If you live in 90U, Stanton, Marchand, Thompson, Leblanc, Rideau, Friel or Henderson your official move out date is May 1st at 9 a.m. 

This year’s move-out will be especially busy. With exams ending later than usual, many students will be moving out at the same time.

You may move out as early as you want, however please ensure you complete the items on the move-out checklist below.

Refer to Important residence dates and deadlines for additional information and for Move-out dates for Annex, Hyman Soloway and Mann.  

To help reduce stress, please review the information and timeline on this page. Planning ahead will make your move-out much smoother in the coming weeks. 

At least 30 days before move-out 

• Going home before move-out? Take most of your belongings with you to reduce what you’ll need to move later.
• Review your exam schedule and set aside time for studying, packing and cleaning.
• Speak with your roommates about shared cleaning responsibilities. Agree on who will clean what and when.
• Decide where you’ll be staying after April 30.
  • Book transportation to your summer destination or arrange storage, if needed.
  • If you need accommodations in Ottawa after the official move-out date, plan early. Consider staying with friends or booking accommodations online (e.g., Expedia). Ottawa is very busy during this period.
• Forward your mail to your new address, and update your information with your bank, government services, online shopping accounts (Amazon, etc.), pharmacy and other providers. Cancel or update subscriptions.
• Purchase moving supplies such as boxes (available at the 90U, Rideau and Friel front desks for $3 each), tape, markers and cleaning supplies.
  • Note: We have a limited number of carts available in residences, so please plan accordingly.
• If needed, refill your prescriptions before leaving Ottawa. 

Two to three weeks before move-out

• Begin packing gradually. Decide what to keep, donate to the Dump and Run, sell or discard. Pack non-essential items first (refer to the essential items list on this page).
• Confirm accommodations, transportation or storage arrangements.
• Remove posters and decorations. Clean off tape and wall markings to avoid damage charges.
• Start using up pantry and freezer items to reduce waste.

One week before move-out

• Begin cleaning your space gradually.
• Return any rented appliances. If you rented a fridge with Coldex, leave it inside your unit.
• Empty and clean all drawers, closets, cupboards and storage areas. Pull drawers out fully, without forcing them out, to check that nothing has fallen in behind. Keep essential items together in one bin or designated area.
• Empty your storage locker, if applicable.
• Do your laundry early: laundry rooms become very busy in the days before move-out.
• If you don’t have a meal plan that extends until April 30, plan meals for your remaining days on campus to minimize leftovers.
• Return your Dining hall utensils, plates, and your Friendlier containers. 
• Reminder: Don’t pack the Wi-Fi router. It must remain in your unit to avoid any fees.

The day before move-out

• Gather all personal belongings in one area.
• Return furniture to its original position.
• Take out all garbage, compost and recycling in your unit (refer to the garbage section).
• Give your unit a final clean (see the cleaning list on this page).
• Check your mailbox to ensure no mail is left behind.
• Locate important items, including your physical residence keys (get a return envelope in the lobby), wallet, passport, chargers, medication and travel or immigration documents.
• Prepare snacks or a quick breakfast for the next day. Note: To reduce congestion during move-out, food deliveries won’t be permitted on the morning of May 1. The Dinning Hall will also be closed on May 1.
• Set an alarm for the next morning, and charge your phone.

On move-out day

If you’re staying until the end of your room agreement, you must vacate as of May 1 at 9 a.m.

