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Room switch
Thank you for being an engaged member of our residence community. If you’re planning to switch rooms, reviewing the information carefully and following the outlined steps will help you avoid unnecessary charges and make the change as seamless as possible for you and your fellow residents. The room switch process applies to all residents living in both the Burnaby and Vancouver residences. To avoid cleaning or damage charges, please use the cleaning guides created specifically for your building and ensure all shared spaces are cleaned thoroughly.
Room Switch FAQ's
When Can I Request a Room Switch?
Room switch requests are accepted:
- After the third week of the term
This allows residents time to arrive and adjust to their new community. - Before the final three weeks of the term
This helps minimize disruptions during exams and peak move-out periods.
How to Request a Room Switch
- Submit a Room Switch Request Form on MyPlace@SFU (under My Room).
- Submission does not guarantee approval.
- All requests are reviewed by the Residence Life Team.
- You may be asked to meet with your Residence Life Coordinator.
- You can monitor your request status on MyPlace@SFU.
- If no rooms are currently available, your status will show “In Queue.”
Room Switch Priorities
Requests are reviewed according to the following priority levels:
- Priority 1 – Medical or Safety: Documented medical needs (through the Centre for Accessible Learning – CAL) or verified safety concerns.
- Priority 2 – Community or Comfort Concerns: Situations involving distress due to the living environment (e.g., noise, roommate conflict).
- Priority 3 – Other Requests: All remaining room switch requests.
Room switch checklist
Preparing for Your Room Switch
Knowing your confirmed switch date is essential. Please plan accordingly.
Inspections
- Rooms/bedspaces are inspected within 1–2 days after move-out.
- Shared spaces (including Townhouses) are inspected:
- On move-out day or shortly after
- Again after the new resident vacates
- Prior to the next Move-In Day
Report any maintenance issues
Avoid charges: make sure you fill out the form a few weeks before moving out. Room inspections happen right after move out.
Any maintenance issues with your unit/room must be reported to our Residence Facilities team via a maintenance request through MyPlace@SFU.
Remove all garbage and recycle
Clean your (shared) space to avoid the cleaning charges. Ensure your room and shared space (if living in Townhouses and SFU Residence at the Chang Centre) is free and clear of garbage. Any items left behind may result in a charge.
Borrow a cart and Return within an hour
Burnaby campus only: carts are available at the Front Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Must be returned within 1 hour
- Late fee: Maximum charge: $350
Clean your (shared) space and Avoid cleaning Charges
Everyone's responsibility is to clean their shared spaces including bathroom, kitchen, fridge, stove and living room.
Our maintenance staff will take photographs of any rooms that are left unclean, untidy, or damaged. Refer to the room condition/inventory form you completed when you moved in. Any damage or items needing repair will have been reported on this form and this will be the standard used to assess whether your room is left in the same condition it was received.
Return your key on time
Please lock your door, then drop off your keys with our team at the Front Desk in the main office or through the mail slot.
Burnaby: Return your key to SFU Residence and Housing office.
Vancouver: Return your key to the drop box located beside the mail boxes in the lobby.
Key Return Locations
Burnaby Campus:
Return to the SFU Residence and Housing Office.
Vancouver Campus:
Return to the drop box beside the mailboxes in the lobby. On move-out day, a residence administrator will be present during regular working hours.
Off-Campus Storage
Residence and Housing does not provide on-campus or off-campus storage for students who are:
- Moving in
- Moving out
- Staying between terms
Students are responsible for arranging their own storage solutions.
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Lost key/lock change charge |
$25 - $400 |
| Lost fob/not returned | $20 |
| Cleaning and damage | $140 average (where assessed) |
| Improper check-out/overstay | $80/day |
| Moving cart late return charge |
Overdue rental charge $50 per hour (or each portion of an hour) to a max of $350 |
For a full list of charges, please refer to the Charges PDF