Move In Guide

Algonquin College Residence

We can’t wait to meet you!🤩


Move In Instructions for Fall Term 2026

STEP 1: Select Your Arrival Timeslot

Our Move-In takes place over Labor Day Weekend, from Friday, September 04 to Sunday, September 06, 2026. 

Instructions to pick your timeslot will be emailed out to you by August 17. Login to the Housing Portal click on “Appointments”, and select your desired date and time.

Move-in timeslots are designed to help reduce congestion in elevators and corridors. Once you check in, you’re welcome to take your time settling in. We appreciate your efforts to arrive during your selected timeslot to help ensure a safe and efficient move-in.

Move-In Helpers: We encourage limiting move-in helpers to needs only to help reduce congestion in corridors, elevators, and stairwells. Please note that after you move in, guests are not permitted in Residence until Monday, September 14. Family and friends who require accommodation should make hotel arrangements elsewhere, as they will be unable to stay in Residence.

STEP 2: Submit Photo For Your AC Card + U-Pass

Your AC Card + U-Pass is your: room key, your meal plan, your laundry card, your bus pass, and more!

Steps to complete for your AC Card + U-Pass:

  • Submit your photo in the AC Photo portal once you have your network username and password which can be found in ACSIS.
  • Be sure to select “Residence” as pickup location while completing the steps.
  • Complete these steps before August 31 for your AC card to be waiting for you in your Residence move-in package.
  • Submissions after August 26 may mean that you will have to stand in line to collect your AC card.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about submitting your photo online, please contact Card Services.

 

STEP 3: Start Packing

You may want to get a sense of the space first and talk with your roommate before bringing or purchasing new items. If you are going home at Thanksgiving or Fall Break that would be a good opportunity to bring your cold weather/winter items.

To help make your move-in experience as smooth as possible, we recommend planning ahead and packing with your residence space in mind.

  • Use totes, moving bags, or reusable bins whenever possible. These are easier to carry, stack, and unpack, while also helping to reduce cardboard waste.
  • Avoid packing in suitcases or large storage boxes that you plan to keep in your room. Residence rooms have limited space, and storing bulky empty luggage can be challenging.
  • Pack items in containers with lids. Avoid loose items or open boxes, as they can make move-in more difficult and increase the risk of items being misplaced.
  • Bring your own cart or dolly if you need one. A limited number of carts may be available during move-in, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
  • Choose containers that can be unpacked and taken home. This helps maximize your available room space once you are settled in.
  • Storage bags are a great option. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be folded flat and stored away after unpacking.
  • Take advantage of under-bed storage. Residence beds provide approximately 11 to 12 inches of clearance, making under-bed storage bins and organizers an excellent space-saving solution.
  • Don’t worry about bringing everything with you on move-in day. IKEA, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and many other retailers are located nearby, making it easy to pick up last-minute essentials or additional storage solutions after you’ve settled into your room.

A little planning can go a long way in making move-in day quicker, easier, and more organized. We look forward to welcoming you to residence!

Packing Cart with Totes Packing Bags Packing Cart 2

 

 

STEP 4: Plan Your Trip to Ottawa

Our Move-In takes place over Labor Day Weekend, from Friday, September 04 to Sunday, September 06, 2026. 

Algonquin College Residence is referred to as “R” building on the Ottawa Campus Map.

Residence Address

Algonquin College Residence
1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Nepean, ON K2G 1V8

Google Map 

Note: Guests are not permitted in Residence until Tuesday, September 09 at noon. Move-in helpers are accepted for daytime access. Family and friends should make arrangements elsewhere if they require overnight accommodation.

STEP 5: Move In Day!

Our Move-In takes place over Labor Day Weekend, from Friday, September 04 to Sunday, September 06, 2026. 

  1. Once you have arrived on campus at the time you selected in your application, please drive directly to Parking Lot 10 as indicated on the campus map.
  2. Come visit us in the white tent and prepare to show your photo ID to collect your Move-In package which includes the keys to your assigned room.
  3. You will be directed towards the most convenient unloading area, based on your room assignment.

Parking:

Daytime parking is free for Move-In in weekend only in Lot 10 & 11. For all other times/lots, including overnight parking,  parking permits are required.  When purchasing your parking pass, be sure to select the Residence Lot 11 as all other lots are daytime parking only while the residence lot includes overnight.


Algonquin College Residence Orientation Week

Orientation Week runs from the day you move into Residence until Monday, September 14 at 12 p.m.

Check out our Events Page for our Orientation Week Schedule and other events happening throughout the year.

Please be aware that during orientation week residents are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol/cannabis, or host guests in Residence. Our campus is also smoke and vape free year-round. Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on campus, including Residence grounds or inside the Residence, at any time. This policy applies to all tobacco, cannabis, and vape products.


Parents, Guardians & Supporters

We know that your support will help your student to be successful here at Algonquin College. We know that you are a big part of the move-in process too, so we have put together some information with you in mind!

Parent, Guardian & Supporter Guide

 


Move In FAQs

What NOT to Bring

Please note that these items are not permitted in Residence at any time.

  • Refrigerator (including mini-fridges)
  • Open element appliances
  • Appliances without an automatic shut off
  • Subwoofers (bass) or amps
  • Scent diffusers, candles, incense
  • Kitchen Garbage Bins (these are provided)
  • Internet Router (there is wifi access in the building)
  • Space heaters
  • Pets
  • Funnels and drinking game supplies
  • Large volume alcohol containers
  • Single serve glass bottles
  • Cases of beer over 12 cans
  • Nails or tacks (use 3M hooks for posters)
  • Paint (it is not permitted to repaint the rooms)

What to Bring

Note: Bring one car only! If it doesn’t fit in one car, it likely won’t fit in your room.

