Moving In
University of Guelph: Move-In Information
Moving into residence is an exciting and important day for new students! We are excited to welcome you to your new home away from home. This might be your first time moving into residence but don’t worry, we’ve got everything under control. Our Student Housing team has move-in down to a science!
We want you to be prepared so that you can have a great experience coming to the University of Guelph. This webpage is intended to guide you through the process!
Fall 2026 Move-In Days:
- Friday, September 4, 2026
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Sunday, September 6, 2026
To help us manage traffic flow and ensure you have a positive move-in experience, you will be assigned a move-in timeslot in August. If your assigned time does not work for you, you can modify it in the Housing Portal based on availability.
Questions about Move-In Day may be directed to housing@uoguelph.ca.
University of Guelph | Residence Packing List
This list outlines everything you should bring for residence, along with what’s best left at home. It’s designed to keep packing easy, clear, and stress‑free.
Welcome Home
Where campus comes to life!
Before Your Arrival
Packing up to move into residence will take some planning. We don’t want you to arrive and discover you have missed something important. The Residence Packing List is meant to be a general guide to the basics you will need. As you are likely coming from far away, you will need to bring a wide range of items for the whole semester.
Know your move-in time
Your move-in time can be found on the Housing Portal. Be sure to arrive at the assigned move-in time you selected. This helps us manage traffic flow and ensure we are minimizing contact between individuals.
Connect with your roommates or suitemates
If you are living in a multi-occupancy room, your roommates or suitemates will be listed on your Housing Portal, including their U of G email to get in contact prior to move-in. Contact them to discuss how you want to decorate your room, determine if there are items you want to share (such as a mini fridge or kitchen supplies), and what things you might have in common!
MOVE-IN TIP: Label all boxes or packing containers with your last name, hall and room number.
Things To Know before Move-In Day
Packing 101: What to Bring and What to Skip
- Personal toiletries and hygiene products
- Masks, sanitizers, and wipes
- Bath towels, hand towels, and facecloths
- Headphones
- Alarm clock
- Backpack
- Blankets, sheets, pillows, mattress cover
- All beds are standard twin size (excluding Gordon Hall)
- Clothes hangers
- Dishes, cutlery, mugs and glasses
- Reusable beverage container
- A bar-size fridge for your snacks and drinks
- Health Card and other ID
- Additional lamps and lighting (no halogen lamps)
- Laundry basket and supplies (detergent, etc.)
- A power bar
- Pens, pencils, and other school supplies
- Personal computer (laptop)
- Pictures, posters, things to personalize your room
- Shower shoes
- Snacks
- Toilet paper (it is supplied, but some like their own!)
- Umbrella
- University documents (including your room
assignment information!) - A personal fan
- Storage containers
- Clothes for hot and cooler weather
- Reusable travel mug and water bottle
For students living in residences with a fully equipped kitchen (such as East Village and East Residence Suites), you will also want to bring:
- Dishes and cutlery
- Dish soap
- Pots and pans
- Groceries
Residence First Aid Kit
Bringing a first aid kit is a good idea for emergencies! Here is what we recommend you bring:
- A copy of your immunization record
- Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing ≥60% alcohol
- Antiseptic wound cleanser (for example, alcohol or iodine pads)
- Tensor bandages for sprains
- Digital Thermometer
- Tweezers for removing splinters etc.
- Allergy medication, such as an antihistamine, or epinephrine prescribed by your doctor, such as an Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) if indicated
- 1% hydrocortisone cream to treat minor skin irritation, such as itching caused by bug bites or poison ivy
- Antibacterial ointments or creams to apply to wounds to prevent infection
- Cold and flu medications, such as decongestants or throat lozenges
- Adequate supply of condoms
- Ear plugs to reduce noise
- Insect repellent containing DEET
- Sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, SPF 30 or higher
- More than one vehicle!
- Alcohol (during Orientation Week)
- Alcohol paraphernalia (like funnels, pipes, bongs, drinking hats, etc.)
- Beer bottles, bubbas, kegs, mini-kegs etc.
- Candles or incense - open flames are not permitted
- Drum sets
- Electric/gas heaters or heat lamps
- Explosives (fireworks, etc.)
- Large exercise equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes, Peloton, etc.)
- Large pieces of furniture (ie. folding tables)
- Halogen lamps - they pose a fire hazard!
- Wireless printers and routers
- Hot tubs
- Kitchen appliances for use in your bedroom, including toaster, microwave, freezer, laudry machines, hot plate, sandwich maker, and indoor grill. East Residence and East Village excepted because you have a full kitchen. Small appliances can be used in kitchen lounges.
