Why live in residence
Welcome to SFU’s residences where the space you live in is shaped by the unique personalities and diverse community that lives here. When you choose to live in residence, you join a diverse community that encourages academic success, self-discovery and exploration.
Why Live in Residences at SFU
SFU Residence and Housing provides a supportive and safe residence community. Join a living learning community with vibrant and diverse neighbours from across Canada and around the world. Your university experience starts HERE.
Check out our Where? Here Handout (PDF)
| 1 | University |
| 2 | SFU Residence Campuses
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2,100+
undergraduate Student Residents
- SFU & FIC
150+
graduate Student Residents
— Burnaby & Vancouver
50+
Countries represented @ SFU Residences
8
Building options to choose from
Compared to students who commute, students who live in residence
- Have higher GPAs
- Have a greater academic success
- Have higher graduation and retention rates from 1st to 2nd year
- Are more comfortable with the campus environment and more satisfied with their university experience
- Have a greater sense of community
SFU Residence and Housing offers
- Gender-inclusive communities
- Living learning communities
- Graduate living communities
- Single-gender communities
- Family housing
- Professional live-in staff
As a student living in residence, you will have access to
- Live-in student support staff
- All you care to eat meal plan (open 24 hours September – April)
- Programs that foster academic success and personal growth
- A supportive and safe residence community
- Quick access to SFU and FIC resources and supports
- Student positions within Residence and Housing and Guest Accommodations
- A community that helps you thrive and achieve academic and personal success
We welcome students from all around the globe
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Scholarship students
- Professional live in staff
- International students
- Fraser International College
- Student Athletes
- And more
Residence Programs
As part of living in SFU Residence, students will have an opportunity to take part in various programs and initiatives focused on supporting their academic learning as well as their personal and social growth. While many of our programs are run by our Residence Life team, we collaborate frequently with Campus Partners, ensuring that residents are connecting with the resources available to them on campus while learning from topic experts, including our Multifaith Centre, Health Promotions Team, Campus Public Safety, and The Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office. While our programming changes year-to-year to meet the need the changing needs of our students, some programs and initiatives have previously included:
Orientation and Transition
- Community Meetings - focus on how to live in a community living environment and connecting with residents
- Orientation events – focused on building connections between residents and exploring the local area – including sunset walks, field trips to local areas/attractions (Granville Island, Science World, etc.), and preparing for the start of the semester.
- Building skills around living alone and/or away from friends and family (e.g., cooking lessons, how to do laundry, fire safety etc.)
Personal Health and Wellness
- Yoga and fitness classes
- Hiking
- Learning about consent and how to party safely
- Plant show and sustainability fair
Social and Community Connection
- Talent shows
- Movie nights
- Tie-dye events
- Spa nights
- Bob Ross art time
Academic Learning and Transition
- Residency and mindfulness of the course of the semester, particularly during midterms and finals
- How to work effectively in groups for class project and how do use a professor or TA's office hours to support your learning
- Creating sustainable on how to study habits and routines
Student Residents at a glance
At SFU residences - everyone’s voice matters. Play an active role in shaping your journey. Get involved. The opportunities are endless. Pursue academics while exploring social and personal activities. Immerse yourself in both university and residence life. Welcome to your new community.