What First-Year Students Get Wrong About TRU Housing
For many first-year students who move to Kamloops and attend Thompson Rivers University, moving, securing TRU housing, and starting classes will be the first major life events they’ll face – mostly on their own. Finding a place to live, moving to a city and being away from home (often for the first time) can greatly contribute to stress.
The Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health reports that “Difficulty finding safe and appropriate housing and the associated instability have been linked to higher rates of anxiety, stress, and depression” (Section 6 – Housing Insecurity, International Students Toolkit).
Anxiety and other mental health challenges are made much worse when assumptions about student housing don’t match reality. Below are three of the most common misunderstandings that first-year students have about Thompson Rivers University housing. Understanding these realities and being prepared can go a long way to reducing stress.
Believing Student Housing is Guaranteed
A common false assumption that many first-year students make is that they will automatically receive on-campus housing. If a student assumes housing is guaranteed, they may delay planning and then find themselves scrambling to find housing at the last minute.
Is TRU housing guaranteed for first-year students?
No. Thompson Rivers University housing is not guaranteed for first-year students. Availability depends on residence capacity, application timing, and demand. Students are encouraged to explore housing options early and have alternative plans in place.
The TRU Student Housing FAQ about eligibility clearly states, “Note that meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee a residence offer.”
Underestimating How Early Housing Needs to Be Planned
If you leave your TRU housing application until after you are accepted into a program or course schedules are finalized, on-campus housing options may already be limited.
When can I apply for Thompson Rivers University housing?
TRU often opens housing applications as early as February for the upcoming academic year. At this time, for example, North Tower, Coyote Den, and East Village are open for applications for summer 2026 and the 2026/27 academic year. See the TRU “Residences” page for the latest information.
Common mistakes students make:
- Waiting until late spring or summer to research housing for the academic year
- Misunderstanding application deadlines
- Assuming availability will improve closer to September
Overlooking Realities of Living in Student Housing
New students can become so focused on on-campus housing options that they don’t have a “plan B” if TRU housing doesn’t work out. On-campus housing isn’t for everyone and there are off-campus options that may be more suitable for some students.
In additional to rental costs, students should consider:
- Their need for privacy
- Shared living realities
- Noise levels and distractions
- Commute time to campus
- Transit access and reliability
- Distance to groceries and services
- Off-campus options
Read “Thompson Rivers University Housing vs. Off-Campus Housing in Kamloops – Which is Right for You?”
Summit Village Residences TRU Housing Alternatives
Summit Village Residences rents studios, studio plus study, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in Kamloops Sahali neighbourhood, minutes from campus. Many TRU students find our studio options ideal for their needs. Each apartment, regardless of size, has attractive plank flooring, stainless- steel appliances and in-suite washer-dryer, combining style and convenience at competitive rental prices.
