If you are planning to attend the University of Alberta, you might be wondering how much it costs to live in a dorm on campus. Living in a dorm can be a great way to make friends, get involved in campus life, and enjoy the convenience of having everything you need within walking distance. However, living in a dorm also comes with a price tag that varies depending on the type of room, the location, and the meal plan you choose.

The cost of living in a dorm at the University of Alberta ranges from $4,500 to $9,000 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan. The average cost is about $6,500 per semester.

Dorm Room Options at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta offers a variety of dorm room options for students, depending on their year of study, preferences, and budget. Here are some of the main dorm room options available:

• Lister Hall: This is the traditional first-year dormitory residence, with five towers featuring single or double rooms with shared washrooms. Lister Hall also has academic and non-academic cohort floors, quiet floors, and substance-free floors. Lister Hall residents are required to purchase a residence meal plan that gives them unlimited access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Lister Hall ranges from $5,000 to $6,000 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan.
• Peter Lougheed Hall: This is one of the newest student residences, opened in 2017 with space for 140 residents. Peter Lougheed Hall offers single rooms with private washrooms and mini-fridges. Peter Lougheed Hall residents are also required to purchase a residence meal plan that gives them unlimited access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Peter Lougheed Hall is about $9,000 per semester.
• Résidence Saint-Jean: This is a French-speaking community located in the heart of Edmonton’s francophone neighborhood. Résidence Saint-Jean offers single or double rooms with shared washrooms and kitchenettes. Résidence Saint-Jean residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Résidence Saint-Jean ranges from $4,500 to $5,500 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan.
• Alder and Linden House: These are two residences located in a scenic neighborhood on campus, offering single rooms with shared washrooms and common areas. Alder and Linden House residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Alder and Linden House is about $5,000 per semester.
• Nîpisîy House: This is the newest residence on campus, opened in 2019 with space for 800 residents. Nîpisîy House offers multi-room apartments with private washrooms and full kitchens. Nîpisîy House residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Nîpisîy House ranges from $6,000 to $7,000 per semester, depending on the apartment size.
• Pinecrest and Tamarack House: These are two residences located in the Garneau neighborhood, close to the river valley. Pinecrest and Tamarack House offer walk-up apartments with one to four bedrooms, private washrooms, and full kitchens. Pinecrest and Tamarack House residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Pinecrest and Tamarack House ranges from $6,000 to $7,000 per semester, depending on the apartment size.
• HUB: This is a unique residence located in the campus shopping mall. HUB offers studio or one-bedroom apartments with private washrooms and kitchenettes. HUB residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in HUB ranges from $5,000 to $6,000 per semester, depending on the apartment size.
• Aspen and Maple House: These are two residences located on East Campus Village (ECV), offering walk-up apartments with one to four bedrooms, private washrooms, and full kitchens. Aspen and Maple House residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Aspen and Maple House ranges from $6,000 to $7,000 per semester, depending on the apartment size.
• International House: This is a residence for upper-year and graduate students who want to live in a diverse and global community. International House offers single or double rooms with shared washrooms and kitchenettes. International House residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in International House ranges from $5,000 to $6,000 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan.
• Graduate Residence: This is a residence for graduate students who want to live in a quiet and comfortable environment. Graduate Residence offers studio or one-bedroom apartments with private washrooms and full kitchens. Graduate Residence residents are not required to purchase a meal plan, but they can opt for a voluntary meal plan that gives them access to the dining hall. The cost of living in Graduate Residence ranges from $6,000 to $7,000 per semester, depending on the apartment size.

Here is a comparison chart of the dorm room options at the University of Alberta:

Meal Plans at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta offers two types of meal plans: residence meal plans and voluntary meal plans. Residence meal plans are mandatory for students living in Lister Hall or Peter Lougheed Hall. Voluntary meal plans are optional for students living in other residences or off campus.

Residence meal plans provide unlimited access to the dining halls during operating hours. The dining halls offer a variety of food options, from healthy choices to comfort food. The residence meal plans also include flex dollars that can be used at other campus food outlets. The cost of the residence meal plan is included in the dorm room cost.

Voluntary meal plans provide access to the dining halls on a per-meal basis. Students can purchase a block of meals or an all-access plan that gives them unlimited entries to the dining halls. The voluntary meal plans also include flex dollars that can be used at other campus food outlets. The cost of the voluntary meal plan varies depending on the number of meals or the duration of the plan.

Here is a comparison chart of the meal plans at the University of Alberta:

Dorm Room Costs Comparison

The dorm room costs at the University of Alberta are comparable to those of similar schools in Canada. For example, the University of British Columbia offers dorm rooms ranging from $5,000 to $9,000 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan. The University of Toronto offers dorm rooms ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan. The University of Calgary offers dorm rooms ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan.

The dorm room costs at the University of Alberta are also reasonable considering the amenities and value for money they provide. The dorm rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-maintained. The dining halls offer a variety of food options that cater to different dietary needs and preferences. The residences also offer various services and programs that support the academic and social success of students. The residences are also conveniently located close to campus facilities, public transportation, and local attractions.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about living in a dorm at the University of Alberta:

Q: How do I apply for a dorm room at the University of Alberta?

A: You can apply for a dorm room at the University of Alberta online through the Residence Services website. You will need to create an account, fill out an application form, pay a non-refundable application fee of $25, and submit a residence deposit of $500. You will also need to rank your preferred residence and room type. You will receive a room offer by email if you are accepted. You will need to accept or decline the offer within a specified deadline.

Q: What are the move-in and move-out dates for dorm rooms at the University of Alberta?

A: The move-in and move-out dates for dorm rooms at the University of Alberta vary depending on the residence and the term. Generally, the move-in date for fall term is in late August or early September, and the move-out date is in late December or early January. The move-in date for winter term is in early January, and the move-out date is in late April or early May. The move-in date for spring/summer term is in early May, and the move-out date is in late August. You can check the specific dates for your residence on the Residence Services website.

Conclusion

Living in a dorm at the University of Alberta can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience that enhances your university life. However, living in a dorm also comes with a cost that depends on several factors, such as the type of room, the location, and the meal plan you choose. The average cost of living in a dorm at the University of Alberta is about $6,500 per semester, which is comparable to other similar schools in Canada and reasonable considering the amenities and value for money they provide.

If you are interested in living in a dorm at the University of Alberta, you can apply online through the Residence Services website. You can also find more information about the different dorm room options, meal plans, services, and programs on their website. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact them by email at housing@ualberta.ca or by phone at (780) 492-4242.

To apply for a dorm room at the University of Alberta, visit https://www.ualberta.ca/residence/apply-now/index.html