Accommodations
Accommodations for exchange students are arranged through the exchange office (please do not make contact on your own).
The first part of your on-campus accommodations application is done as part of your initial Exchange Student application. Exchange students have traditionally been accommodated in the UWindsor Residence Halls (specifically in LAURIER HALL) or in the Canterbury College residence system. We always attempt to place all students into their first pick accommodation option, but this is not always possible, please look at all the options and rank them accordingly.
On-Campus
UWindsor Residence Services
These are the Halls (4 buildings) that are offered to all students at the University of Windsor. We feel these are the best options for exchange students as you will have the convenience of living on-campus. We are currently housing visiting exchange students in Laurier Hall (on the top 2-3 floors - with some of the best views of the city). We feel this is a good option for exchange students as you will have the convenience of living on-campus.
- All rooms are large sized single rooms, with double sized beds
- Floors for exchange are co-ed (male and female student on the same floor)
- There are 18 rooms on a floor
- Approximately 25-36 rooms are available (in a year)
- Located in the heart of campus and close to all main campus buildings
- You will be required to sign an accommodations contract for the entire duration of your studies
- The purchase of a meal plan is required (no exceptions)
- UWindsor wireless internet (wifi) is included in the cost
- Your fees for the entire semester are paid in advance:
- for Fall by Aug. 15th and for Winter by Dec. 15th
** Some payment deadline flexibility can be arranged for students receiving loans or scholarships (contact the UWindsor Exchange Office, exchange@uwindsor.ca, for more information)
Near-Campus
Canterbury College
Canterbury College offers residential life for students living communally in 11 separate Houses that cooperate in social and academic affairs. Their aim is to provide a home for academic excellence in a supportive community (it is intended for students that are academically minded).
- All rooms are single rooms, with single (twin) sized beds
- There can be 6-12 students per house/unit (spread over multiple levels/floors)
- All houses/units are single gender
- Located on the north edge of campus (close to the river), and very close to the Library and the Faculty of Law
- This is the prefered accommodations for "older students" (students who are 24 years or older)
- You will be required to sign an accommodations contract for the entire duration of your studies
- Canterbury has a preference for students coming for the full academic year (2 semesters) - from September to April.
- Single semester students will be placed here only if there are spaces available or in the Winter semester. - GOOD options for exchange students are available in Augustine, Becket, Cranmer, Anselm, Whitgift, Wake, and Laud Houses
- NOT available for exchange students are the Parker House Suites, Geoffrey Fisher Hall, or Canterbury Commons
- Your fees for the entire semester are paid in advance:
- for Fall by Aug. 15th and for Winter by Dec. 15th
** Some payment deadline flexibility can be arranged for students receiving loans or scholarships (contact the UWindsor Exchange Office, exchange@uwindsor.ca, for more information)
On and Near-Campus Accommodations Regulations (regardless of the location):
- Students living in on-campus accommodations are required to commit to a residence contract. These contracts are not optional and they are not changeable (breakable). What this means is that once you are assigned a room, it is yours for the entire duration of your exchange in Windsor. Students are not permitted to withdraw from accommodations (move out) unless they are withdrawing and returning home (and there may be fees associated with doing this).
- Students staying for two semesters are permitted to stay in their rooms over the Christmas and New Year holidays
- you will be required to notify the appropriate office (within the deadline) that you are staying
- 2 semester students are not required to remove their belongings from the room during holidays - Students staying for the Fall semesters only are not permitted to stay in their rooms over the Christmas and New Year holidays
- you have to move-out by the last day of exam period - Students are not going to be permitted to arrive more than few days before the start of classes in the September or January
(check with the Exchange Office for more specific details) - Students are normally expected to vacate their rooms within 24 hours of your last exam.
- Requests for extensions can be made, but students are not normally going to be permitted to stay in their rooms beyond the end of the exam period.
- There may be additional fees charged for students staying longer then the exam period
Off-Campus
Off-Campus Housing (UWSA Resources)
This is an option that some students will decide they want to consider. Students who elect to live off-campus will need to arrange their own accommodations. Off-Campus accommodations are not recommended for students coming for only 1 semester.
If you are considering off-campus options be extra careful and make sure that you consider the following:
- Location & distance from campus - a place that is only a 10-15 minutes walk to campus might seem nice in September, but in January when it is cold and snowing will not seem as good.
- What is included in the rent and what is not - electricity, gas, and water are commonly referred to as 'utilities' and you will want to have these included in the cost if at all possible.
- Ask about phone and Internet/WIFI - these are not normally considered as part of the 'utilities'.
- Rental term - also called a 'lease' or rental contract - be careful that you are not signing a 12-month contract if you are only going to be in Windsor for 8 months. These agreements are normally not changeable.
- Is the room furnished? Many rental accommodations do not include furniture, and they almost never include bedding, you are expected to supply your own.
** Students wishing to live in off-campus accommodations will be on their own to make these arrangments.
Off-Campus Accommodations Notes
- Off-campus accommodations for students coming for only one semester (4 months) is usually not a good idea.
- Students living off-campus are more removed from the atmosphere of campus life and the social opportunities that this provides.
- Some off-campus accommodations require the signing of a contract (lease) for 12 months, may not be furnished and can charge extra for utilities (such as heating, water, and electricity) - extra caution should be exercised before agreeing to any off-campus accommodation.