Housing

• In the Housing Portal, sign your Housing Contract online before arrival. The handbook is part of this contract and includes UFV’s community standards. Review the Housing contract and handbook, and ask us if anything is unclear.

• Check your Housing Portal for fee deadlines and pay your fees online. Visit the fees and payments page for more information.

• If you have a car or bike, apply for parking and/or bike storage using the Housing Portal and clicking on the Forms tab.

• Read the Meal Plan terms and conditions.

Must-have items

Sleep

• Twin XL sheets (fitted, flat)
• Pillow
• Warm blanket (comforter, duvet) 
• Alarm clock

Bathroom (Quad & Studios only)

• Shower curtain and rings

Clothing

• Rain gear (umbrella, boots, jacket)
• Winter gear (warm jacket, scarf, boots, hat, gloves)
• Summer clothing (shorts, tank tops)
• Formal and casual clothing
• Slippers and flip flops
• Loungewear for study nights

Study

• Laptop or computer
• Power bar and surge protector
• Converter for electrical outlet (if needed)
• School supplies (binders, paper, pens)

Decorations

• Wall posters, photos from home
• Plants
• Extra lighting

Tip: Only use removable mounting squares or removable 3M hooks. DO NOT use sticky tape, putty, thumb tacks, push pins, etc. Paint damage is costly from $750+ at your cost.

Optional items

Cookware & small appliances

• Dishes: Plates, mixing bowls, cutlery
• Pots, pans, baking sheets
• Blender
• Cooking utensils
• Toaster
• Closed grills only
• Coffee machine, kettle
• Rice cooker, instant pots
• Oil-less, countertop fryer

Tip: skip packing bulky items like lamps, rice cookers, or instapots, buy locally or ship directly to Lá:lem te Baker to save on luggage costs. There are communal kitchens available in the building, fully equipped with stoves, fridges, and dishwashers. 

Single Units (J Building): All listed cooking equipment is prohibited for use in units. Shared common kitchens and meal plans are available.

Cleaning & personal care

• Cleaning utensils
• Dish cloths, sponges, dish towel
• Garbage can
• Clothing hangers
• Laundry basket and detergent
• Towels, bathmat
• Toiletries
• Prescriptions
• Hair dryer/appliances

Misc. items

• Desk light
• Printer (UFV has printing/copying services available)
• TV 
• Area rug
• Fan
• Musical instruments

Tip: Don’t overpack, Walmart and nearby thrift stores have everything you’ll need.

These items are not allowed in housing.

Appliances & electronics

• Toaster ovens
• Fridges and freezers (Doubles/Quads include a fridge with freezer; Studios include a mini-fridge; Singles have access to a shared fridge with freezer in the common kitchen)
• Grills with open heating elements
• Hot plates, including induction
• Electric frying pans
• LED lights (these cause costly paint damage)
• Space heaters
• Electric blankets
• Microwaves (provided in Doubles, Quads, and Studios; Singles have access in the common kitchen)
• Wifi routers (Doubles have a router; Singles, Studios, and Quads use building-wide Wi-Fi)
• Window-mounted air conditioners

Lighting & decorations

• Halogen lights
• Lava lamps
• Candles, incense (no open flames permitted)

Furniture & room items

• Furniture that is oversized or blocks exits
• Bidets requiring installation or equipment modification
• Iron and ironing board (provided)

Mobility devices

• Any personal mobility device with a lithium-ion battery
  (e-bikes, Onewheels, scooters, hoverboards, etc.)

Safety & restricted items

• Fireworks
• Firearms, weapons
• Illegal drugs

Other prohibited items

• Pets
• Drinking games

Single Units (J Building): All listed cooking equipment is prohibited for use in units. Shared common kitchens and meal plans are available.

Units are furnished with a bed, dresser, night table, desk, chair, kitchen table and chairs, fridge, and microwave. Contact Housing if you require specialized furniture.

Decorating your room

• Any external furniture must be brand new to avoid bed bugs.
• Maintain clear paths to doors and sprinklers.
• Use removable hooks/strips for posters (available at the front desk). Do not use sticky tape or nails (they damage walls). Remove them when you move out.
• You are responsible for any damage from decorations. Paint damage can cost upward of $750.

TIP: Bring decorations to make your space feel like home, consider a flag or souvenirs to share your culture.

Roommate agreements

During orientation, set expectations with your roommate. Guests, quiet hours, cleaning schedules, and shared items, to prevent conflicts.

Learn more about expectations in the Housing handbook

• Standard checkout aligns with the end of your contract or exam period.
• Pick a checkout window in advance and return keys to the front desk.
• Late checkout without approval may incur fees.

1. Remove all belongings and garbage/recycling.
2. Clean fridge, microwave, bathroom, and floors.
3. Restore furniture to the original layout.
4. Return your room keys. Staff will inspect your unit after move-out and follow up if there are any additional charges.
5. Checking out early? Complete the early check-out notification form.

• Avoid charges by cleaning thoroughly and repairing minor damage where allowed.
• Report issues early; don’t leave maintenance requests to move‑out day.
• Lost keys and excessive cleaning will be billed to your account.