Student Housing Policy

Procedure Number: STU 102Policy Title: Student Housing Policy
Supersedes Existing Policy: No Policy Sponsor: Senior Vice President, Students
Associated Procedure: No Policy Owner: Senior Vice President, Students
Next Review Date: January 2026Date Last Approved by CET: January 22, 2025
Related Documents and Links
1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to affirm Loyalist College’s commitment to providing access to affordable, accessible, and suitable housing options that support the diverse needs of our student population. In accordance with the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, this policy aims to ensure students are empowered to find stable housing solutions that accommodate their accessibility, family, affordability, and transit needs.

As the college’s student population evolves, this policy outlines Loyalist’s dedication to continually assessing and investing in sustainable and innovative housing infrastructure, both on and off campus. Through this commitment, Loyalist College seeks to foster a supportive living environment that promotes student success and well-being.

2. Application

This policy applies to all currently registered and prospective Loyalist College students.

3. Definitions

Accessible Housing. Housing that meets the physical and financial needs of individuals.

Affordability. Housing options priced to align with students’ financial resources, including below-market-rate options to reduce financial barriers.

Loyalist College Student Residence Accommodations. Accommodation provided directly by Loyalist College, either college-owned or leased, or operated by a third-party.

Off-Campus Housing. Accommodation not owned or operated by Loyalist College, typically rented or leased from private landlords or external providers.

Off-Campus Housing Coordinator (OCHC). A designated college employee who supports students in navigating off-campus housing, providing resources and guidance to secure accommodations.

Residential Tenancies Act. The Ontario legislation that governs rental housing, outlining the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

Home Share Program. A housing initiative pairing students with older adults in the community, where students provide support with household tasks in exchange for discounted rent.

Lottery System: A randomized selection process used to allocate student residence accommodations.

First-Year Student: Any domestic or international student entering the first semester of their first academic year at Loyalist College.

Wait List: A prioritized list of students who applied for residence accommodations but were not initially allocated a space.

Community Standards: Expectations and guidelines for behaviour and responsibilities that ensure a positive and respectful living environment within the student residence community.

Sustainability: Practices and solutions that support environmental, social, and economic well-being.

Municipal Community: The local government and broader geographic area surrounding Loyalist College campuses.

External Housing Database: A third party-maintained resource listing currently available off-campus housing options for students.

Term-by-Term Basis: A housing arrangement or allocation system structured around academic terms.

4. Policy

Loyalist College is dedicated to ensuring students have access to affordable and accessible housing options that support their academic success and personal well-being. Housing options located on and off campus are designed to meet the diverse needs of our student population, with considerations for physical and financial accessibility, family accommodations, and transit needs. The college is committed to fostering a supportive housing environment that prioritizes student choice, equity, and empowerment.

Loyalist College will continually assess and enhance its housing infrastructure, leveraging sustainable and innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of students. In collaboration with regional communities, the college provides housing that upholds the dignity, safety, and stability of every student.

5. Loyalist College Student Residence Accommodations

Loyalist College offers a variety of accommodation options to suit students’ preferences and needs, both on campus and in nearby campus locations:

  • Belleville Location: offers furnished residence spaces on campus in apartment and townhouse styles, with single- and double-occupancy options available at varying price points, including below-market rates.
  • Port Hope Location: provides furnished residence spaces within walking distance of campus, offering apartment-style and communal living environments.

5.1 Allocation Process

Loyalist College offers a transparent and equitable process for the allocation of spaces in student residence accommodations. All students who apply by the deadline are considered for residence spaces, with priority given to first-year domestic and international students for two-term contracts. Returning students are allocated remaining spaces through a lottery system on a term-by-term basis. Students who are not allocated residence spaces are directly supported by the Residence Office in finding suitable off-campus housing.

5.2 Inclusive and Reserved Housing for Students of All Abilities and Indigenous Students

Loyalist College is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible housing environment. To support this commitment, a portion of on-campus residence accommodations is reserved for students with disabilities and Indigenous students. Accessible units are designed to foster independent living and academic success. Housing for Indigenous students promotes a sense of belonging and cultural connection, offering access to peer networks and Indigenous-led support services.

Working closely with AccessAbility Services and the Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks Indigenous Resource Centre’s student success team, the college ensures an equitable and supportive housing allocation process. This approach reflects Loyalist College’s commitment to reducing housing barriers and fostering a vibrant, inclusive living community where all students can thrive.

5.3 Loyalist College Student Residence Accommodations Information

Students can access information about application deadlines, fee structures, contracts, expectations, and community standards on the Loyalist College website. Students interested in residence accommodations can access the college’s Residence Handbook resource, the Residence Office inside the Residence Commons Building, and the Residence and Housing web page of the college’s website for detailed information, including contact information to have their questions answered by Residence Office staff.

6. Off-Campus Housing

The college provides students with support in navigating the off-campus housing market through the provision of a Off-Campus Housing Coordinator (OCHC), the Residence Office in the Residence Commons Building, and a dedicated web page that includes links to local listings, off-campus living safety, information, tips, and contact information for supports in finding accommodations. Both the OCHC and the college’s Off-Campus Housing web page are available to provide financial support information and the average rental rates for local accommodations.

6.1 The Off-Campus Housing Coordinator

The Off-Campus Housing Coordinator (OCHC) provides tailored support to students with off-campus housing through a variety of services, including assistance with housing searches, workshops on living independently, and resources on tenancy rights under the Residential Tenancy Act. The OCHC also maintains an external housing database in partnership with a third-party resource and engages in community outreach to support relationships with landlords and municipalities.

6.2 Loyalist Home Share

The college also supports students in accessing the Loyalist Home Share Program, which pairs students with older adults in a mutually beneficial living arrangement. Students provide household support in exchange for reduced rent, promoting intergenerational connections and affordable housing solutions.

8. References
  • Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, 2024
  • Residential Tenancies Act, 2006