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Prospective Keele Undergraduate Moving Information

Welcome to Keele Undergraduate Residence!

We are excited you have chosen York Residences to be your “home” for the next year!

We look forward to welcoming you to the safe and exciting residence community at York University’s Keele Campus. Living in residence is an incredible opportunity and we hope that residence becomes your home away from home for the next few months.

We would like to remind you that the Housing & Conference Services and Residence Life teams here to assist your transition into campus life and to connect you with the campus resources to help you succeed.

Before you arrive, there are a few important details we would like you to note to ensure you are move-in ready. Please read the following information carefully and if you have any questions or concerns before you arrive to campus, contact us by phone at 416-736-5152 or email at undergradres@yorku.ca.

Things to do before moving-in

Enroll in courses

Start with YU START!

Register for York 101

Register

Get your YU-card

YU-card Office

Sign-up for Canada Post Flex Delivery

Learn more

Buy your books and texts

Bookstore

Order your linens

Get them delivered directly to your room before you arrive!

Pre-order Your mini fridge

Available through Coldex

Move-in Information

We are excited to welcome you on move-in day for Winter 2026!

Move-in Day for First Year residents will be on Saturday January 3, 2026, between 9:00am and 4:00pm.

Below you will find everything you need to know about moving into residence! Make sure to read all of the information below so you are prepared for move-in!

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 by December 10, 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.

Move-in day for first year students is January 3, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm. 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.

Early move-in requests are not available for Winter 2026.

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.

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 (please note York University is closed December 24, 2025 until January 5, 2026 and email inboxes will not be monitored during that time), 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 January 3 and January 11.

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:

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.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Canada Post Flex Delivery, a free service that provides a safe, secure shipping address for packages from Amazon and other retailers that allows for students to pick up items from the York University Bookstore.

InstructionsExample
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

Pick up your packages when you are ready! Upon moving in this year, residents are highly encouraged to sign up for Canada Post Flex Delivery. Packages ordered from any provider that will ship to a PO Box (including Amazon) can be arranged to be picked up at York Lanes' Canada Post outlet on campus at your most convenient time.

Upon signing up, Canada Post will give you a unique delivery address to be used instead of your residence address and packages then show up to the Canada Post outlet of your choice. When selecting your Flex Delivery location, search for Postal Code M3J 1P3 and then zoom in to click on the location that says, “YORK UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE 4700 KEELE ST NORTH YORK ON”. To sign up, or learn more about this service, please go to the Canada Post Flex Delivery website

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.

A quick message or video chat can go a long way in breaking the ice and getting excited together! It’s also a great time to chat about how you’d like to decorate your space and figure out who’s bringing what—like a mini-fridge, rug, or extra lighting. Coordinating ahead of time helps avoid duplicates and makes move-in day smoother for everyone. Plus, it’s the first step in building a great roommate relationship!

Storage space is limited in residence, so we recommend bringing 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.

This is the schedule for January 3, 2026

TimeEvent
9:00 am - 4:00 pmResidence Move-in
3:00pm - 4:00pmUnpacking and getting settled

To keep things smooth and stress-free on move-in day, we kindly ask that each resident brings just one vehicle.

There are many ways to get to campus - check out the Transit & Driving Directions for details!

Upon arrival to campus, please make your way to your Key Pick-Up Location. We have both an interactive campus map and a move-in specific campus map to assist you. Only the student checking in should visit the Key Pick-up Location. Please be prepared to show your YU-card or government issued photo ID. Once your ID has been verified, you will receive your welcome package which will include your residence access card and room keys.

For your safety and security, it is important that you bring valid government-issued photo ID or YU-card with you on Move-in Day. To protect your privacy, we are unable to issue keys to parents, relatives, friends or representatives.

We ask that only the student checking in visit the key pick-up location.

ResidenceKey Pick-Up Locations
(9:00am - 4:00pm)
Atkinson Suites and Tatham HallHousing Services Office
Complex 1 - 108 McLaughlin College
Founders ResidenceHousing Services Office
Complex 1 - 108 McLaughlin College
Vanier ResidenceHousing Services Office
Complex 1 - 108 McLaughlin College
Winters ResidenceHousing Services Office
Complex 1 - 108 McLaughlin College
Pond ResidenceHousing Services Office
Complex 2 - 101 Bethune College
Bethune, Calumet & Stong ResidenceHousing Services Office
Complex 2 - 101 Bethune College

** Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays and school holidays.

The electronic lock operating instructions contains essential information on your role in maintaining a safe environment in residence and how to properly take care of your keys and room locks. You will be asked to acknowledge this agreement as you receive your keys.

After picking up your key, you may proceed to your residence. There is allocated space for cars to pull up near the entrance to unload.

The time allotted for parking near the residence buildings will be restricted and students should be prepared to unload their belongings quickly and then move their vehicles to a nearby parking lot.

