QUESTION: Hey, I m a first year international student living on campus. We're supposed to move out after exams and I am not going back home in Christmas. Where am I supposed to live during the break? :/
They won't, unfortunately. Residence shuts down for the break. But you might be able to apply for a 24-48 hour extension, IIRC. OP: You can stay at a hotel or you can stay with a friend. Or you can go home for Christmas. Unfortunately that's all I can think of at the moment BUT (a lot of people were confused about this last year?) you don't have to move out your belongings.
I can't believe that they force everyone to move out during Christmas break. I know at UofT students are allowed to apply to stay over the break, but the cafeteria is shut down and they're responsible for cleaning the place while the housekeeping staff is gone. Should be some alternative for people who are far away from home.
The reason they don't let you stay in residence is for a number of reasons: 1. the cleaning staff come in and do a major clean sweep. 2. the dons check your rooms to make sure they're not disgusting. 3. there's no supervision
Well.. if you have money, the break would be an excellent opportunity to do some travelling. Either with a friend or by yourself, check out Toronto, Montreal, or Niagara Falls.
Try airbnb.com for places to stay- some houses are cheaper than hotels. Not to mention bigger with more utilities.
If you plan on staying in Waterloo, post on the Housing Facebook page, stating that you need a place for two weeks in December, and that you're willing to pay. Some students that are going on winter term coop might move out. And if they are subletting, then there may some time in between before their sublet moves in (January). At this point, you could probably email one of the rez management about your situation and they will most likely let you move in early.
Back in my first year they had rooms available at UWP, I think programs which have winter co-op first year moved out, and the international students were able to live there for the break, and leave before the next round of students came in.
Most of you are wrong about the policies. International students can contact the off-campus housing office for a list of short term housing options sometime in November. The buildings will be closed so no students can stay past December 20 in rez- no exceptions. Connect with the SSO as well for more options/resources.
They'll want to kick you out as quickly as possibly as soon as Winter term is over too so make sure you make all of the necessary arrangements. I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) that there is a time frame to return your keys - and it's not a particularly long time frame because I remember running around and moving all my shit before flying home.
Between my lease ending and me moving this August-September, I also had no home for about 20 days. It was so much fun!
Got out a sleeping bag, slept on the MC Balcony a couple times. Found people with comfortable beds to hook up with. Surfed a couch hardcore near the end.
Honestly, I sort of wish I'd made a go of it sooner. Saved an entire month's rent!
In the worst case, I heard that Resurrection College (a private-owned residence on the other side of Westmount) sometimes offers short term housing options if they have vacancies.
pretty sure they should let you stay. talk to the res management
ReplyDeleteThey won't, unfortunately. Residence shuts down for the break. But you might be able to apply for a 24-48 hour extension, IIRC.
DeleteOP: You can stay at a hotel or you can stay with a friend. Or you can go home for Christmas. Unfortunately that's all I can think of at the moment BUT (a lot of people were confused about this last year?) you don't have to move out your belongings.
Connect with the folks at International and Canadian Student Network. They can help. icsn@feds.ca https://www.facebook.com/groups/fedsicsn/
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that they force everyone to move out during Christmas break. I know at UofT students are allowed to apply to stay over the break, but the cafeteria is shut down and they're responsible for cleaning the place while the housekeeping staff is gone. Should be some alternative for people who are far away from home.
ReplyDeleteThe reason they don't let you stay in residence is for a number of reasons: 1. the cleaning staff come in and do a major clean sweep. 2. the dons check your rooms to make sure they're not disgusting. 3. there's no supervision
ReplyDeleteYou can apply to stay over the break if you live far enough away.
ReplyDeleteWell.. if you have money, the break would be an excellent opportunity to do some travelling. Either with a friend or by yourself, check out Toronto, Montreal, or Niagara Falls.
ReplyDeleteTry airbnb.com for places to stay- some houses are cheaper than hotels. Not to mention bigger with more utilities.
If you plan on staying in Waterloo, post on the Housing Facebook page, stating that you need a place for two weeks in December, and that you're willing to pay. Some students that are going on winter term coop might move out. And if they are subletting, then there may some time in between before their sublet moves in (January). At this point, you could probably email one of the rez management about your situation and they will most likely let you move in early.
Back in my first year they had rooms available at UWP, I think programs which have winter co-op first year moved out, and the international students were able to live there for the break, and leave before the next round of students came in.
ReplyDeleteMost of you are wrong about the policies. International students can contact the off-campus housing office for a list of short term housing options sometime in November. The buildings will be closed so no students can stay past December 20 in rez- no exceptions. Connect with the SSO as well for more options/resources.
ReplyDeletedefinitely contact off-campus housing in november
DeleteThey'll want to kick you out as quickly as possibly as soon as Winter term is over too so make sure you make all of the necessary arrangements. I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) that there is a time frame to return your keys - and it's not a particularly long time frame because I remember running around and moving all my shit before flying home.
ReplyDeleteBetween my lease ending and me moving this August-September, I also had no home for about 20 days. It was so much fun!
ReplyDeleteGot out a sleeping bag, slept on the MC Balcony a couple times. Found people with comfortable beds to hook up with. Surfed a couch hardcore near the end.
Honestly, I sort of wish I'd made a go of it sooner. Saved an entire month's rent!
In the worst case, I heard that Resurrection College (a private-owned residence on the other side of Westmount) sometimes offers short term housing options if they have vacancies.
ReplyDeletehttp://resurrectioncollege.ca/contact
You can always live off-campus. I have a place on Lester for a very fair price. Reply if you are interested.
ReplyDelete