Residence Fees
Students are responsible for paying the full residence fee for their assigned room. Students approved for exceptional circumstances will be required to pay a $300 residence deposit, submitted with their residence application.
Your residence fee includes:
- Your accommodations – which vary by residence
- Access to residence facilities, including study rooms, common area kitchens and laundry facilities
- Wireless Internet in each residence building (more info)
All students living in residence have the option of purchasing a meal plan. Meal plan costs are not included in the residence fees quoted.
There is also a separate Residence Life Health and Wellbeing fee*. This fee is not included in the residence and meal plan fees quoted.
*To be determined.
How Much Will Residence Cost?*
2020-21
| Single Occupancy Room in Two-Person Apartment | $9,350 |
| Single Occupancy Room in 4/6 Bedroom Apartment | $9,250 |
| Single Occupancy Room | $8,700 |
| Single Occupancy Double Room with Ensuite Washroom | $9,025 |
| Single Room with Ensuite Washroom | $8,900 |
| Single Occupancy Room with Private Washroom in Shared Suite | $9,350 |
| Single Occupancy Double Room with Attached Private Washroom (Twin Bed) | $9,000 |
| Single Occupancy Double Room with Attached Private Washroom (Double Bed) | $9,185 |
| Single Room with Attached Private Washroom | $9,065 |
| Super Single Room with Attached Private Washroom | $9,185 |
* Fees for the 2020-21 academic year are pending Senate approval and subject to change
Meal Plan
Due to the fall term being held online, students with exceptional circumstances living in residence are not required to purchase a meal plan.
If you are interested in purchasing a meal plan, you can choose from two options: the Freedom Plan and the Term Plan. Details are available on the Hospitality Web page.
Have Specific Dietary Needs? Please visit the Dietary Restrictions page on the Hospitality Services website for details on how your dietary needs can be accommodated on campus.
Other Costs to Consider
Property Tax Credit for Residence
As a residence student, you may claim a property tax credit of $25 when you file your income tax return; this does not require a receipt. This is the only claim you may make for residence expenses. Your residence fees are not deductible; therefore, the University does not issue tax receipts.
Laundry
All McMaster residence buildings have laundry rooms that you can use with your refillable laundry card that you will receive get on move-in day or can purchase from the residence service centres.
- Cold water $1.50
- Warm water $1.65
- Hot Water $1.80
- Dryer $1.60
*Prices may vary per building
Fridge Rental
Want to keep some snacks on hand? Students interested in having a refrigerator in their room can make arrangements with the University’s contractor Coldex, for rental of a 3 or 5 cubic foot refrigerator. Residence students are not permitted to bring personal refrigerators into the residence buildings.
8-month residence students for the 2020-2021 academic year will receive a complimentary fridge rental thanks to Coldex!
On-Campus Parking
If you decide to bring a vehicle to campus, you must be prepared to pay for parking. Students can buy parking pass per semester or per year for one of our many on and surrounding campus parking lots. Visit Parking & Security to learn more.
Room Lock-Out Fees
We’ve removed the majority of fees from the room lock-out process. If you lock yourself out of your room, don’t worry about it. Simply visit your nearest Service Centre to borrow a spare key and get back into your room. If you need tips on how to remember your keys, talk to your CA’s for some helpful advice. After 8 lock-outs per semester, fees will be incurred.
Tenant Insurance
McMaster is not responsible for the loss or damage to your belongings while you live in residence. To ensure your stuff is safe, double check that some form of householder or tenant’s insurance package covers you.