Know before you go! Your 2023 Residence Survival Guide

Moving into residence can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time living away from home, but we’ve got you covered! From packing essentials to places where you can hang out and make new friends, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your experience living on campus.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this blog:

What to bring (and what not to bring)
Decorating your unit
Where to get groceries and other essentials
Places on and within walking distance from campus to hang out
Spots to check out around the city
How to get involved on campus and meet people

The Fall 2023 Move-In Day is Saturday, September 2 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (check your email for additional details from Residence Services about your room assignment)! 

What to bring

Packing for an extended stay anywhere can be overwhelming, but as long as you come prepared with the basics, you can always pick up any other necessary items! Residences are fully furnished, and if you’d like to discuss with your roommates ahead of time about shared kitchen or other items, message them through the Residence Portal.

Here’s what you should plan to bring:

Bedroom

  • Sheets (2 sets)
  • Comforter
  • Pillow
  • Blanket
  • Bedside lamp
  • Desk lamp
  • Power bar
  • Extension cord(s)
  • Alarm clock
  • Clothes hamper
  • Laundry detergent
  • Clothes hangers
  • Various bins for clothing and other items if needed
  • Clothing
  • Shoes
  • Hobby things (sports equipment, art supplies, gaming equipment, etc.)
  • School supplies & computer/laptop

Living room

  • Decor
  • Throw pillows/blanket
  • Gaming systems
  • Board/card games
  • Small bluetooth speaker

Kitchen

  • Dishes (plates, bowls, glasses, mugs)
  • Travel mug
  • Water bottle
  • Cutlery
  • Cooking utensils
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pots and pans
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven safe baking dish
  • Colander
  • Oven mitts
  • Dish towels
  • Sponge
  • Dish rack/mat
  • Dish soap
  • Tupperware
  • Sandwich bags
  • Tinfoil
  • Cling wrap
  • Paper towel
  • Spices
  • Food
  • Cooking oil
  • Tote bags, produce bags (for grocery shopping)

Bathroom

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toilet Brush
  • Shower caddy
  • Toiletries
  • Hand soap
  • First aid kit
  • Tylenol, Gravol, Advil, etc.
  • Bath towels (at least 2)
  • Hand towels
  • Face cloth

Cleaning supplies

  • Multipurpose cleaner
  • Cloths
  • Sponges
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Toilet cleaner
  • Window cleaner
  • Duster
  • Air freshener

Check out this IKEA University Starter Kit for $99 – you can find the kits in-store while supplies last, and products in the kit vary by store. The kits are exclusively for IKEA family members (it’s free to join)!

What not to bring:

  • Pets
  • Additional large furniture or appliances (couches, futons, beds, etc.)
  • Anything that could be used as or mistaken for tobacco, drug, or alcohol paraphernalia (beer bongs, shisha pipes, etc.)
  • Candles, incense, or anything that has an open flame
  • Music amplification equipment (subwoofers, large speakers, etc.)
  • Large volume alcohol containers (kegs, mini kegs, Texas mickeys, etc.)
  • Wireless network routers (Residence already has high-speed WiFi in all rooms and common areas)

Decorating your unit

Residence encourages you to make your unit feel like home, but asks that you follow a few simple rules:

  • Respect your neighbours, the facilities, and the furniture.
  • Please use the adhesive strips provided by Residence Services to affix items to walls.
  • Do not affix any additional hooks, mirrors, or whiteboards on any surface.
  • Do not display bottles, cans, posters, flags, or any type of advertisements in windows.
  • No offensive material is permitted in places where it could possibly be seen by the public (for example; windows, doors).

Where to get groceries and other essentials

Need groceries or other items? There are a variety of stores close to campus where you’ll find what you need (plus a pharmacy conveniently located in the basement of Wyckham House, and a convenience store on the main floor)!

Places on and within walking distance from campus to hang out

If you’re looking for a study spot, place to chill, grab a bite to eat, or hang out with friends, check out some of these options!

Wyckham House
Find the SAMRU centres (and weekly ongoing programming) in Wyckham House, along with West Gate Social and the Wyckham House food court. Study or talk to friends on the second-floor lounge, watch a movie or practice your presentation in The Gallery (room 224), or stop by West Gate Social for a meal ($7.25 mains or $2.50 pizza by the slice)!

MRU Library
Head to the MRU Library to study, grab a coffee from The Barrow, book a specific room or space, get citation help, and more!

MRU Recreation
Visit the gym, swim in the pool, or book a squash court at Recreation.

Blue Flame Kitchen Café & The Commons
The Blue Flame Kitchen Cafe is within walking distance from campus and is a relatively affordable place to get a coffee or meal!

Spots to check out around the city

If you’re looking to venture further away from campus, here are a few ideas! If you don’t have a car, we recommend downloading the Transit app to find the best transit route. You’ll also need to download the Calgary Transit My Fare app to use your UPass (or you can choose to get the UPass sticker). More information on the UPass.

Downtown Calgary 

Weaselhead Flats
Enjoy a walk or bike ride around Weaselhead Flats (or just relax and enjoy the view)!

Chinook Centre
If you’re looking to do some shopping, check out Chinook Centre.

How to get involved on campus and meet people

Join or start a SAMRU club
Joining or starting a club is a great way to explore your interests and meet new friends! Check out our clubs directory, or start your own club if there isn’t one that interests you.

Check out our programming and events calendar
Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming events and weekly programming! Our calendar will be updated as more events are confirmed, so make sure to check back in closer to the start of the semester.

Volunteer with us
Volunteering helps you give back to the campus community, learn new skills, and make connections — and it looks great on a resume!

Stay connected with us this year to get all the latest information! Follow us on social media, and be sure to attend the SAMRU Open House on September 5 and 6 from 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm.