Failure to submit may result in charges for unreported damages.

These forms will be available for you on move-in day.

You can connect to the internet using the instructions on the UIT Internet Access page.

Safety first! Decorations must not block or hang from smoke detectors, fire alarms, or sprinklers. Tampering with fire safety equipment can lead to serious consequences.

Pro tip: Use 3M hooks and other removable hangers. Avoid tape, nails, screws, or stickers—they can damage walls and furniture. Painting is also not allowed. At the end of the year, all decorations must be removed, and any damage will be charged to your account.

One of the best parts of move-in is meeting the people you’ll share your space with! Say hi, swap stories, and maybe decorate together. Keep an open mind—kindness and curiosity go a long way in creating a fun, welcoming home.

After unpacking, take a quick tour! Find essentials like washrooms, laundry, and garbage/recycling areas. Check out common spaces—they’re great for studying or meeting new friends. Say hi to neighbours along the way! The more you explore, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

Once you’re settled, take a walk around campus—your new backyard! Find your classrooms, the library, and cozy study spots. Check out dining halls, cafés, and hidden gems for snacks or meals. Discovering your favourite spots are part of the adventure!

First year students - August 24, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Your Don will let you know exactly where to meet, so keep an ear out and get excited to kick things off. Orientation is a great chance to meet fellow residents, learn the ropes, and start building your campus community. Before you head out, take a moment to say goodbye to your parents or guardians. It’s a big step for everyone, and a hug, a smile, or a quick photo can make it extra special. You’ve got this—and your new adventure is just beginning!

Upper year students - September 2, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Residence Life hosts a variety of events and activities in our Residence Orientation to help you get settled into your community, make new connections, and learn about some ways to have a successful year at York University! Residents are expected to participate in all Residence Orientation programming to support their transition to residence. Check out the schedule below:

Time	Activity
6 to 8 p.m.	Mandatory House Meeting—connect with your Don and fellow residents after Orientation Week, meet the new and upper year residents who moved in, and set shared expectations for your community!
8 to 9 p.m.	Community Builders—participate in games and activities while meeting other residents and the other Dons from your building!

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

All bedrooms in Undergraduate Residence are furnished with window coverings, a single bed and mattress, desk, chair, dresser, closet, lamp, and a waste/recycling bin.

The average size of a single room is about 8.5' x 12.5' (106 sq. ft.). A double room is approximately twice the size of a single room.

Single bed mattresses in residence rooms are 6”H x 36” W x 78” L in dimensions. Mattresses in Calumet Residence are slightly wider: 6”H x 40” W x 78” L.

Yes, each resident will have access to wired and wireless Internet, at no extra cost. Internet service is provided through York’s University Information Technology Department (UIT).

No, students are encouraged to bring a cell phone with them or subscribe to phone services through York’s InRes Services at an additional monthly fee.

Traditional residences have common rooms with lounge furniture and a TV. Most common rooms also offer additional amenities such as a microwave and fridge. Students living in a suite-style residence building will also have access to a shared common room with lounge furniture.

Yes, there are laundry facilities available in each residence building. Students use their YU-card “Flex Account” to pay for washer/dryer machines; The cost is $1.75 for washers and $1.50 for a dryer, per each use. High efficiency laundry detergent should be used in the washing machines.

In traditional-style residences, approximately 20 students per floor may share common washrooms. Most residence floors/suites are mixed-gender but also most of our traditional-style buildings have single bathrooms on each floor.

There is sufficient space for everyone and there are privacy locks on every shower door and toilet stall. Students have varying class schedules, so they are rarely using the washrooms at the same time.

In the traditional-style residences, custodial staff provides basic cleaning of washrooms, lobbies, stairwells and corridors during the week and some light cleaning during weekends. However, cleanliness of communal areas such as the kitchens and common lounges is the joint responsibility of all those who use the space. In suite-style residences, students have a shared responsibility for the cleanliness of the communal areas (kitchen, living room and bathroom/s).

In order to adhere to Health and Safety regulations, maintain a standard of cleanliness and create a hospitable environment for everyone, residents are responsible for keeping their room/suite in a clean and orderly condition. Housing conducts inspections of suite-style residences to ensure students are maintaining common spaces to adhere to Health and Safety regulations.

