Moving into Residence

Moving into residence is an exciting start to your time at St. Michael’s College. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our community and helping make your arrival as smooth as possible. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for move-in, including when to arrive, what to bring, and what to expect on move-in day.

Fall 2026 Move-in Dates

Move-in begins at 9 a.m. on your designated move-in day. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Michael’s College!

Mark Your Calendar
First year move-in day

Sunday August 30

Upper year and Graduate Move-in Day

Sunday September 6

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Before move-in day, take some time to get ready for your arrival
  • Read the Residence Handbook for important information about living in residence.
  • Review your Occupancy Agreement and Rules of Residence.
  • Pack for residence. Not sure what you’ll need? Check our packing list below for what to bring and what to leave at home.
  • Plan your arrival. Make sure you know how you’ll be getting to St. Michael’s College on move-in day and review any arrival instructions that apply to your move-in date, including booking a move-in timeslot, if required.

What to Expect on Move-in Day

Getting to Residence

St. Michael’s College is located in downtown Toronto and is easily accessible by public transit, car, taxi, rideshare services, and train.

The closest TTC subway station is Museum Station, which is about a 5-minute walk from residence. Several TTC bus and streetcar routes also serve the surrounding area.

If you’re arriving from Pearson Airport, many students choose to take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft directly to residence. You can also take the UP Express to Union Station and continue by TTC.

Before you travel, we recommend planning your route and noting your residence address:

SMC Residences (Elmsley Hall)
81 St. Mary St.
Toronto, ON M5S 1J4

Loretto Women’s Residence
70 St. Mary St.
Toronto, ON M5S 1J3

Book Your Move-in Time

All residents are required to book a move-in time slot through the StarRez Residence portal. Time slots will be available in the Residence Portal in mid-August. Scheduled arrival times help make move-in run smoothly and reduce wait times during check-in and unloading.


Please plan to arrive during your scheduled time. If your plans change due to an unavoidable circumstance, you can cancel your existing booking and select another available time slot.


When you arrive, head to the designated check-in area and collect your key and laundry card. Be sure to bring your TCard or government-issued photo identification with you for check-in.

Our team will be there to welcome you, provide directions, and help you navigate the move-in process. Residents are responsible for moving their own belongings into their rooms, so please plan accordingly and bring someone to help if needed.

Keep in mind that moving into residence can be physically demanding. You may need to use stairs, and you’ll be responsible for carrying larger or heavier items. There are no elevators in the Historic Houses and Queen’s Park Buildings.

Pack with move-in day in mind: whenever possible, use smaller, manageable boxes or bags that are easy to carry.

Moving Carts

Moving carts will be available on move-in day to help you bring your belongings to your room. Once you’ve finished unloading, please return your cart to the designated area so it’s ready for the next resident.

Once you’ve finished unloading, please move your vehicle from the unloading area to make room for the next resident.

Parking is free on move-in day for residents and their helpers. Staff will be on site to direct you to the designated parking area once you’ve finished unloading.

What to Bring to Residence

Use our packing checklist to know what to bring and what to leave at home.

  • Label your boxes with your full name, building, and room number
  • Pack in containers that are not too heavy, and you can easily bring up in the stairwell. There are no elevators in the Historic Houses and Queen’s Park Buildings.
  • Don’t overpack! Move in and then assess what you still need to purchase.
  • Remove new items from packaging beforehand to help reduce waste on move-in day.

Each room comes furnished with:

  • Bed
  • Desk and chair
  • Closet/wardrobe
  • Recycling and garbage bin
  • Window furnishings (blinds/curtains)

Residence common rooms come furnished with:

  • Smart TV
  • Couches, seating area with a coffee table
  • Mini-fridge, microwave
  • Table for group studying or games
  • A vacuum or broom/dust pan for students to borrow
  • Room
    • Bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blanket) and pillow(s)
    • Mattress topper or cover (optional)
    • Clothes hangers
    • Clothes, footwear, and outerwear for all seasons
    • Decorations such as posters, pictures, plants
    • 3M Command strips, 3M hooks & painter’s tape only to hang posters
    • White noise machine
    • Electronics and their chargers
    • Surge-protected power bar
    • Earplugs and mask for sleeping
    • Tabletop fan
    • Desk lamp (built-in for Elmsley Hall, Loretto, and Queen’s Park)
  • Bathroom
    • Personal care and hygiene products (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, etc.)
    • Hair dryer
    • Shower caddy, shower flip-flops
    • Bath towels, hand towels, face cloths
  • Other
    • Optional: Electric kettle with auto shut-off, coffee maker (may be stored in residence rooms, but must only be used in designated common rooms)
    • Cleaning supplies (e.g., all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, washcloth)
    • Umbrella

The following categories describe the types of items not permitted in all residence spaces. Please note that the examples provided may not be exhaustive.

Unsure if an item you want to bring is permitted? Before move-in, email us at smc.residence@utoronto.ca

  • Alcohol, Drugs, and Weapons
    • Items that promote unsafe alcohol consumption including, but not limited to drinking game tables, funnels, kegs, etc.
    • Illegal substances, non-prescribed drugs/narcotics, illegal drug paraphernalia
    • Items that promote unsafe alcohol consumption including, but not limited to drinking game tables, funnels, kegs, etc.
    • Weapons, replica weapons, and ammunitions
  • Cooking and Appliances
    • Cooking devices with open coils, open flames, induction cookers, or gas-based mechanisms, including, but not limited to hot plates or countertop stoves, butane or propane burners, etc.
    • Microwaves
    • Instant Hot Pots (Self-heating)
    • Open pot deep fryers
    • Portable clothes washers/dryers
    • Large appliances: Such as dishwasher, stand-up freezer, portable clothes washer/dryer, etc.
  • Electronics and Equipment
    • EScooters: Not permitted in the City of Toronto
    • Exercise machines: Walking pads/treadmills/stationary bikes
    • Large stereos, sub-woofers, DJ equipment, or similar high-volume audio equipment
    • Pianos, drum sets
    • Internet routers
  • Fire Hazards
    • Candles, incense, halogen lamps, heaters, heat lamps, oil lamp, wax lamp
    • Cooking or camping fuel canisters
    • Space heaters, fuel, fuel containers, accelerants, and combustible materials not intended for residential use
    • Plug-in air fresheners and wax warmers
  • Furniture and Housewares
    • Additional large furniture
    • LED light strips with adhesives 
    • Nails, tacks, masking tape, duct tape, scotch tape, or other adhesive products that may damage walls or surfaces. Use only approved damage-free hanging products
    • Products with strong scents. We are a scent-reduced environment
    • Anything that will alter the condition of your room, such damage to walls, floors, or furniture 
  • Pets

Pre-order your linens and dorm essentials from our trusted partner vendor

My Dorm Store

St. Michael’s College has partnered with My Dorm Store, a full-service dorm shopping solution that ensures you arrive on campus with everything you need!


You can pre-order a move-in package, customized to meet the residence’s specific requirements, and My Dorm Store will deliver it directly to your residence before you arrive. Your bedding, towels, and other essentials will be waiting at your dorm on move-in day—no last-minute shopping, no extra bags, just a stress-free move-in!
Parents and supporters can also send year-round care & special occasion packages throughout the year to help you feel at home.


Simply visit St. Michael College’s custom checklist page to browse bedding packages, bathroom and laundry essentials, décor, storage solutions, and more. Your recommended packages for your residence will automatically be displayed, making it easy to choose the right products.

Order Now