This year, move-out weekend – those crazy few days when students leave their off-campus housing – will be a little different. While the streets of Westdale have traditionally been a flurry of moving vans, packed cars and hugs goodbye, social distancing is making it a little more challenging for students to move out of – or into – an apartment safely.
To help accommodate this year’s unusual move-out scenario, Housing and Conference Services (HCS) has launched the Clean Start Stay program: first-come, first-serve rooms for students who need a place to stay while they’re moving.
Having the option to stay in residence means students will be able to maintain social distancing, and won’t have to stay in potentially unsafe accommodations while roommates move out and landlords properly disinfect spaces – a clean, safe start for all concerned.
Rooms will be available in the new Peter George Centre for Living and Learning (PGCLL) from April 30 to May 3 for $10 per night, with a three-night maximum stay.
“This is part of a larger series of measures HCS has taken to support our students in exceptional circumstances,” explains Kevin Beatty, director of Housing and Conference Services. “Our team mobilized the Clean Start Stay initiative very quickly in response to a need in our off-campus market.”
HCS has been working to support students in off-campus housing since the launch of this year’s commuter hostel pilot program, when it became possible to book a room in residence on a nightly basis. There are other programs in the works for the new school year as well.
To apply for a Clean Start Stay room, go to HCS’s Housing Portal.
There is no storage available at PGCLL, so students are invited to bring just the clothes, toiletries and technology they’d need for their short stay.
Students can purchase food delivery via Hospitality Services when they book their room.