The University of Alberta offers its student accommodation services on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also stay at nearby houses of local students who host international candidates. The University of Alberta is quite beautiful and picturesque. The cost of housing is higher due to its location. From the campus you can walk down to Whyte Avenue for shopping, eating and visiting the numerous bars and lounges. The main campus is huge and the winters are a bit cold. The temperature is usually in minus degrees.
The accommodations at the university are provided with complete support and services. Because of its large population, there are a large number of clubs and causes to join. These clubs range from Religion to Politics, Self-improvement to Women’s Rights. The University Hospital and tons of affordable accommodations are all within walking distance. To apply for one of the accommodations at the University of Alberta, you will first be required to apply for admission at the University of Alberta, however, getting accepted in the intended program is not essential for accommodation application.
For international students staying outside the campus, searching for a perfect neighbourhood can be tough. The neighbourhoods that are close to University of Alberta with good bike access and safety would include:
- Avonmore
- Bonnie Doon
- King Edward Park (stay away from the east side of this community past 75th street as it’s a bit sketchy)
- Hazeldean
If you prefer a quieter environment, neighbourhoods like Belgravia or Windsor Park may be more suitable for your needs.
University of Alberta Accommodation Cost
The University of Alberta offers various housing options in their 15 different residences. Students can choose between dormitory-style units, studio apartments, and bedroom apartments. All of them provide a Voluntary Meal Plan except Lister Residence. The residence as per your degree are:
- 7 for First-year students
- 10 for Upper-year students
- 3 for Graduate students
- 6 for Transfer Students
- 3 for Exchange/Co-Op students
If you're a conference group, a visiting professor, a research associate a post-doctoral fellow, or an individual wanting to stay somewhere with great access to the City of Edmonton, the University of Alberta is the ideal choice. They provide Guest Housing and Summer Housing if required.
| Residence Hall |
Housing Type |
Accommodation For |
Services Provided |
Cost (For 8 months including meal plan) |
| Lister Residence |
Private Rooms (option of shared bathroom) |
First-year undergraduate students and student leaders |
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Lister Dining Hall (meal plan)
Study libraries
Communal kitchens
Laundry facilities
Exercise facilities
Music room
Gymnasium
TV lounges |
CAD 12,936 – CAD 17,285 |
| Peter Lougheed Hall |
Private Rooms |
First-year students and student leaders |
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Dining Hall and unlimited access meal plan
Laundry facilities
Fitness and recreation facilities
Outdoor amenities |
CAD 15,975 – CAD 17,285 |
| Residence Saint-Jean |
Private Furnished Room |
All students of the Saint-Jean Campus are in their first year.
Campus Saint-Jean upper-year undergraduate students.
|
Resident Assistants (RAs) each live on one floor and are responsible for being on-call while supporting commitment to life in French
Shared kitchens
Laundry room
Community Center
Fitness room
Music room
Outdoor sports field
TV rooms
Free shuttle between CSJ and North Campus |
CAD 7,826 – CAD 11,430 (No Meal Plan) |
| Nipisiy House |
Shared Apartment |
Undergraduate students
|
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Laundry facilities
Parking available through Parking Services
No time to cook? Consider a Voluntary Meal Plan! |
CAD 10,040
|
| Pinecrest and Tamarack House |
Shared Apartment |
Upper-year undergraduate students
|
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
East Campus Commons community centre with fireplace
Communal kitchens and lounges
Laundry facilities
Parking available through Parking Services
No time to cook? Consider a Voluntary Meal Plan! |
CAD 10,040 |
| HUB |
Studio and Shared Apartments |
Upper-year undergraduate and graduate students
Student couples |
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Connections to transit (LRT and bus) on the south end of the mall
Secure bicycle storage
Laundry facilities
Evening security agent
Community Centre (The Vault)
Wireless Internet
TV lounge
Exercise facility
Study space
Game and equipment rentals
No time to cook? Consider a Voluntary Meal Plan! |
CAD 10,040 |
| Aspen and Maple House |
Private and Shared Apartment |
Upper-year undergraduate students
|
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Outdoor gathering spaces
access to East Campus Commons
Laundry facilities
Movies and games for rent
No time to cook? Consider a Voluntary Meal Plan! |
CAD 10,040 |
| Alder House and Linden House |
Private and Shared Apartment |
First-year undergraduate students and student leaders |
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Communal kitchen and living space
One individual bathroom for every two residents
Laundry facilities
No time to cook? Consider a Voluntary Meal Plan! |
CAD 10,120 |
| International House |
Single Dormitory |
Upper-year undergraduate and graduate students from Canada and around the world. |
Each room is furnished with a twin (XL) bed, desk, chair, a small fridge, storage and closet space, a recycling bin and a garbage can.
