Student Life

Is Applying for Residence in 2020 Worth it?

With Covid-19 throwing everything into disarray it’s hard to know how that will affect your schooling. 

Should you continue with your classes? 

Absolutely, don’t delay your studies if you don’t have to. But living in residence is a different matter altogether.

So is it worth applying to live in residence for the 2020 Fall term?

Let’s break it down and find out.

Will Residences Even Be Open?
Yes. And no. So, several universities will have limited dorm rooms and availability. These are to cater to those who have majors that require hands-on teaching, those with disabilities, those who are lower-income, and international students. While not exclusively for these four groups, the bulk of the rooms will probably be allotted for them.
Should you have a degree that is purely hands-on, your classes will most likely still be held in person, this is mostly for larger universities and trade colleges so check to make sure your school is offering your classes in person before applying to residence.

If you are disabled and need either to live on campus or have special services from the campus, the university will accommodate you, but please check with your university for final confirmation.

As well, if you are a low-income student, who may not have adequate access to the internet or computers, you are potentially more likely to get a placement in a dorm.

If you are an international student, there is a good chance there will be space on campus for you. If you’re worried about staying in Canada or having funding while in Canada, check out the Edu Canada website, they have information on helping you with your education.
The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is working hard to make sure all universities are thinking of each and every one of their students. And while each university is dealing with Covid-19 differently, all are trying to be fair.

What Will Dorm Life Look Like?
Not like anything you’ve known before. Frosh weeks won’t happen and double rooms will be singles. Food halls will need to be scaled to accommodate social distancing guidelines and overall the campus will be basically dead.

If you are someone who can do their schooling online, it’s recommended to take the term from home. The dorm experience you want won’t happen until the Winter 2020 at the very earliest.

Final Thoughts
The information here is a broad stroke of what the major universities in Canada have tentatively stated they are doing, but check with your specific university to find out their exact plans.

Don’t put your degree on hold if you don’t have to. But maybe hold off on applying for residence until the new year if you can. If you can’t, there are options.

So, is it worth applying for residence? Maybe. It all depends on your circumstances.