International Student Housing
Welcome to Calgary — your home away from home in Canada.
Living in SAIT Residence has many advantages when arriving on a new campus in a new country. At SAIT, we strive to create an inclusive and welcoming community that will make your stay a positive one.
What we offer at SAIT
International Centre
The International Centre on campus is your key to international student services and support.
We have a dedicated team to assist you during your studies and if, at any time, you have questions or concerns, please visit the International Centre and they will be happy to assist you.
Residence suites
Our residence suites are located in the northeast corner of the main campus with two modern high rises boasting four different floor plans — one-bedroom apartments, four bedrooms shared quads, two-bedroom units and studio suites. All of our suites come fully furnished with utilities included and are self-contained with individual bedrooms, shared kitchens and bathrooms, study areas and common living spaces.
Residence life
Living at SAIT gives you access to the SAIT Residence Life team who are available for additional support while you live on campus — and as an International Student, you can get additional support through SAIT's International Centre.
Stay with us
We offer great accommodation options for parents and guests — upgraded hotel suites at a fraction of the cost — so that you can stay close to your loved one without cramping their style or their space.
Additional information about SAIT Residence
The LRT/CTrain (Calgary Public Transit) is located right on campus which gives you direct access to Kensington, Downtown, the Calgary Tower and the Stampede Grounds.
The campus is in a central location so you can visit all of Calgary's highlights and boasts some of the best views in the city.
The distance from the Calgary International Airport to SAIT Residence is only 17km.
Calgary has a population of approximately 1.4 million people, making it the largest city in Alberta and the fourth largest in Canada.
- Ranked fifth in the world out of 140 countries on the "2016 Global Liveability Ranking" by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
- Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988, making it the first Canadian city to host. You can check out the world-class facilities yourself at Canada Olympic Park, the Scotiabank Saddledome and the Olympic Oval skating rink.
- Calgary has the nickname of "Cowtown", which comes from our "wild west" prairie history, as well as the annual Calgary Stampede.
- Standing 58 stories high, "The Bow" in downtown Calgary is the tallest building in Canada, west of Toronto.
- The popular dish of 'Ginger Beef' was invented at a Calgary restaurant in the 1970s, and the Caesar (cocktail) was invented in Calgary, in 1969 at the Westin hotel.
A brief history:
- The original inhabitants of the area were the Blackfoot, Blood and Peigan and Tsuu T'ina First Nations peoples. The first European settlers arrived in 1873 and built a post of the North-West Mounted Police in 1875, naming it "Fort Calgary".
- Get out and explore the Glenbow Museum, where you can bring your student ID for a reduced entrance fee.
Did you know Calgary is the sunniest city in Canada? On average, Calgary sees 332 days of sun per year.
The weather in Calgary is very unpredictable and can vary greatly day-to-day. In the summer, temperatures can get as high as 30ºC, and in winter it can get as low as -30ºC.
Chinooks are warm winds that blow down the Rocky Mountains towards the prairies and are unique to Alberta. They usually come in the winter, bringing along unusually warm weather. You will sometimes be able to see an arch in the sky to know when a Chinook is coming.
When you live in Residence, the rate you pay covers the following:
- All utilities are included — electricity, water, heat, internet and cable TV hook up
- Access to all amenities — shared art room, yoga studio, cardio rooms (exercise rooms)
- Renters insurance
- Rates and fees are the same for all students, including international students
The Residence fees do not include:
- Meal plans — powered by Hotel Arts, Curated Catering offers meal plans each semester (plus there are kitchens in your units if you choose to cook your own meals)
- Cleaning service — you are responsible for cleaning your own unit
- Laundry fees are additional
Begin Tower and East Hall:
- Dresser
- Desk and chair
- Cable hook up (set up service with Shaw Cable)
Begin Tower suite common areas:
- Kitchen table and chairs
- Kitchen facilities
- Microwave
- Full-size fridge
East Hall suite common areas:
- Couch and chair
- Coffee table
- Kitchen facilities include a full oven
- Microwave
Bedroom:
- Bed linens (queen sheets work great)
- Mattress cover
- Hangers
- Alarm clock
Bathroom:
- Towels
- Toilet paper
- Kleenex
- Bathroom carpet and bath mat
- Toiletries (hairdryer)
- Shower curtain and rings
Kitchen:
- Kitchen supplies
- Kitchen towels
- Pots and pans
- Utensils
- Electric grill
- Plates, bowls, glasses and mugs
- Kettle, toaster or toaster oven
Other:
- Cleaning supplies
- Garbage cans and bags
- Laundry basket
- Laundry supplies
- Detergent (liquid)
- Photos of loved ones and wall decor (only to be hung on the walls with sticky tack)
Learn more about what you should and shouldn't bring with you.
Learn more about living in SAIT Residence.