Rent includes wireless internet, heat, water, and power, as well as Residence Life and Global Education programming.
|
CAD 11,340 |
| Graduate Residence |
Studio and Shared Apartment |
Graduate students
|
Resident Assistant staff (RAs) trained for after-hours on-call duties and individual resident support
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver designation by the Canadian Green Building Council
TV & study lounges
Outdoor gathering spaces
Laundry facilities |
Studio apartment – CAD 16,417
Shared 2-bedroom apartment – CAD 13,745
|
Note: Accommodation cost is merely a part of the cost of living in Canada, you will be required to spend 1,120 to 3,000 CAD (69,157 to 1.85 lakhs INR) in addition to the accommodation cost.
Other Accommodations at University of Alberta
These accommodations include houses where you can book one floor or both floors. The cost varies from CAD 848/month to CAD 1100/month including WIFI, heat, water, and power. The details of the houses are:
Marge's House
Beautifully situated on Saskatchewan Drive and mere steps away from the river valley, Marge’s House provides safe and affordable on-campus housing for our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students only.
Elsey's House
Located in the scenic neighbourhood of Garneau on the University of Alberta north campus, Elsey’s House provides safe and affordable on-campus housing for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. The home consists of 4 single-unit furnished bedrooms, a shared full bathroom plus a shared half-bath.
University of Alberta Accommodation Application Process
Students for the first year and upper-year of U of A can apply for the housing options. However, for applying for residence it is not mandatory to be admitted to a program. All the applicants applying for residence in U of A are required to obtain their CCID (Campus Computing ID) before moving on to the further process.
The University of Alberta is currently inviting students to apply for the Summer and Spring Housing.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official website of the University of Alberta.
- Apply for CCID
- ID activation can take up to 72 hours.
- Fill out the application form by logging into your Residence Account with the given CCID and Password.
- Fill in the required fields and submit the form.
- A non-refundable fee of 25 CAD (1,543 INR) will be charged for the form.
- Selected students will receive an email. Confirm the contract to avail of the housing facility of the University of Alberta.
Looking for Accommodation Tips
While looking for accommodation at the University of Alberta, you must keep a few things in mind which are:
- Arrive two weeks to a month before classes to arrange off-campus housing.
- Reserve at least one week for temporary accommodation before you arrive so that you will have a place to stay while you arrange permanent housing.
- Visit the accommodation in person and meet prospective roommates
- Review rental agreement details.
- International students and visitors get tenant insurance. This coverage can protect against losses to your personal property, including clothes, jewellery, luggage, computers, furniture, and electronics.
The University of Alberta has given multiple choices to their students so that they can choose one that is the most comfortable for them. Not only Canadian students but International students are also warmly welcomed at this campus. Every residential option has a different contract length, unit style and facilities so make sure to check each of them before applying.
FAQs
Ques: How much does it cost to live in residence at the University of Alberta?
Ans: The cost to live at University of Alberta varies as per the room type and residence halls. The expense can range from $10,040 – $17,285 including a meal plan for 8 months.
Ques: Does the University of Alberta have dorms?
Ans: Yes, University of Alberta have dorm rooms, guest rooms and many more. University of Alberta residences offer something for everyone, whether you seek the vibrant energy of dorm life or the independence of an on-campus apartment.
Ques: Does University of Alberta have hostel?
Ans: Yes, the University of Alberta have hostel facilities. The commuter study hostel is an opportunity for students who don't live near campus to have a safe, convenient and affordable place to stay if they have an early exam or want to stay late to work on a project.
Ques: How much is the University of Alberta residence application fee?
Ans: The University of Alberta has an application fee for residence. Log into your Residence Account using your CCID and fill out your application. Pay the $25 non-refundable application fee by credit card and submit.
Ques: Is it cheaper to live on or off campus in Canada?
Ans: Living on campus isn't as cheap as living at home rent-free. It may cost you upfront, but consider the value you're getting for your money. You might not like your floormates. (This doesn't happen often, but if it does, you have lots of staff you can connect with to step in and help you.)
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