How to apply for residence

This page walks you through the residence application process step by step — from preparing your application to what to do while you wait for a room offer. You’ll also find budgeting tips, deposit information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Explore this next:

Move-in and Orientation

Before you apply

Make a budget

Use the Residence Fee Calculator to estimate your total cost of living in residence, including residence fees, meal plans and personal expenses, so you can plan ahead and feel more confident about your housing decision.
Explore rooms

We offer a variety of room options, including single and double rooms, with both private and shared washrooms.
Explore meal plans

We offer a range of meal plans to suit different needs, including plans with varying numbers of meals per week and flexible dining options.
Stay organized

Stay on top of your application by checking your email regularly for updates or requests for additional information, and monitoring your residence portal for any status changes.

Applications timeline

Step-by-step: how to apply for residence

Step 1 — Complete the residence application

Fill out your personal information. Have your student number (if you have one) and the address and phone number of an emergency contact in Canada (if applicable).

Step 2 — Pay the application fee

Submit the required residence application fee through the portal.
Please note that application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Step 3 — Wait for your room offer

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email.
Watch for your Room Offer email wich will contain instructions about making your deposit.

Step 4 — Confirm your reservation

Select a room and meal plan if applicable.
Agree to the contract.
Make your deposit. We accept: Visa, Mastercard and Visa Debit.

Step 5 — Study permit for international students

Once your study permit is approved, upload the documentation to your application.

Know your residence contract

Living in University of Manitoba residence comes with responsibilities and important guidelines. By accepting a residence offer, students enter into a binding agreement that covers occupancy periods, fees, and the process for withdrawing if needed. Residents are expected to pay all associated fees on time, respect the rules for room use, and properly vacate their space, including handling any personal belongings. Only authorized occupants are allowed in each room, and failure to comply with these rules may result in charges or disciplinary actions. To fully understand your rights, responsibilities, and deadlines, it’s important to review the complete residence contract.

2026/27 Contract

Room transitions

Winter to summer transition

During the summer term, some residents will need to relocate to specific rooms on certain floors of Pembina Hall Residence and Arthur V. Mauro, as agreed upon in the summer application process. Please note that several floors are scheduled to close for renovations on May 1.

The transition will take place during the last two weeks of the winter term and must be completed by April 30. We understand that this period may coincide with exams, studying, or a short break between terms.

To support your planning and help us coordinate room turnover efficiently, you will find a "Move Availability" section in your portal. There, you can indicate your preference to move into your new room.

Summer to fall transition

Starting in August, you’ll receive an email or notice with details about moving into your Fall term room. We really appreciate your cooperation during this transition, as timely moves help us prepare rooms for everyone as smoothly as possible.

We know this can be a busy time—many of you may be writing final exams or travelling. If you think your schedule might make moving difficult, please reach out to our office. We’re happy to work with you to find options that make the process easier for both you and our team.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be admitted to the University of Manitoba before applying for residence?

No, you don’t need to wait to be accepted to UM or ICM before applying to residence. We strongly recommend applying for residence as soon as you know you are interested!

What is included in the residence fee?

Internet, utilities (electricity/water/heat), tenant insurance and the use of the furniture provided in the room (bed, dresser, wardrobe, desk, chair, bookshelf and mirror) are included in the residence fees for all buildings. Parking, laundry, bed linens, pillows and towels are not included in residence fees.

When is the application deadline for residence?

There is no specific deadline for new applicants’ residence applications. We have a certain amount of spaces for new applicants, and if we exceed that number, we will continue to accept applications and start a waiting list.

There may be a specific date for returning applicants to apply and be included in the first round of room selection, but we will continue to accept applications from returning applicants after that date.

What types of rooms are available (single, double, suite, etc.)?

Explore our spaces to learn more about our residence accommodations.

I didn't get my first room choice. Can I switch rooms before I move in?

Yes, in some cases during the room selection timeslot you may not get your preference, you can complete a room switching request form to get added to a list for the first available room.

Are residence buildings co-ed?

Yes. Residence is co-ed, with students of all genders living in the same building.

Can I choose my roommate?

There are several different ways you can choose a roommate:

Before selecting your room:

If you already know someone you would like to live with, go to the Search for Roommate by Details link on the Roommate Request page, search for their name and then select REQUEST and enter a name for your Roommate Group. Your requested roommate will receive an email and need to log in and accept the request.
To search for a roommate based on their answers to the Roommate Questions, go to the Search for Roommate by Profile link on the Roommate Request page
To see possible roommates listed in order of your Roommate Match ratings, go to the Suggest Roommates link on the Roommate Request page.

While selecting your room:

Go to the Occupant Profile link under each room and then the View Profile link to view potential roommates’ answers to the Roommate Questions while you are selecting a two-bedroom suite or a double room.

Can I request special accommodations (e.g., for accessibility or medical reasons)?

Yes, please reach out to admisions.residence@umanitoba.ca or (204) 474-9922 to understand how can we better assist you.

How can I request a room change after moving into residence?

If you would like to change rooms after moving into residence, please make an appointment with a Residence Life Coordinator by going to the Residence Life Office located on the main floor of Pembina Hall at 26 Maclean Crescent or phoning 204 474 9942.

Room Change Request appointments begin October 1st for students arriving for Fall Term and February 1st for students arriving for Winter Term.

Are application fees and deposits refundable?

No. Residence application fees and deposits are non-refundable.

What security measures are in place in residence?

There are security staff in each residence every night during the regular academic year and 24/7 during the December/January Holiday Break.

What happens if I need to cancel my residence application?

If you postpone your arrival to a later term, your study permit application is refused, you are not accepted to the university or you no longer require residence for any reason, you must submit notice of cancellation to us immediately. Your Room Offer email will contain sections titled “Cancellation and Refund Policies” and “Policy for International Students Requiring a Study Permit,” which will detail the amount of refund you would be eligible for if you have already paid a $1000 deposit.

Is residence open during summer or only during the academic year?

Rooms on specific floors in Pembina Hall Residence and Arthur V. Mauro Residence are available to rent for the May to July Summer Term. Only students with Fall bookings can stay for August.

Are laundry facilities available in residence?

There are laundry facilities in each building that are open 24/7. Our app lets you see which washers and dryers are in use and texts you when your laundry is done!

What is the policy on guests and overnight visitors?

Each resident is permitted to sign in a maximum of five guests at one time and is allowed to have a maximum of one overnight guest, for no longer than two consecutive nights and for a total of seven nights over an academic term. It is the responsibility of the resident to get the consent of his/her roommate(s) prior to having a guest overnight.

Are pets allowed in residence?

Pets are not allowed in residence.

Are residence communities alcohol- or drug-free?

Yes, the 8^th floor of Mary Speechly Hall is a substance-free floor for students who choose not to use alcohol, tobacco or cannabis in residence.

Contact Us

Student Residences Office
101 Arthur V. Mauro Residence
120 Dafoe Road
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 6B3

residence@umanitoba.ca

204-474-9922