- Landline phones or fax machines
- Pets (except non-dangerous fish)
- Satellite dishes
- Water coolers
- Water beds
- Weapons
Why lug around a fridge? Coldex makes it easy!
Interested in a fridge in your dorm room? You can rent a fridge from Coldex and have it delivered directly into your dorm room before you arrive. Visit www.coldexrents.com to place your order! Order before August 20th and the fridge will be in your room before you arrive! It's that easy!
How to Read Your Room Assignment
Reading your room assignment can be tricky! Below are some tips and tricks to make understanding what the numbers in your room assignment a little easier.
- South Residence is divided into three halls – Mountain, Prairie, and Maritime.
- Each Hall is divided into four communities:
- Mountain Hall Communities: Valley, Foothills, Woodlands, and Glacier
- Prairie Hall Communities: Horizon, Grasslands, Homestead, and Tundra
- Maritime Hall Communities: Cove, Seaway, Harbour and Schooner
- Each community is divided into Three Towers.
- Towers are numbered 1, 2, and 3.
- Each tower is divided into rooms.
- Rooms can either be an Alcove Room (inside the tower) or Corridor Room (between towers).
- Each room is labelled as A, B, C, or D (for multi-occupancy rooms). Specific beds within a room are NOT assigned. It is up to you and your roommate(s) to decide who will take which bed. We encourge you to communicate in advance. Some students flip a coin, or decide by date of birth, or first-come-first-pick. If there are conflicts or special needs, a Residence Assistant (RA) can help mediate a fair outcome.
Understanding Your Room Number
- Example: Grasslands 245-A
- You are in Prairie Hall – Grasslands.
- The first digit is the tower number. You are in Tower 2.
- The second digit is the floor number.
- You are on the Fourth Floor. The last digit is the room number.
- Your room number is 5.
- You are student A. In a multi-occupancy room, this may say B or C or D. Check the room type on the Housing Portal to verify the occupancy level. In a single room, you can disregard the “A”.
Please note: All rooms are above ground and have windows with natural light. If you are on Level 1 (the middle number of your room number is 1), you are still above ground. Street level (the entry overpass) is between Level 2 and 3.
Alcove or Corridor Room?
If the last number of your room number is 0-5, you are in an ALCOVE room (within the tower).
If the last number of your room number is 6-9, you are in a CORRIDOR room (between the towers). All rooms have the same amenities and furnishings, but each style of room has a different layout.
See Roommates on the Portal?
Your South room assignment may show other roommates. This may be other students in the alcove or corridor with you. Check their room assignment to verify!
Residences in Johnston are on floors 2, 3, and 4. The second floor is home to Academic Clusters, and the first is the administration offices for the Ontario Agricultural College.
Mills Hall has primarily triple and quad rooms. Single rooms are located on the fourth floor.
Watson Hall is our all-female residence, home of primarily double rooms.
Maids Hall is home to Arts House, a Living Learning Community of primarily double rooms.
Understanding Your Room Number
- Example: Johnston 311-A
- The first digit is the floor. You are on Floor 3.
- The second and third digits is the room number. You are in Room 11.
- You are student A. In a multi-occupancy room, this may say B or C or D. Check the room type on the Housing Portal to verify the occupancy level.
Lambton Hall is home to suites on the first and second floors, and double rooms on the third and fourth.
Understanding Your Room Number
Example: Lambton 2311-A
- The first digit is the floor. You are on Floor 2.
- The second and third digits is the room/suite number. You are in Suite 31.
- Lambton Suites have a fourth digit, indicating the suite number. This will be 1, 2, or 3.
- You are student A. In a double room, this may say B. Check the room type on the Housing Portal to verify the occupancy level. In a suite, you can disregard the “A”.
Lennox Addington is divided into three areas: Lennox-A, Lennox-C, and Addington. Lennox-C is home to a Study Intensive community, and Addington includes Academic Clusters.
Understanding Your Room Number
Example: Addington 0905-A
- You are in Addington Hall.
- The first two digits are the floor. You are on Floor 9.
- The last digit is the room number. You are in Room 5.
- You are student A. In a multi-occupancy room, this may say B or C. Check the room type on the Housing Portal to verify the occupancy level. In a single room, you can disregard the “A”.
East Residence is comprised of Dundas, Lanark, and Glengarry Halls in an apartment/suite style. Dundas is home to Living Learning Communities.
Understanding Your Room Number
Example: Glengarry 0336-A
- You are in Glengarry Hall.
- The first two digits are the floor. You are on Floor 3.
- The last digit is the room number. You are in Room 6.
