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Room switch
If you are switching rooms either during the term or between terms, review the following information carefully and follow the outlined steps to help you avoid unnecessary charges and make the change as seamless as possible. The room switch process applies to all residents living in both the Burnaby and Vancouver residences who will be moving out of one room or suite and into another room or suite immediately. To avoid cleaning or damage charges, please use the cleaning guides created specifically for your building and ensure all shared spaces are cleaned thoroughly.
If your question is not answered on this page, please contact housing@sfu.ca.
Room switch during the term
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 can I request a room switch?
- Submit a Room Switch Request Form on MyPlace@SFU Housing Portal (under My Room).
- Submitting a request does not guarantee approval.
- All requests are reviewed by the Residence Life Team.
- You may be asked to meet with your Community Life Coordinator.
- You can monitor your request status on MyPlace@SFU Housing Portal.
- If no rooms are currently available, your status will show “In Queue.”
What are 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 between terms
Why do I have to switch rooms?
Residents switch rooms between terms either because the room they are currently in is not available for the following term or they have signed a contract for a different room type or a room in a different building.
How is my room switch date determined?
Your room switch date is assigned based on when your new room becomes available and when your current room must be vacated. Estimated room switch dates are outlined in the Residence Handbook. If you will be room switching you will be emailed the exact date to your SFU email.
What if I cannot be present for my own room switch?
We highly recommend that you plan to be present for your room switch. You are responsible for your room, keys, and belongings. If you are unable to attend your room switch, you may authorize another individual to complete the room switch on your behalf by submitting an Authorized Access Form at least one week before your scheduled room switch date. You remain responsible for ensuring your room is vacated and all keys are returned by the required deadline.
What happens if I do not complete my room switch on time?
Residents who do not complete their room switch by 11:00 pm on their assigned room switch date will be charged the Improper Check-out Fee as you have not completed the check out from your previous room.
When must my room switch be completed?
You will be able to pick up a key or access card for your new room starting at 9:00 am on your room switch day. Room switches must be completed by 11:00 pm on the assigned date to ensure the room can be prepared for incoming residents.
Preparing for Your Room Switch
Knowing your confirmed room 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:
- As each resident moves out
- On move-out day or shortly after
- on or the day before the next move-in day
Report any maintenance issues
Don’t wait until the last minute. Report any maintenance issues with your unit or room to our Residence facilities team at least a few weeks before your room switch via a maintenance request through MyPlace@SFU Housing Portal.
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) are free and clear of garbage. Any items left behind may result in a charge.
Borrow a cart/vacuum and Return on time
Burnaby campus only: carts are available at the Front Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Must be returned within 2 hours
- 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 the SFU Residence and Housing office.
Vancouver: Return your key to the drop box located beside the mailboxes in the lobby.
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