Housing & Accommodations

On-Campus Residence: Your Home Away From Home


Lakehead University guarantees a spot in on-campus housing accommodations for individual new incoming international applicants, provided they register for and pay any required residence down payments by June 1, 2026. After this date, residence housing may be available subject to availability.

New friends, new home, new adventures! Living on-campus is an incredible opportunity to enjoy a safe, fun, and friendly community. 

Why You Should Choose Residence


Bolu Fabwano Life-Long Friendships & Networking Opportunities

"When I first arrived and didn't know anyone, my neighbour in residence helped me settle in. His whole family came and knocked on my door when I was feeling lonely. They helped me to feel at home. Whenever there were holiday breaks and everyone left to visit family, I had no family close by. But Eric always took me with him, and I got to meet his friends and family. It was really cool." (Bolu Fabanwo from Nigeria, HBComm)


Ragi Ramash

Conveniently Located

“I really liked how close it was to the University - I didn’t have to use the bus or anything to travel. I came in the winter and since I didn’t know anyone it was very convenient to stay in residence.” (Ragi Ramesh from India, Geology)

On-Campus Living Options


Living in residence is a huge part of your life as a Lakehead student. From your very first day, you will meet new people from all around the world and start establishing friendships that will last a lifetime. 

On-Campus Residence

Exterior shot of Lakehead's Bartley ResidenceLiving in one of our on-campus residence units, you'll be only a few steps away from your classes and labs. Residence students enjoy additional supports and security and can take advantage of all of the social events Residence Services offers. 

Lakehead University is pleased to offer guaranteed housing for students who apply by the deadlines.

  • Fall (September) start - apply for housing by June 1*
  • Winter (January) start - apply for housing by October 1*
  • Spring (May) start (graduate students only) - apply for housing by March 1*
  • Summer (July) start (graduate students only) - apply for housing by June 1*

*Residence applications submitted after this date will be accommodated as long as space is available.

For complete information about residence options, costs, meal plans, and more, please visit the Residence website for your campus:

Our Thunder Bay Residence Our Orillia Residence

Georgian Green Residence - (off campus) Barrie

Important Considerations

As you begin browsing the Residence options at the links below, keep the following things in mind:

  • You are not automatically placed in Lakehead University Residence. You must complete and submit a Residence registration form online.
  • Once your residence registration is complete (including the form and submission of residence down payment), you will receive a residence contract with your room assignment. Please read it carefully.
  • Lakehead University does not offer on-campus housing for families.
  • Lakehead offers on-campus housing on the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. In Barrie, Lakehead partners with an off-campus housing provider called Georgian Green.
Food On Campus (Thunder Bay & Orillia)

Students sitting at a table in the Orillia CafeteriaDepending on which Residence option you choose, your meal plan will either be included automatically (Residence Halls) or optional (Apartments or Townhouses). 

Choose from a wide variety of cuisines including North American favourites, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and Asian food options. To explore all the dining options in the cafeterias and other outlets around campus, to view sample meals, and more, visit:

Thunder Bay Campus Meal Plans

Orillia Campus Meal Plans 

Cafeteria Hot Meals    Cafeteria Self Serve

Off-Campus Living Options


Off-Campus Housing Options (Thunder Bay & Orillia)

Most new students prefer to live on-campus during their first year at Lakehead. However, if you are moving to Canada with your family, or have chosen not to live on campus, click the button below to check out Lakehead University's helpful off-campus housing page!

Living Off-Campus

You may also find the following Settlement.org links helpful:


NOTE: If you choose to pursue an off-campus housing option, Lakehead University strongly encourages you to view the accommodations in person before signing any rental agreement and paying a deposit, or have a trusted friend or family member view them on your behalf. 

Accommodation within close proximity to the university is very much in demand and can be difficult to find, particularly after the first week of September. Therefore, it is important that you try to arrive in Thunder Bay or Orillia as early as possible if you are planning to look for something off-campus. If you are arriving before confirming your off-campus accommodation, review the temporary accommodations below.

Off-Campus Living (Barrie)

If you’re planning to study at our Barrie STEM Hub, take advantage of Lakehead's partnership with Georgian Green Residences. These off-campus, apartment-style accommodations combine comfort, convenience, and community living in a student residence that is safe and secure...all within a short bus ride from Lakehead's Barrie STEM Hub. 

Georgian Green Residence

Temporary Accommodations

THUNDER BAY

  • Hotel: Travelodge by Wyndham +1 (807) 788-0993 (ask for Lakehead student rate or use Corp ID #9984871001 online); close to the University

  • Hotel: Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel +1 (807) 346-5125 (ask for the Lakehead student rate); close to a bus terminal and in Downtown Thunder Bay

  • Motel: Super 8 +1 (807) 344-2612 (ask for Lakehead student rate); close to the University

  • Motel: Strathcona Motel +1 (807) 683-8285

  • Hostel: Haven Hostel +1 (807) 285-1142; in downtown Thunder Bay

    Haven Hostels opens up their bookings in August & September and December & January to allow for 31 day stays for those who may need that time to transition into more long term off-campus housing.

    Haven Hostel offers single and double occupancy dorm rooms with storage and desks, and also private rooms with their own ensuites. They do this for 2-3 months depending on the demand, right when students need it most.

  • Airbnb

There are many other hotels and motels in Thunder Bay. Please check rates before booking.


ORILLIA

• Hotel: Fairfield by Marriott

Lakehead University rate is available to anyone studying, working or visiting. Call the hotel directly 249.449.0368 ext 0 to speak with someone at their Front Desk, and be sure to mention the Lakehead University rate. If the guest dials 1 for reservations it will transfer the call to Marriott Central Reservations which can make it confusing.

• Hotel: Champlain Waterfront Hotel

Located in the heart of Orillia's Downtown, this is a historic boutique hotel just steps away from the waterfront. Cozy rooms provide a mini fridge and onsite we have a fitness centre. Rooms provide one queen bed.

• Hotel: Best Western PLUS Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre

Located close to the excitement and most popular city attractions, this Orillia, Ontario hotel is just minutes away from local golf courses, shopping districts, the Orillia Opera House, Lake Couchiching, Lake Simcoe, the Ontario Provincial Police, Georgian College, and Lakehead University.

 

BARRIE

  • Travelodge, 300 Bayfield St, Barrie, ON, L4M 3B9, 705-996-0702 *Top choice, student pricing available
  • Quality Inn, 55 Hart Drive, Barrie, ON, L4M 5M3, 705-734-9500
  • Comfort Inn, 75 Hart Drive Barrie, ON, L4M 5M3, 705-722-3600
Homestay (ELC Students only)

A Lakehead student has her photo taken with her Homestay family around the dinner table

Homestay is a great way to practice English and learn Canadian culture. By living with a Canadian family, students can improve conversational English skills in daily life, participate in family activities and have a better understanding of Canadian customs and culture. Students will enjoy a home away from home.

Student Homestay Application Form

Prospective Homestay Host Families