Bedrooms Items

  • Bed Linens (double XL bed – size 54″ x 76″)
  • Comforter, blanket and pillows
  • Small under bed storage, clothes hangers
  • Small furniture items (eg. small dresser or bookshelf)
  • Laundry basket
  • Decorative items (eg. photos, pictures, posters, rugs, throws, plants)
  • 3M Hooks or removable mounting tape for hanging decorative items (no nails or tacks please)
  • Bedside lamp
  • Bedroom garbage bin
  • Television (televisions are no longer provided in the bedrooms)

Personal Items

  • Laptop and charger or desktop computer
  • Phone charger
  • Headphones
  • Study supplies (eg. notepads, pens, pencils, highlighters)
  • CSA/UL approved power bars and extension cords
  • Small appliances (eg. small fan, humidifier) *
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Smell proof container that seals completely for cannabis or tobacco storage (residents 19+ only) **

Kitchen Items

  • Induction cooker *
  • Toaster or toaster oven *
  • Kettle, Coffee Maker *
  • Dishes and utensils
  • Pots and pans
  • Tupperware, food storage containers
  • Cooking utensils
  • Glasses, cups, mugs
  • Can opener, scissors
  • Dishrack

Cleaning Supplies:

  • Small personal vacuum
  • Swiffer Wet cleaner and replacement pads
  • Household disinfectant cleaners and wipes
  • Laundry detergent, fabric softener, dry sheets
  • Dish soap, hand soap, sponges, dish cloths
  • Garbage bags
  • Paper towel and kitchen towel
  • Rubber gloves
  • Duster

Bathroom Items

  • Shower caddy
  • Shower curtain and shower curtain hooks
  • Bath mat
  • Bath towel and hand towel
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and toothbrush holder
  • Toilet paper
  • Toilet brush and plunger

* All appliances MUST have an automatic shut off

** Not permitted during AC Residence Dry Week

When can I move into Residence?

The earliest move-in day for:

Academic Year 2026-27 is September 05, 2026

Three-Term Academic Year 2026-27 is September 05, 2026

Winter Term 2027 is TBD

Early arrivals may sometimes be accommodated for bona fide academic purposes. Please email info@algonquinresidence.ca with your request and supporting documentation, such as a timetable or a letter from your program coordinator. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and early move-in cannot be guaranteed. Pro-rated charges will apply for any additional days.

Can I move-in early or move-out late?

Early arrivals and late departures may sometimes be accommodated for bona fide academic purposes. Please email info@algonquinresidence.ca with your request and supporting documentation, such as a timetable or a letter from your program coordinator. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis, and early move-in or late departure cannot be guaranteed. Pro-rated charges will apply for any additional days.

Will move in carts be available for me to use on move in day?

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide carts for everyone during move-in. If you need a cart, please bring one with you as we may not have carts available.

Will there be people to help me move in when I arrive?

Once you arrive, Residence staff will greet you and provide your move-in package, which includes your room assignment and keys. Our Front Desk is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

You’re welcome to bring your own helpers—just remember to bring a cart if you’ll need one.

To help reduce congestion in corridors and wait times for elevators, we kindly ask that you limit the number of individuals assisting you. Keep in mind that you may be moving in at the same time as your roommate—so that’s already quite a few people in a small space!

What happens if I arrive later than the official move in day?

If you are unable to move in during the official move-in weekend, please email us at info@algonquinresidence.ca to let us know when you will be arriving so we can update your arrival date.


Everything you need for residence all in one place!

Skip the hassle of packing bulky dorm essentials and have everything you need waiting for you on Campus when you arrive.

We’ve partnered with My Dorm Store to make move-in easy. You can shop for AC residence-approved items like bedding (guaranteed to fit our beds!), care packages, and room accessories, and have them shipped directly to campus. Your order will be waiting for you when you arrive on move-in day.


Start Packing!

To help make your move-in experience as smooth as possible, we recommend planning ahead and packing with your residence space in mind.

  • Use totes, moving bags, or reusable bins whenever possible. These are easier to carry, stack, and unpack, while also helping to reduce cardboard waste.
  • Avoid packing in suitcases or large storage boxes that you plan to keep in your room. Residence rooms have limited space, and storing bulky empty luggage can be challenging.
  • Pack items in containers with lids. Avoid loose items or open boxes, as they can make move-in more difficult and increase the risk of items being misplaced.
  • Bring your own cart or dolly if you need one. A limited number of carts may be available during move-in, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
  • Choose containers that can be unpacked and taken home. This helps maximize your available room space once you are settled in.
  • Storage bags are a great option. They are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be folded flat and stored away after unpacking.
  • Take advantage of under-bed storage. Residence beds provide approximately 11 to 12 inches of clearance, making under-bed storage bins and organizers an excellent space-saving solution.
  • Don’t worry about bringing everything with you on move-in day. IKEA, Canadian Tire, Walmart, and many other retailers are located nearby, making it easy to pick up last-minute essentials or additional storage solutions after you’ve settled into your room.

A little planning can go a long way in making move-in day quicker, easier, and more organized. We look forward to welcoming you to residence!

 


Questions?

Get in Touch!