St. Clair College Introducing Free First-Semester Housing for International Students

Since St. Clair College launched its free first semester housing initiative for international students, the College is seeing a number of significant benefits. What began as a support to help international students settle in more smoothly has had ripple effects in areas ranging from student retention to community integration, financial planning, and student wellness.

Back in 2021, St. Clair College in partnership with Global Education MiHome (GEM) celebrated the opening of a unique student housing complex on campus for exclusive use by first-semester international students. Initially built to alleviate pressure on the housing market in Windsor, college officials began to realize additional benefits in the support it was providing for newcomers. Now, they’ve decided to waive the housing costs altogether, allowing newly arriving international students to live on-campus for their first semester of study free of charge. 

The GEM Residence is located on the College’s South Campus and has capacity for 512 students, currently catering to students of 39 nationalities, studying in over 50 different programs. “The diversity of our residence community year after year has been an incredible thing to witness” says Eric Widzinski, General Manager of the residence. “We have students from all over the world, from all different walks of life, enjoying each other’s company, learning about different cultures and creating some lasting friendships.”

The benefits don’t stop there though, as students can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they have a safe and comfortable accommodation waiting for them upon arrival to Canada. 

Historically, some St. Clair College international students were running into some unexpected issues when preparing to enter the Windsor housing market. As is the case with many international students arriving to Canada, complications can arise when it comes time to rent an off-campus house or room. 

“We’ve heard the stories of students signing lease agreements or putting down deposits on an off-campus property before leaving their home country, only to show up and find that it looks nothing like the photos they have seen online” says St. Clair College Housing Administrator Stephen Carter. “The free residence incentive eliminates this risk, as students now have the opportunity to view local properties in person through their first few months of school before placing a deposit or signing any legally-binding documentation.” 

The extra time in Canada before arranging off-campus housing has also provided additional benefits to the new students, allowing them some time to meet classmates and new friends, leading to students viewing properties together that they may eventually share as a group. This additional time also allows the students to gather some of the ancillary items that may be required or beneficial when entering the private market, such as a Canadian bank account and Social Insurance Number, a Canadian rental or employment reference, bus pass and rental insurance.

One of the most immediate benefits has been reduced financial and logistical barriers for incoming international students. Knowing that housing for the first term is taken care of helps lower the stress associated with arrival. Students are arriving on-campus early and taking part in campus activities during their first weeks in Canada, rather than searching the city for a suitable and affordable living arrangement.  

One unique added benefit to the GEM Residence is the TytoClinic, in partnership with Cleveland Clinic and StudentVIP Health Insurance. This virtual health clinic provides students with on-site access to virtual doctor’s appointments. The clinic comes equipped with standard medical devices that allow virtual physicians to track vitals and assess patients from afar, before prescribing and shipping medication, free of charge. Residents can see a health professional in as little as five minutes and have prescription medication arrive at their door within 24 hours, all without leaving the comfort of the residence.

From the college perspective, housing, physical and mental health supports were critical in continuing their mission to provide wraparound service and support to international students enrolled at St. Clair. 

For St. Clair College, the free housing incentive strengthens its ability to attract talented students from abroad by offering a more holistic support structure. It enhances the College’s reputation as being student-friendly and responsive to the needs of international students. The initiative also underscores the College’s commitment to equity: recognizing that not all students have the same starting position when they arrive in Canada.

Overall, offering free first semester housing in GEM Residence has significantly eased the transition for international students at St. Clair College. It has helped improve retention, reduce stress and financial strain on students, enhanced their safety and sense of belonging, and boosted institutional reputation. In times of historical uncertainty across the international education sector, having a safe place to land has created a level of certainty and support for new international students arriving at St. Clair College.

For more information on St. Clair College, available programs and GEM Residence, please visit our website.

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