Posted on July 19: McMaster’s campus residences popular with students

Matching students with residences has been a little more complicated this year as the demand for campus accommodation is higher than normal.

Like many other Ontario universities, McMaster is experiencing higher enrolment, particularly in the Level 1 class. Applications for admission are up across the province as some students are fast-tracking to university ahead of the double cohort class of 2003.

McMaster and other universities are working with the provincial government to make as many additional spaces available as possible.

In turn, the percentage of first-year students who are eligible for McMaster residence space in September 2002 is higher than normal.

Phil Wood, associate vice-president student affairs, said McMaster is committed to accommodating all first-year students who were guaranteed a residence space because they had an academic average of 75 per cent or higher and met the application and payment deadlines.

“McMaster has been a popular choice for students again this year,” said Wood.

“We are committed to helping everyone make a successful transition to university life. As part of meeting our commitment, we have decided to increase our bed space capacity by introducing 'bunk and loft' rooms that will accommodate three students.”

Wood said that a number of other residence rooms will also be converted to accommodate more students.

“We are working with the Inter Residence Council and our Residence Life student staff to make sure that every student's residence experience will be positive,” said Wood.

Students will begin receiving their campus residence space assignments via letter today (July 19).

All students who are assigned to a 'bunk and loft' room will receive a phone call from Housing & Conference Services personnel beginning next week so they can have any queries answered.

Wood said students are being notified of their residence space assignment earlier than normal because demand has been great.