Incoming residents (except those in suite-style accommodations) must purchase a dining plan upon accepting their housing offer. Through the dining plan, students have the flexibility of purchasing meals and snacks through over 40 food outlets on campus. They are comprised of traditional cafeterias and independent restaurants that offer home-style cooking, a variety of healthy food choices, vegetarian and vegan dishes, international flavours, kosher or halal meals and lots more! Check out the Dining Directory and information about the Dining Plans.

Your dining plan is activated on August 24 for new students and September 2 for upper-year students. If you plan to arrive in residence earlier than this date, please budget some cash for your food expenses for the day/s that you are unable to access your dining plan funds.

Yes, there are limited early move in dates and late move in options in the Fall semester only. Please check the Before Your Arrival tab above.

We encourage you to limit the number of people who are there to help you move to only those who are essential. We suggest you bring ONE vehicle with you for your move. Fewer people in our residence buildings will make everyone’s move quicker and more efficient.
Once you have finished moving everything to your room, it is important to move your vehicle out of the loading area immediately to keep traffic flowing.

Now that you’re moved in, it’s time to enjoy all that campus has to offer! Saying goodbye is hard, but we are here to support you. We encourage your family to say their goodbyes after you have moved-in. However, they are welcome to take a walk on campus, or grab a bite to eat.

Please ensure that your car is moved to your designated parking lot before exploring campus to avoid being towed!

Depending on your room assignment, your residence mailing address should be written as:

Instructions	Example
Full name York University, 4700 Keele Street Residence building and room number Toronto, ON M3J 1P3	Alex Smith York University, 4700 Keele Street Bethune Residence 215 Toronto, ON M3J 1P3

Housing offices will only accept packages from Canada Post and Purolator that are received by Central Mailing Services.

The first digit(s) of the room number will denote which floor a room is on. For example, if you have been assigned “Room 703”, you will be living on the 7^th floor; if you have been assigned “Room 1221”, you will be living on the 12^th floor, etc.

In Calumet Residence, room numbers begin with the House, then the Floor number. For example, “UC-03-4A” means that you will be living in House 3, on the 4^th floor.

Yes. All guests must be signed in and must provide photo ID (official government ID or passport). Residents are responsible for their guest(s) at all times.

Residents are expected to exercise common courtesy towards their fellow roommates/suitemates by being considerate of their need for personal space and quiet. Residents must get consent from their roommate/suitemate before planning to have a guest over. Guest privileges can be revoked or paused at any time. Please refer to the Residence Handbook for information about guest policies.

Please note that residents are not allowed to have guests during Orientation week. Guest sign-in will commence at 7:00pm on September 3, 2025.

Residents are not allowed to have guests during Orientation week. Guest sign-in will commence at 7:00pm on September 3, 2025.

At the heart of a great residence experience is a shared commitment to respect, safety, and community. That’s why our Housing and Residence Life teams work closely together to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. To help you settle in and understand what’s expected, we encourage you to read the Residence Handbook. It’s your go-to guide for important policies, community standards, and helpful tips for living on campus. Taking a few minutes to get familiar with it now will help you feel more confident and connected as you start this exciting chapter!

Moving Out

Students must vacate residence within 24 hours of their final class or exam, or by the Check-Out Date listed in the occupancy agreement at 12 p.m., whichever comes first.

Note: Students living in residence for the full academic year (September–April) are required to vacate during the winter break unless they have received prior approval to stay. You do not need to remove your belongings; they may remain in your room. For up-to-date details, please visit the Winter Break information page.

Fall

Move out date:
Dec. 19, 2025

Winter

Move out date:
April 25, 2025

Summer

Move out date:
To be determined

It is important to leave your room and common areas in clean, damage-free, and furnished condition. Housing staff will conduct move-out inspections using the information from the room inventory and condition report that students completed upon move-in. Charges may be assessed for any cleaning, missing items or damages that were not reported at move-in.

Any personal items left in residence rooms will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of. Residents may also be charged removal costs if applicable.

If you're planning to return next year and need storage for your personal items, we recommend arranging with off-campus storage vendors.

Any applicable cleaning, damage, unreturned/lost keys, and late move-out charges will be assessed on your student account. We encourage you to check for any outstanding balances following the move-out period and to make payments to avoid financial blocks that will prevent future enrolment, return to residence for the following term and/or graduation.

Prepare your room/suite for the move-out inspection by following the items below.

Dispose of all garbage and recycling material, including food stored in fridges, freezers and cupboards.
Empty garbage and recycling bins in room.
Where possible, vacuum/sweep the room/suite.
Return all residence furnishing to its original setting.
Check all drawers and closets and remove all personal belongings.
Remove any posters, artwork and tape/hooks from all surfaces in room/suite including doors.
Clean bathrooms (for residents living in suites): tub, showers, toilet, and sinks.
Clean the kitchen (for residents living in suites): sink, countertops, stove/cook top and cupboards.
Close and lock all windows, as well as the room/suite door.
Turn off radiator and lights.
Empty mailbox before returning the keys.

After you move out, Housing & Conference Services will stop accepting mail and packages on your behalf, so please make sure to empty your mailbox before leaving. Any mail for former residents will be held at York Mailing Services for around 2 weeks before being returned to the sender. Since Canada Post doesn’t recognize change of address from universities, residence mail cannot be redirected. For any questions, feel free to reach out to York mailing services at 416-736-5572.

Vacating residents must also:

Notify correspondents about their change of address. This includes agencies (e.g. for income tax returns, GST cheques...) and York University departments.
Change their home/mailing address on student records by contacting the Registrar’s Office.
If moving to York Apartments (Assiniboine, Atkinson, Passy), promptly notify senders of the new address. *York apartments mail is serviced externally by Canada Post and mail from undergraduate residence will not be redirected by the York mailing service.

Please return all keys and key cards (issued upon move-in) to your housing services office drop box. Please do not deposit loose keys or keycards. Instead, place all keys and the key card together in a sealed envelope labeled with your name and room number and then deposit them into the drop box at your housing services office. Please do not leave your keys in your room or ask friends or residence dons to return them for you, as delays caused by these actions may result in charges.

HOUSING OFFICES
For Atkinson, Founders, Vanier, Tatham, Winters (complex 1)
108 McLaughlin College

For Bethune, Calumet, Pond, Stong (complex 2)
101 Bethune College

Repair Charges	Fee
Carpet stains/holes	$200.00+
Paintings/holes (per wall)	$25.00+
Mattress	$125.00+
Sofa	$150.00+
Chair (each)	$130.00+
Table (each)	$180.00+
Disposal of garbage & personal belongings	$50.00+
Cleaning charges	$50.00+
Garbage disposal charges	$50.00+

*Each room/suite will be inspected upon move-out. Damage/cleaning charges (if applicable) are posted on the vacating resident's student account.

An improper move-out fee of $100 will be charged for keys or keycards that are not returned on the day of move-out.

If you have special circumstances and need to stay after your last exam, please complete the late move-out request form by April 6, 2025. Requests made after April 6, 2025 will be charged the $100 Late Application fee. Late move outs past April 26, 2025 will be charged the Late Departure Fee of $50 per night. Requests for move-out extensions will not be accepted after April 23, 2025. To access the form, sign in using your PPY username without "my." (e.g., use smith123@yorku.ca instead of smith123@my.yorku.ca).

Move out extensions are not approved unless you have received an email outlining your approved extension.

Please note:

If you wish to remain in residence during the summer months, applications for on-campus summer residence are currently being accepted. Please visit the summer residence page for more information.
Residents with a history of infractions against residence policies may be denied an extension.
Residents that are granted extension permission and violate community standards will revoke their rights to stay and will be asked to vacate immediately.

During house meetings closer to the move-out period, residence dons will review important move-out information and perform periodic checks to ensure residents follow their obligations as per their residence occupancy agreement. Residents who fail to move out on time will be asked to leave residence and may be assessed a $100 improper move-out fee. All residence keys will expire on your scheduled move out date at noon.

Exam period policies

Extended quiet hours for exams will start on Study Day at 8:00am as noted on York University's Important Dates website for the relevant term. Courtesy hours are 7-9pm daily. Please help maintain a study-friendly environment. For noise concerns, contact the don on duty.

Moving into summer residence and York apartments

Residents moving to summer residence or York apartments will be contacted by Housing & Conference Services about their specific moving date and procedures.

Returning to undergraduate residence next fall

Residents planning to return for the following fall/winter term should submit their housing applications as early as possible to increase their chances of getting a space. Application for the next term launches early February each year. Visit apply for residence for more information.