Living in Residence 2026-2027
March 23, 2026
Applying to °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã Residence for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
Dear Trinity Students & Families:
Whether this is your first year at Trinity or you are heading into your final year in September, I wish you well as you enter the last weeks of the winter term.
For current students who have applied to live in residence for the 2026-2027 school year, you will have received the new room rates and provisional meal plan rate. These rates have been mandated by the College’s governance bodies in fulfillment of their fiduciary responsibility for the financial health of the College. The rates reflect the reality we have been facing for the past few years – the cost of operating and maintaining residences has risen significantly, including soaring costs for food supplies, staffing, utilities and facility operations. In order to maintain the quality, safety and services that support students living in residence, both room and meal plans will cost more next year (see FAQs below for additional information).
With the opening the Lawson Centre for Sustainability – our new residence and academic building – for the fall term, our residential capacity will increase by 80%. This means 350+ more students will have the opportunity to get the full collegiate living-learning experience that our College is known for and which so many of our alumni cherish.
As a federated university within the University of Toronto, °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã receives only a portion of undergraduate tuition dollars to support our operations, and particularly the programs and services that serve our students. The Lawson Centre is part of the solution to support °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã’s long-term financial sustainability. Along with our very successful fundraising campaign and traditional loans, we will be able to host conferences and events that will generate income to support College operations and activities.
Trinity is also committed to ensuring that our students receive the financial support that they need. Given the provincial government’s recent changes to the OSAP program, we know that access to post-secondary education will be more challenging for some students. At Trinity, we are grateful to our dedicated alumni and donors who make it a priority to support our scholarship and bursary program. In 2024-2025, $1.7 million was awarded to students in Trinity bursaries, scholarships and awards. We will continue to prioritize financial aid through our fundraising activities so that academically excellent students can thrive at Trinity.
Students are at the heart of °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã. And as a member of Trinity, your association is life-long. From current students and recent grads to alumni who graduated many years ago, I’ve heard consistently that it is the Trinity community that makes the College so special. We offer a premier experience that sets us apart, and we want to ensure that you and future generations of students benefit from all that °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã has to offer.
Yours truly,
Professor Nicholas Terpstra
Provost & Vice-Chancellor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are residence and meal plan rates increasing?
Over the past few years, the cost of operating and maintaining student residences has risen significantly, including increases in food supply and ingredients, staffing and labour costs, utilities and facility operations, maintenance and building upkeep. In order to maintain the quality, safety and services that support students living in residence, adjustments to residence and meal plan rates are necessary to reflect these rising costs.
How do your rates compare with other residences?
Housing costs vary depending on location, building type, amenities and services offered. At Trinity, we offer a premier collegiate experience, with outstanding wrap-around services to support the whole student – their academic, social and personal well-being, including our pioneering health & wellness program and signature Academic Dons program exclusive to Trinity. Our supportive living and learning environment, includes:
- Safe and secure buildings with 24/7 staff support;
- Residence-life programming that promotes an overall focus on wellness, a community of care, including Living Learning Communities and Community Advisors program, and a wide variety of student engagement opportunities;
- Academic support environments designed for student success (Did you know: Trinity is the only college at U of T to have Academic Dons to support students’ academic studies);
- Dining services focused on quality and nutrition;
- Maintenance and facilities services that ensure comfortable living spaces;
- Furnished accommodation, and utilities and internet access;
- Some residence areas have kitchenettes and residence lounges with full kitchens.
Why have room rates increased for °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã and St. Hilda’s College Residences?
Each year, there are expected annual increases to rates to account for inflation and rising costs. However, for the 2026-2027 academic year, the marked increases are due to a combination of pressures including rising operational expenses, higher costs associated with delivering services and programming, and to support the long-term financial sustainability of the College. Students experiencing financial difficulty may explore financial aid programs at Trinity and U of T, and payment plan options.
Why are rooms rates higher in the Lawson Centre than the other buildings?
With the opening of the Lawson Centre for Sustainability, students will have more choices for accommodation – charming historic buildings or a brand-new facility. In all three residence buildings – °ÍÀè·èÂíÐã, St. Hilda’s College, and the Lawson Centre, there are a variety of room types (and new room types) available to students to choose from based on their preference and budget. The new Lawson Centre residence was designed to meet the expectations and needs of students who want to live in a modern building or want to be immersed in a sustainable living environment.
Why is there only one Trinity Residence Meal Plan? 
A unified meal plan structure allows the College to provide a high-quality best-in-class food program that meets the diverse needs of all our students. It also allows the College to operate more efficiently in the delivery of a consistent program focused on nutrition and sustainability, contributing to the overall well-being of students and supporting their academic success/achievements. For details about the meal plan, including frequently asked questions, please visit the Meal Plan webpage. Through the Trinity meal plan, students can access all of the College’s dining locations, offering flexibility for students throughout the academic year.
Are financial supports available?
Students experiencing financial difficulty may explore financial aid programs at Trinity and U of T, and payment plan options. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar for guidance.