Living in Residence During COVID-19
All the information you need in one place
Stronger provincial public health measures
Updated January 12
Your health and safety is considered every step of the way
Keeping you safe
Keeping you and our community safe is our priority. Review the health and safety measures we’ve implemented in our residences and dining halls.
What you can do
You have an important role in keeping you and your community safe this year. See what's expected of you and the things you can do while living in residence.
Safety on campus
Check in when using spaces around campus, and read the university’s rapid response plan to learn how cases or outbreaks will be handled on campus.
Current status
Residences are open and operational for 2020/21. Isolation accommodation is available for students, faculty or staff who may need it.
Residence Services continues to follow all preventative health measures as directed by Alberta Health Services, the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada and the University of Alberta.
Communicating a case in residence
In situations where a case of COVID-19 is identified in residence, Residence will follow the University Protocol for Notifications Regarding Confirmed Cases of COVID-19. Operational notices will also be updated and posted here.
Operational notices
Everything you need—at a safe distance
Courses, virtual programming and accommodation for those who need to isolate, we have everything you need to succeed this year, all at a safe distance.
Learning and programming at your fingertips
Expedition:Connect, our online cohort experience, was created for you. Learn about life in residence, join a community based on your faculty or interests or connect with others in residence—be part of it with Expedition:Connect.
The COVID-19 awareness course
Yep, you gotta do this one! All students are required to complete this course before moving into residence.
COVID Corner
Partying safely, navigating a cohort, living with roommates and more—COVID Corner has a course for that.
Need to isolate? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
If you feel ill or believe you need to isolate, complete the COVID-19 Self-Assessment for Albertans. If you're told to isolate by the assessment, please email reslife@ualberta.ca. We will support you during your isolation period. Please follow all Alberta Health Services guidance.
If the assessment doesn’t tell you to isolate, you can still report your symptoms.
If your roommate or close contacts have symptoms, please follow the university's screening chart (start at B).
Whether you're flying into Edmonton and are legally required to isolate for 14 days (as part of public health orders) or you just want to take that extra measure to keep you and your family safe, Residence Services can help. Learn more about the isolation program.
If you're interested in getting tested for COVID-19, start by taking the COVID-19 Self-Assessment for Albertans.
If your assessment recommends testing, you can book a test (for free!) even if you don't have an Alberta Healthcare Card.
How to get tested
- Complete the AHS self-assessment
- If your assessment tells you to get tested, you'll be directed to a form. Fill it out!
- If you don't have an Alberta Healthcare Number, leave it blank
You can also book by calling Alberta Health Services at 8-1-1.
For up to date information regarding COVID-19 testing, visit the Government of Alberta's getting tested for COVID-19 in Alberta webpage.
Health and safety on campus
For up-to-date information about health and safety on campus, visit COVID-19 Information for the U of A Community. Visit Safety Measures General Directives for up-to-date guidance and expectations for the campus community.
Students can apply for emergency funding through Student Financial Support. International students are encouraged to go to International Student Services to learn about support specifically for international students.
Some students may be able to obtain federal and provincial government support as well. Visit the Government of Canada: Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (scroll down to youth, post-secondary students and recent graduates) for more information.
Resident Assistants are available to support all residents during Community Support Shift or “RA on shift” hours. For all other inquiries, please contact housing@ualberta.ca.