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Student Housing Policy

Purpose

To provide Seneca Polytechnic students with on- and off-campus housing options, resources and assistance to support safe and secure housing during their studies.

Scope

This policy applies to all Seneca students. 

Key definitions

On-campus housing

Housing owned by and located on a Seneca property.

Off-campus housing

Housing owned or operated by a third party and is not located on a Seneca property.

Third-party partnerships

Relationships Seneca enters with external entities (e.g., service providers, vendors, alliances, consortiums, investors, etc.)

Policy

1. General

  1. Seneca is committed to:
    • providing a range of on-campus and off-campus housing options that aligns with Seneca’s student population size and diversity
    • ensuring information, services and resources about housing is accessible to all students
    • obtaining ongoing feedback from students about their needs for housing and related supports
    • considering impact of student housing on its local communities
    • developing student-focused community housing partnerships, where possible
    • offering budgeting tools to students
    • working with recruitment agents to help international students secure housing

2. Institutional structure

  1. Seneca’s Residence Life team and Housing team will provide personal support, information and guidance to students regarding housing options.
  2. The Housing team will serve as the primary contact for all housing-related inquiries and provides the appropriate referrals to other Seneca and community partners.
  3. The Residence Life team will provide students with resources and experiences for a safe, supportive and positive on-campus living environment.

3. Resources

  1. Seneca will maintain online resources that include:
    • a list of community partnerships
    • short-term housing information
    • details on the types of renting options available (e.g., apartments, private rooms, shared rooms, temporary housing, home sharing and home stays)
    • financing opportunities and assistance
    • webinars on finding housing
    • safety resources such as campus security, neighbourhood information, transportation information, and emergency contact information
  2. Students will be provided free legal advice on leasing, tenant rights, dispute resolution through the Seneca Student Federation. 

4. On-campus housing

  1. Seneca will offer on-campus housing for rent at residences at King and Newnham campuses, with spaces made available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  2. Payment plans for renting at Seneca’s residences will be made available to students in need. 

5. Off-campus housing

  1. Seneca will provide off-campus housing options through third-party partnerships.
  2. Students seeking off-campus housing will be provided assistance in finding suitable accommodations in the community.
  3. When required, Seneca will make temporary housing and supports available through third-party partnerships.

6. International students

  1. Seneca will provide international students with housing information and resources prior to their arrival in Canada online, through pre-departure orientations and in their letter of acceptance.
  2. The housing options Seneca provides to international students will align with directives from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and will meet all legislative requirements.  

Supporting documentation

  • None

Related Seneca policies

Related materials

 

Approval Date: January 2025