University of Guelph adding on-campus housing for 1,500 first-year students
Posted Nov 13, 2024 10:05:39 AM.
Last Updated Nov 13, 2024 03:52:22 PM.
The University of Guelph (U of G) will add 1,500 beds for first-year students in a new development that is set to be completed by 2030.
The university is eyeing an empty lot at the intersection of College Avenue and McGilvray Street for the proposed two-building residence. When completed, it’ll be the first new student housing development built on campus in the 21st century.
“We’re thrilled to be working on building and opening this designated first-year student residence that will provide students with a modern, comfortable and inclusive living environment,” said Ed Townsley, associate vice-president of U of G, in a press release.
“This new facility will be a testament to our commitment to enhancing the student experience and supporting their academic and personal growth.”
The university is looking to strategically grow enrollment numbers at the school. It reportedly admitted a record number of students for the 2024 fall semester, with more than 7,000 first-years added to the campus.
In June of this year, parents and students were informed the waitlist for student residence was about 1,300 names long, leaving them frustrated and scrambling to find rental housing.
The school is working at adding another 250 beds for first-year students arriving in the fall of 2025 and improving communications to give future first-years and their parents clarity on their would-be living space ahead of the start of the new school year.
