Fall Residence Applicants: Frequently Asked Questions
The information shared in these FAQs is accurate as of February 10, 2023. Please check back for updates as Fall 2023 approaches.
How can I access the Residence Application/Housing Portal?
The Housing Portal can be found by logging into myTrent and navigating to the Support tab at the top right-hand side of the screen. Once there, the student will see the button for the Housing Portal under the Student Housing heading.
Who is eligible for the Residence Guarantee?
Any student who is new to Trent university is eligible for the residence guarantee. Just finished highschool and applying to university for the first time? Transferring in from another institution? Interested in applying to Trent for the first time as a mature student? All of these situations make you eligible for our residence guarantee. You are automatically eligible for the guarantee as long as you have:
- Applied to Trent University.
- Started a residence application. and paid the $50 application fee.
- Completed all steps visible to you in the application and paid the $500 deposit by June 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST.
The guarantee does not apply to: returning students who have already completed credits at Trent University, and graduate students at the Peterborough Campus (Durham Campus graduate students are included in our residence guarantee, as long as it is their first year at Trent University).
I applied for residence and paid all of the necessary fees, what are my next steps?
To apply for a room in residence, you must complete the following application requirements:
- Submit a fully completed residence application on the Housing Services Portal along with the $50 non-refundable residence application fee (your way of guaranteeing your spot in the first-come, first-served residence room queue)
- Submit a $500 residence deposit by June 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST
If you have completed the steps above, your residence application is complete. We encourage students to stay tuned to their email attached to the residence application, for updates from Student Housing.
Where can I find more information on Dining Plans?
When your thirst for knowledge has left you hungry, turn to one of the many foodservice locations at Trent University to rest and refuel. Foodservice at Trent is offered by a group of seven foodservice operators who offer a wide range of products and services all of our campuses, each location providing a unique atmosphere and menu. For information regarding dining plans, please visit the Trent Food Services website.
Should I apply when the application opens even though my plans may change for fall 2023?
We recommend you do. There are many benefits to living in residence – from convenient access to classrooms and resources, to the opportunity to meet other students and develop life-long friendships. In order to be guaranteed a space in residence as a new student, you must complete your application and pay the $500 deposit by June 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. As such, if your plans are still tentative, you have until June 1 to make a final decision. Students can still apply after June 1, but spaces in residence will no longer be guaranteed.
If you are delaying your residence application because you have not yet received an offer to Trent University, do not worry! If you do not receive an offer of admission (or this offer is rescinded) your $500 deposit will be fully refundable. We encourage students to apply and pay the $50 application fee as soon as possible as our room assignments are given out on a first-come-first-served basis. You have until June 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm to submit your $500 deposit and finalize your application.
Where can I indicate what my room location/room type preferences are for residence?
We do not ask students to indicate their room type/location preferences as we operate using Residence Self-Selection! Students who are guaranteed residence and complete their application (and pay their $500 deposit) by June 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm will be given a self-selection timeslot based on when they applied and paid their $50 application fee. During this timeslot, students will be able to log into the Housing Portal and select the room they would like based on what is still available!
What residences will be open and room types will be offered for fall 2023?
Student Housing will be offering both single and double rooms at both our Peterborough and Durham campuses. Student Housing will continue to provide updates with any changes.
What supports will be offered in residence for fall 2023?
One of the many benefits of living in residence is the enhanced and individualized supports available to students. Each residence community has an upper-year Residence Life Don who assists with providing resources, acting a first-line support, and connecting students to experts on campus as needed. Students can connect in-person or online with their Don regarding any personal or academic issues. Residence Life Dons build meaningful one on one connections with students, while bringing everyone together in the community. A Don on Duty is also available each night to ensure safety and to respond to emergencies. There are many more resources available to students when living in residence and many are listed within our Living In Residence Page.
How will residence events and activities be offered for fall 2023?
Living in residence offers students the opportunity to enhance your studies, meet new people and make life-long friends, and feel more closely connected to your community at Trent. Our Residence Learning Model guides the programs and events offered to residents are designed to assist with a smooth transition to university, provide academic support, and enhance community building.
Can I defer my application to a different term if my plans change for Fall 2023? (ex. unable to obtain a visa/study permit)
Yes! We are able to defer students' residence applications to the Winter 2024 term free of additional charge if students are unable to arrive for Fall 2023. We are not, however, able to accommodate deferrals to the 2024-25 academic year. Students wishing to apply to 2024-25 will be required to cancel their application and re-apply when our 2024-25 application opens early in 2024.
How does parking work?
Parking passes can be purchased from Parking Services (trentu.ca/parking). Information on the various pass types available can be found on the Parking Permits & Fees webpage.
Parking is free at Trent University Durham, but spots are limited.
As a returning student to Trent, can I apply to residence?
Returning students are welcome and encouraged to apply to residence. Returning students are not guaranteed residence, but may be offered a room based on availability after our new first-year student guarantee has been fulfilled.
If you are a returning student with an accessibility need that requires you to live in residence, please indicate this in the application form. Returning students with accessibility needs that cannot be accommodated elsewhere may be guaranteed residence.
Returning students are encouraged to review our Off-Campus Housing Website for resources that will aid them in their search for off-campus housing.
Is it okay to pick a residence that is in a college that is not affiliated with you department?
Yes! Our residence buildings at Trent are not program-specific. If you are a new student, your college affiliation will match the building you end up living in. If you are a returning student, your college affiliation will be modified to match the building you are living in. We encourage you to take a look at our residence web pages (Peterborough and Durham) and pick the building you think best fits your wants and needs! Pay a visit to the colleges website if you wish to learn more and remember, you can always change your college affiliation in future years if you wish.
What steps can parents take to prepare their students for living in residence?
Moving to residence is a big step in a students’ academic journey! It is also a big change for their parent and or guardians and supporters. More information regarding orientation, resources, and ways to support can be found on our Parents & Supporters Webpage.
When is Move-in Day?
While our move-in dates for Fall 2023 are still being finalized, currently we are anticipating that move-in for our Peterborough campus will be Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, 2023. We are planning for Monday, September 4, 2023 to be our Durham campus move-in day. Students will be provided with more information as the move-in weekend draws near.
Do you have a packing list for students moving into residence?
Yes we do! We know that planning what to pack for residence can be nerve-wracking, so we have created a printable checklist for you to consider when packing items.
How do I cancel my Residence Application?
In myTrent, enter the Housing Portal and log in to your account. Continue to the “Residence Application” tab located in the top banner. Select “Application Cancellation” in the drop-down menu. Select the term you wish to cancel and press “continue”. Complete the cancellation questionnaire and press “Cancel Application” once finished. Your application will be marked as cancelled.