FAQ’s
Below are a list of commonly asked questions from students.
If you don’t see your question on here, or if you need further clarification, please do no hesitate to contact us at residence@brandonu.ca.
How can I arrange a tour of Residence?
We are happy to tour you and your family/friends around our residences, understanding that tour requests need to be made 2 business days in advance by calling or emailing our office. They may also be requested through admissions during a campus tour. Please know some halls or rooms may not be viewable just depending on the time of year. Once an inquiry is placed for a tour, we can discuss what is available to view.
When will I know my Room Assignment?
We cannot guarantee which room will be assigned until the end of August. This is because we are assigning spaces right up until move-in weekend.
Can I defer my residence offer to winter term?
We can defer your application to the winter term but we cannot defer your offer. A new offer would be sent in the Fall.
I don't feel comfortable having a roommate. Will I be guaranteed a single room?
Rooms are assigned on a first come first serve basis. Single occupancy rooms cannot be guaranteed.
If I apply, are there any guarantees I will get a space?
We are currently accepting application for all 3 Residence Halls: McMaster Hall, Flora Cowan Hall, and Darrach Hall. If you have questions regarding our spaces and availability, prior to applying, please contact us directly.
Can I see my room before I move in?
Unfortunately, students cannot view their rooms prior to moving in. One reason being we cannot guarantee room assignments until the end of August. Also, our Residences still operate during the spring and summer. Between turnover and spring cleaning, we will not have student rooms ready until end of August.
What should I bring when moving into residence?
We have recommendations in our Move-In Guide which is emailed to students 6-8 weeks prior to checking in. You may also find information in our Residence Handbook.
What will my mailing address be?
(First and Last Name)
(Box Number) <– this will be given upon move-in.
Brandon University Residence
270 18th Street
Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 6A9
Will there be anyone to help me move my belongings into my room?
Residence Assistants may assist students with their belongings. Carts will be available to use but while quantities last. We encourage students to bring their own, if they have them available.
What is an RA?
The Residence Assistants are senior students who are hired by the Residence Manager. Their responsibilities are to provide security and discipline, assist and advise residence students and encourage residence activities, events and programs. Each evening there is at least one Residence Assistant who is on duty. This person may be contacted between 4:30pm and 8:30am, Monday through Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday
How many people are allowed to come with me and help me move in?
There is currently no limit on the number of people allowed to help.
Am I allowed guests in Residence?
Yes, please review our guest policy here
How do I do laundry?
Washers and driers are located in the basement of Darrach Hall and Flora Cowan Hall. McMaster Hall has a laundry room on every even numbered floor. No coin, No card! Just bring soap!
Who do I contact for support?
We have a list of supports listed here, under ‘Student Supports’. You may also connect with the staff at Ancillary Services/Residence Office if you need help with anything.
What is Residences policy on service animals?
Brandon University Residence recognizes that some students may have medical requirements that may put them in conflict with the Residence Community Living Standards. Anyone requiring accessibility accommodations must contact Student Accessibility Services and provide the required documentation.
Service-Animal-Policy-1.pdf (brandonu.ca)
How do I apply for a room change?
Room transfer requests can happen for various reasons and are prioritized based on the needs of those who apply and availability. A students’ first contact regarding a room transfer should be their R.A. If the student would like to move forward with this request, a formal document for room transfers is available through your Erez Life Portal. Note: There may be a fee incurred with such a request.
Do I get Wi-Fi in my residence room?
Yes, every student has their own personal access key, which will be emailed to you prior to arrival. For more information on getting connected to the network, as well as troubleshooting, please visit Residence Wireless Internet | Residence (brandonu.ca)
Can I stay in Residence over the winter break?
Students are to leave residence 24 hours after their last exam. Students who require to stay on campus during the winter break will need to sign a “Winter Break Agreement” acknowledging the terms for staying on campus during that period.
Who cleans the shared spaces?
All shared spaces and high touch surfaces are being cleaned and disinfected regularly by our Building Services Workers. However, students are still expected to leave the spaces tidy by picking up their own garbage and moving any furniture back to its original spot.
Can I use my unused meal plan money towards housing or tuition balances?
Meal plan money can only be carried over from first term to second term and must be used by the end of second term. Refunds for unused money are available in the Premium Plan, of up to $250/term. Applicable refunds are credited to the students’ account and can be used towards any outstanding balances, at the end of the students’ contract.
If I find a place off campus during the academic year, am I going to be penalized for breaking my contract?
If you will still be a studying student, you will be assessed a $500 penalty and charged until the end of the term, provided you give proper notification to our office before December 1. Students who fail to give proper notification before December 1, will be charged for the full academic year without further penalties. All students must fill out a ‘Notice of Withdrawal’ form.
I am thinking of returning to residence in the fall. Can I get my same room?
Yes BUT a couple things to note:
Our offers for returning students are still on a first come first serve basis. So, your same room is not guaranteed. However, returning students do have the option to apply earlier than first year students. Just apply before the deadline for your choice of room, hall and occupancy (while quantities last)