Residence

Family & Friends

Dal lingo 101 for family and friends

RA (Residence Assistant) or CAT (Community Assistant Team): the students who work for Res Life helping other students who live in residence

RLM (Residence Life Manager): the full-time staff members who look after the different residences on campus and guide the RAs

Check out other Dal lingo

Remind your student to fill out their Residence Agreement

Before arriving in September, be sure that your student has read and signed their residence agreement, which can be accessed via their residence application on DalOnline.

Supporting a smooth transition into university life

As a parent, guardian or family member, your support is important to helping your student succeed in their new home-away-from-home. To help you manage this process, we've brought together key information that will help you and your student prepare for living at Dalhousie University. 

Quick links

Here are a few things you may want to check out when your student gets accepted to Dal:

10 residence tips for family and friends

  1. Dal email: Remind your student to set up and check their Dal email regularly after they are accepted.

  2. Fill out Residence Agreement: Remind your student to complete the agreement before arriving in September. Access it through your residence application on DalOnline or check your Dal email for it.

  3. Meal plans included: Your student’s meal plan is included in their residence fees. If you want to make a change, contact the Residence Office.

  4. Important dates: Find out when your student can move in to residence, eat their first meal in the cafeteria and other important dates.

  5. Sheet sizes: Beds in residence are twins*—we recommend extra-long sheets. Check out bedding and other the Home & Dorm Essentials available through the Dal Bookstore.

    *Some rooms on the Truro campus have double beds. We will let you know before you move in if you will be getting a double bed.

  6. Fridge sizes: Students are allowed to have fridges less than 3.2 cubic ft.

  7. Textbooks: Encourage your student to order their books online and have them delivered to their residence in time for when they move-in. Learn more about our Books in Res program.

  8. Storage: Each residence in Halifax has extra storage for your student’s hockey gear and bike so they don’t have to keep it in their room. Truro has bike racks outside.

  9. Mail: Students love receiving mail and care packages. For a unique Dal-branded item, check out the Dal Bookstore for great gift ideas.

    Find our mailing addresses. Note that Dal can’t accept mail for a student until they move in.

  10. Student Health & Wellness: Ensure your student brings their health card with them. A student health plan is available through the university. 

    Learn more about student health & wellness services on campus.

Wait to plan for the December holiday break

Students are required to leave residence within 24 hours of their last fall-term exam. Residence buildings close for winter break at noon the day after the last exam scheduled in the Undergraduate Calendar. Please don't make travel arrangements until your student has their own personal exam schedule!

Belongings can be left in your student's room during the December break. The residences will not re-open until January, so remind your student to take everything they might need when they leave.