Preparing to Live in Toronto: Residence Life at York University

Get ready for success in rez with tips on how to feel confident in your new space.

Moving into residence at university is a big step, no matter how far the move. At York University, there are supports available to help you navigate your new environment and feel comfortable in your first term. Don't worry, there's also support for your supporters too, so they understand what you can expect. Check out how you can prepare for your life in Toronto below.

Finding a place to live

When you choose on-campus housing, you will join 2,700+ students living on York's campuses in one of 10 available residences. You can choose from a single- or double-room with shared common spaces or request a suite, where you can get a taste of home by cooking your own food. When you move away from home, you may experience many emotions. The Residence Life team helps residents by creating a supportive community experience, providing opportunities for you to make friends from all over the world while you transition into York's diverse community.

With off-campus housing, you can explore listings, roommate boards and renter resources near York. York partners provide a variety of listings with several features, including walking distance to campus, types of furnishing available, short-term stays and more. Find your ideal living space in the city by visiting the Off-Campus Housing website.

Discover your favourite food on campus

As a York student, you will be able to choose between different dining plans and meal options. Dining plans are a great addition to your student experience for a variety of reasons, such as:

• providing access to nutritionally healthy meals across York campuses;
• if you pay for meals through the dining plan, you may get a tax-exemption at participating locations;
• getting to explore several dining locations, some of which offer extended hours to meet your needs; and
• having access to individual nutrition counselling with York's registered dietitian at no extra cost — helping you make informed dietary choices.

Depending on which residence building you live in, dining plans may be mandatory. However, you will be able to choose which package best suits your needs.

If you are planning to live off-campus, you can still take advantage of a dining plan to use while you are on campus. Enjoy the benefits of exploring York's convenient dining plans.

Once you have chosen a dining plan that works best for you, your funds will be loaded onto your YU-card. You will be able to present this at various locations across York's campuses. Ready to explore the diverse cuisine selection available at York? Check out the Dining Directory to get started.

How to get around York's campuses

Figuring out how you will get to, from, and around campus is an essential part of moving to York. In Toronto, there are a variety of transportation options, many of which connect directly to York's campuses. Whether you are looking to explore downtown Toronto, or travel from campus to campus, there are options available.

Explore the Transportation Services website to plan your trip, learn about campus shuttle services, get TTC, GO, and Presto passes, find out about sustainable commuting options and more.

York offers a variety of options to help you complete your post-secondary journey in a way that is most comfortable for you. With several residence options, dining plans, and transportation options, we hope that as you ease into your surroundings, you also take time to step outside the box, try a new cuisine, explore the surrounding city and make connections with those who are on this journey with you.

Your first step to making the next four years memorable is applying. Find out how to successfully submit your application to York today!