- You are student A. In a multi-occupancy room, this may say B. Check the room type on the Housing Portal to verify the occupancy level. In a single room, you can disregard the “A”.
East Village has single or double rooms with a low bathroom ratio and shared kitchen, dining, and living room.
Understanding Your Room Number
Example: East Village 1204-A
- The first three digits are the townhouse number. You are on Townhouse 120.
- The last digit is the room number. You are in Room 4.
- You are student A. In a double room, this may say B. Check the room type on the Housing Portal to verify the occupancy level. In a single room, you can disregard the “A”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although we are here to guide and support you with your move, you are responsible for moving your belongings into residence.
Moving into residence is a physically demanding process. Elevators are not available in all residences and stairs may be required. Large and heavy items (such as mini-fridges) will need to be moved by you. Consider packing in a way that makes items light and easy to carry when possible.
We will have plenty of carts available for you to use but consider bringing your own if you have one!
Parking lots are designated on your Move-In Map. Parking is free in the designated lots during move-in.
Check-in takes place at one of our Residence Desks or a satellite check-in table depending on your residence. You will receive more details through email, and our staff will happily show you the way!
Move-in timeslots can be adjusted on the Housing Portal, pending availability. Limited timeslots are available to ensure that physical distancing and traffic flow can be maintained.
Early move-in is available in specific circumstances that require special consideration. Submit a request on the Housing Portal for early move-in and our admissions staff will review the request.
Students participating in START International, START Accessible, and START Indigenous do not need to submit the form. Your move-in date will be automatically adjusted to the day before the program begins.
For sure! If you will be arriving after Saturday, you can book a late move-in day on the Housing Portal. Per the residence contract, all students who have not checked in before the first day of classes will forfeit their room. If you know you are moving in after September 6, please send an email to housing@uoguelph.ca.
If you are running behind on your move-in timeslot, there is no need to inform Student Housing. We understand that things happen, and our staff will be happy to welcome you when you arrive.
Move-in is a busy time on campus. Any pets should stay at home, excluding service animals.
If you are a student living in residence with a service animal, be sure to email housing@uoguelph.ca for support through the approval process if this has not yet been completed.
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 a Gryphon, 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, grab a bite of our legendary campus food, or take a stroll in the Arboretum.
Please ensure that your car is moved to your designated parking lot before exploring campus to avoid being towed!
An email will be sent to you with more specific information on where to go and what to expect for your specific move-in.
Guests are not permitted in residence during move-in and Orientation Week. Anyone helping you move is expected to have left by the end of the day.
Hospitality locations will be OPEN across campus and are ready to serve you! Visit uoguel.ph/moveinhours for a list of locations and hours. Please note that this link will not go live until closer to move-in.
Our room assignments are done using a lottery system. In 2021, 89% of students received one of the preferences on their application, however, we cannot accommodate all requests. We have found that historically, once students move into their assigned residence, they grow to LOVE it and don't want to move.
If you aren’t happy with your assignment, the transfer request form will become available on the Housing Portal on September 20, 2024. If you believe we have made an error in your room assignment (i.e. a double room with someone of a different gender), please email housing@uoguelph.ca and our staff will look into your situation.
All on-campus beds are standard twin size. Bed sizes for rooms in Gordon Hall can be found on the Gordon Hall information page.
It’s important to bring posters and belongings to make your residence room feel like home! Be mindful of how you attach things to walls. You are encouraged to use 3M command strips or other materials that won’t damage the walls to avoid charges. Unfortunately, strip lights affixed to walls are not permitted for this reason.
Our residence desks will have sticky tabs available to make hanging those items easier, but you can also bring your own as quantities are limited.
Rent a Mini Fridge from Coldex
Want a mini fridge in your residence room?
No need to bring a fridge from home on move-in day! Pre‑order a rental through our partner, Coldex, and have it waiting in your room when you arrive.
A Message from the Director
Welcome to residence at the University of Guelph!
You have made a wonderful choice to live on campus. The first-year experience can be a challenging one as you move from the familiar setting of your home and the support of family and friends to the “uncharted” territory of university living and studies. Our Student Housing Services staff are excited to meet you and to help you get comfortable both socially and academically!
The most memorable parts of the residence experience will be the people you meet and the experiences you collectively share. Your time in residence will be guided by our Residence Life Staff who are live-in professional and paraprofessional staff who will help develop a sense of community, identify campus resources, and help you navigate any of the challenges that may come your way during your stay on campus.
Living in residence and your first year of university is all about new experiences. I hope that you take the opportunity to challenge and learn about yourself. Student Housing Services will be there to ensure a safe, secure, healthy, and fun environment!
Patrick Kelly
Director, Student Housing Services
