Parents/Guardians

Tips for Parents/Guardians

As a parent and/or guardian you will want to ensure you go over the acceptance package with your son/daughter; this way your son/daughter and you are fully aware and understand the payment schedules, deadlines and any rules and regulations of Residence. At the Residence we treat each student as an adult, and for most students the experience of living in the Residence will be the first time they will be on their own. The staff at the Residence is here to help with that development into adulthood and provide as much support and assistance as possible to each of our residents.

All statements, invoices, and refunds are delivered to the student and we are unable to give out information regarding a student without their permission. In regards to refunds, cheques are made payable in the student’s name and therefore becomes their responsibility to ensure all deadlines are met. By placing this responsibility on the student, it is our hope that it helps them develop a better sense of money and resource management.

We recommend that, if possible, all parents/guardians take a tour of the Residence to better understand where your son/daughter will be staying. We always welcome a visit from you and hope you get a chance to drop in. Our staff is happy to provide you with a tour upon appointment and answer any questions you may have. Room tours are subject to availability. If your son/daughter is having any challenges or concerns in the Residence, please encourage them to speak with the staff. Our staff is fully trained in dealing with all circumstances that may arise and will work with every student to ensure they are satisfied with their Residence experience.

Living away from home for the first time may be a scary and lonely experience for some students. Send your son/daughter a card or letter whenever you have a chance; this special little something makes all the difference when they are dealing with the stress of academics and independence. When your son/daughter starts College they will be extremely busy over the first few weeks. Social activities, academics and settling into a new home and community will take up a lot of their time. We remind you that you may not always be able to get a hold of them when you call and that this is an expected result of joining a college community.

An experience you may hear a lot about are roommates. It is not uncommon for students to go through an adjustment period when learning to live with someone new. We ask that if your son/daughter is having difficulty with their roommate that you direct them to their Resident Advisors. This is an important first step in learning how to communicate and develop a good relationship with their roommate. The Resident Advisors are a team of fellow students who have been hired to act as a resource and guide for your son/daughter. These Resident Advisors or RA’s go through an extensive training program that is aimed at giving the necessary skills to deal with any situation that may arise in Residence.

Roommate Discussion Points

FOOD / SHOPPING
Things to Discuss: If you plan to share food, supplies, etc. You may want to consider an agreement about who is purchasing necessity things frequently (such as milk, bread, etc.) and any rotation you may have for who will be supplying groceries or not. Keep in mind any allergies that you may want to discuss.

CLEANLINESS / CLEANING RESPONSIBILITIES
Things to Discuss: Discuss who will clean the common areas of the suite and who will be responsible for general cleanliness of the suite etc, (dishes, dusting, clean-up, etc.)

PRIVACY
Things to Discuss: Times as to when you may want to have privacy and what the arrangement will be for being equal and respectful to each other’s privacy.

SHARING OF PERSONAL ITEMS
Things to Discuss: What you agree to share or not share (ie. Dishes, utensils, CDs, books, clothing, paper towel, toilet paper, computers, appliances, etc.) Discuss if you do need to ask permission to use these items. Set guidelines and limits for sharing.

NOISE / STUDY TIMES
Things to Discuss: Having guests over, how frequently both of you plan to study each week, and what you both plan to do in the suite while one is studying to promote healthy study habits.Discuss how often in a week friends can come over, how many, and how you plan to notify your roommate when you expect guests. For noise, discuss when you plan to study, and if the TV or stereo can be on during that time. What time is reasonable to be quiet during the week and weekends.

OVERNIGHT GUESTS
Things to Discuss: How frequently you plan to have overnight guests, how far in advance you want to be told about whether your roommate is having an overnight guest, any limitations to when a guest can or cannot stay over (ie. Mid-terms, exams) and any rules that will be enforced to respect each other’s privacy.

SMOKING, DRINKING, DRUGS
Things to Discuss: Your drinking habits and how they may effect each other, and to discuss that both roommates are on common grounds about no smoking or drug-use in Residence. If one is a smoker, you may also have to discuss ways to reduce the smell of smoke in the suite if one person is coming in from outside and the smell that may remain in clothing that could inhibit your roommate’s enjoyment in your suite.

PARTIES / ENTERTAINMENT
Things to Discuss: How frequently you both plan to party in Residence and how social both of you are. If both of you don’t see eye-to-eye on this area, you may need to discuss ways that you can both find a common ground that will be reasonable and conducive to both of your enjoyment with the residence experience.

Things to Bring Checklist

What to Bring to Residence

  • Bed Linens (double width, queen-length bed)
  • Blankets, comforters, pillows
  • Towel – bath, face, dish etc.
  • Small furniture items (bookshelf, small dresser)
  • Laundry soap and fabric softener/dryer sheets
  • Laundry hamper/basket
  • Cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes, brooms, dish soap, garbage bags etc.)
  • Toilet paper, paper towel, tissues
  • Shower curtain
  • Dishware (plates, bowls, cutlery, glasses, mugs, etc.)
  • Coffeemaker, kettle, toaster
  • Ethernet cord for wired internet (wireless is available)
  • Blu-ray/DVD player, gaming system*

*Please note: not all TVs have the correct connections; adapters may be needed

Things to Leave at Home

  • Real Plants/trees
  • Tape, sticky tack, tack nails, hooks for decorations
  • Candles, incense, etc.
  • Large volume alcohol containers (kegs, mini kegs, Texas Mickeys, beer funnels, 40oz or more volume containers)
  • Single serving glass bottles (such as beer bottles)
  • Hotplates, appliances with open elements, or appliances that are not CSA approved
  • Pets (with the exception of fish 1 small aquarium no larger than 3 gallons)
  • Large musical instruments/sub woofers/loud speakers/drum kits/ pianos
  • Weapons or replica weapons
  • Alcohol and Drug paraphernalia

Please note: Hot plates and induction cooktops are not permitted

Have something you really want to bring but you aren’t sure if it’s allowed or you need it?

Give us a call at 905-728-8700 x8100 or email us at info@dc-otresidence.ca.