Although staff and volunteers are here to help guide and support your move, you are responsible for moving your own belongings into residence. Not all residences are equipped with elevators, so you may need to use stairs. To make the process easier, try to pack in a way that keeps items light and easy to carry.

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.

August 24, 2025 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Complimentary parking will be provided in the parking lots indicated on the move-in map.

Other dates/times: Students moving in outside August 24, 2025 9:00 am – 4:00 pm hours 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.

Once you have moved your belongings into the building and have parked your car, it's time to unpack your belongings into your new home!

Undergraduate residence room inventory and condition report: The undergraduate residence room inventory and condition report needs to be completed and submitted within 72 hours of your move-in. As you fill out this form, please ensure that it accurately reflects the condition of the room/unit you are moving in to - including small damages (if applicable). At the end of your residence contract, upon move out, this document will serve as Housing & Conference Services basis on whether to charge you for damages found in your room/unit upon move out inspection. It is important that you bring to Housing & Conference Services team attention any other concerns you may have within your room. Failing to submit the Room Inventory may result in charges applied to your account upon on moving out for any unreported damages.

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

  • Unpack Essentials First
    • Start with bedding, toiletries, and a change of clothes—you’ll feel more at home right away.
  • Set Up Your Sleep Space
    • Make your bed cozy with your favorite pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals. It’s your new comfort zone!
  • Organize Your Desk
    • Arrange your school supplies, laptop, and any decorations to create a productive and inspiring workspace.
  • Sort and Store Smartly
    • Use bins, drawers, and storage to keep things tidy and maximize your space.
  • Hang Up Clothes
    • Get your closet in order so you’re not digging through bags all week.

Moving into residence is your chance to create a space that feels like home! Here’s how you can safely and respectfully decorate your room while keeping things cozy, creative, and compliant.

Feel free to express yourself—just keep it respectful and inclusive. Avoid posting anything that could be offensive or upsetting to others.

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.

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

Meeting your roommate/suitemate(s) is one of the most exciting parts of moving into residence! Whether you're instant besties or just starting to get to know each other, this is the beginning of a shared adventure. Take a moment to say hi, swap stories, and maybe even decorate your space together. You might find you have more in common than you expected—or discover something totally new! A little kindness, curiosity, and an open mind go a long way in building a fun and friendly home away from home.

Time to explore your new home! Once you’ve unpacked, take a little adventure around your floor, suite, or building. Find the essentials—like the washroom, laundry room, and garbage/recycling areas—so you’re not searching in a later. Check out the common spaces too; they’re perfect for studying, hanging out, or meeting new friends. You might even bump into a neighbor or two along the way—don’t be shy, say hi! The more familiar you get with your surroundings, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel.

Ready to roam? Once you’ve settled into your room, take some time to explore the campus—it’s your new backyard! Wander around to find your classrooms, the library, and those cozy study nooks you’ll be glad to know later. And don’t forget to scope out the best spots to grab a bite! Whether it’s a quick snack between classes or a full meal with friends, there’s something for every craving. From dining halls to cafés and hidden gems, discovering your go-to food spots is part of the adventure!

It’s almost time for your first big event - Residence Orientation starts at 4:15! 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!

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: 

Date Time Activity 
Sunday, August 24 (Move-In Day) 4:15pm to 5:30pm Mandatory House Meeting—meet your Don and the residents living in your community, and learn the foundations of living in residence! 
6:00pm to 7:00pm Residence-Wide Welcome—join residents from all buildings for a welcome from Residence Life! 
7:00pm to 9:00pm Community Builders & Pizza Dinner—meet residents from all buildings while enjoying a pizza dinner and games and activities! 
Monday, September 1 1:00pm to 4:00pm Building Cup—participate in a series of games and activities while competing against other communities in your building! 
Tuesday, September 2 6:00pm to 8:00pm Mandatory House Meeting—reconnect with your Don and fellow residents after Orientation Week, meet the upper-year residents who moved in, and set shared expectations for your community! 
8:00pm to 9:00pm Community Builders—participate in games and activities while meeting other residents and the other Dons from your building! 

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 75” L in dimensions. Mattresses in Calumet Residence are slightly wider: 6”H x 40” W x 75” 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.

Many food outlets are open on move-in day! Head to Winters Dining Hall, Stong Dining Hall and York Lanes for options!

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.

Yes, there are limited early move in dates and late move in options (fall 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:

InstructionsExample
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.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Canada Post Flex Delivery, a free service that provides a safe, secure shipping address for packages from Amazon and other retailers that allows for students to pick up items from the York University Bookstore.

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 7th floor; if you have been assigned “Room 1221”, you will be living on the 12th 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 4th 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!

Undergraduate Residence Handbook

When you sign your residence occupancy agreement, you agree to follow the residence community standards, policies, procedures and all regulations outlined in the residence handbook. This comprehensive guide includes important details on safety protocols, maintenance requests and more. It's essential that you familiarize yourself with its contents.

Resident handbook
Residence occupancy agreement