• Complete the residence check-out form. This will tell our team that you’ve officially checked out and we can go into your unit for the inspection. If you fail to check out properly, a $100 Failure to Check Out fee will be added to your student account, as outlined in the residence agreement.
• Remove your bedsheets and linens. Don’t remove the mattress pad or mattress protector.
• Ensure all areas are clean. See the cleaning list on this page.
• Ensure that the Rogers Wi-Fi router is still in your unit (exception: Annex has no router).
• Empty and clean the refrigerator and freezer. Don’t unplug the refrigerator.
• Moving carts: A limited number will be available for borrowing (ID required as a deposit — keep your student card for building access). Your move-out email will confirm pickup locations.
• Perform a final sweep of your room. Stand at the entrance and check high, low and hidden areas (under, behind and inside). Nothing should remain after check-out. The University is not responsible for lost or forgotten items.
  • Commonly forgotten areas:
  • Under beds or mattresses
  • Showers and bathrooms
  • Drawers and closets
  • Laundry rooms
  • Chargers left in electrical outlets
  • Behind doors
  • Top shelves
  • Refrigerator and freezer
• Close and lock all windows.
• Turn off all the lights.
• Lock your bedroom and unit door.
• Keep your student ID, but return all physical keys (room, storage, mailbox) in the drop box located in your building lobby. Clearly write your name, student number, building, and room number on the envelope.
  • Charges apply for unreturned keys.
  • Once you return the keys, you’ll no longer have access to the building or your room.

Essential items (keep accessible until move-out)

Personal care

• Towel
• Tweezers and nail clippers
• Hair-care items (hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, hair elastics)
• Personal hygiene items (razor, soap, deodorant)
• Skin-care items
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Prescription medication, contraception and vitamins
• Glasses or contact lenses and solution

Clothing

• Everyday clothing (shirts, pants, underwear, socks)
• Sleepwear
• One pair of shoes
• One jacket or weather-appropriate outerwear

Electronics and study materials

• Phone and charger
• Laptop and charger
• Headphones or earbuds
• Books, pens and materials required for final exams only

Important documents and essentials

• Student ID
• Physical keys (room, mailbox, storage)
• Wallet
• Passport or government ID
• Travel tickets or boarding passes
• Any required travel or immigration documents

Food and daily living items

• Toilet paper
• Snacks or easy meals
• Reusable water bottle
• Basic utensils
• Reusable food containers

Packing and moving supplies

• Ziploc bags and packing bags
• Garbage bags
• Boxes
• Scissors and packing tape

Laundry and cleaning

• Small amount of laundry detergent for final loads
• Basic cleaning supplies 

Move-out cleaning list

After you move out, the Housing team will complete a final inspection of your room or suite to check for cleanliness and damage.

To avoid extra charges, make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned your space and removed all personal belongings. Any damages, missing items, inadequate cleaning or belongings left behind could result in charges to your student account.

Please note that the University is not responsible for items left behind. Any remaining belongings will be disposed of and can’t be recovered.

If more cleaning is required, the related costs will be charged accordingly. In shared units, all roommates are jointly responsible for the condition of common areas, including cleanliness, damages and missing items. 

Bedroom

• Remove decorations and hooks from the ceiling and walls. Clear walls of all tape and adhesives.
• Return the room to its original configuration: Remove any furniture that didn’t come with the room. Put furniture back in its original place. If any furniture or lamp was placed in storage, make sure that it’s returned to your room.
• Wipe down all surfaces and shelves with a damp cloth.
• Empty drawers of all contents, and wipe the drawers with a damp cloth to remove any debris and dirt.
• Wipe down the bed frame, both sides of the mattress and the chair. Don’t remove the mattress pad or mattress protector. Each residence bed must only have one mattress. If for any reason you’ve taken extra mattresses into your room, you’re responsible for returning the extra mattresses to their original locations.
• Vacuum or sweep and wash the floor. Pull furniture out if needed.
• Take out garbage and recycling.

Unit living area

• Remove decorations and hooks from the ceiling and walls. Clear walls of all tape and adhesives.
• Return the room to its original configuration: Remove any furniture that didn’t come with the room. Put furniture back in its original place. If any furniture or lamp was placed in storage, make sure it’s returned to your room.
• Wipe down all surfaces and shelves with a damp cloth.
• Empty drawers of all contents, and wipe the drawers with a damp cloth to remove any debris and dirt.
• Vacuum or sweep and wash the floor. Pull furniture out if needed.
• Take out garbage and recycling.
• Check the area surrounding the washing machine and dryer to ensure you leave no belongings behind. Sweep and mop the surrounding floor.

Unit bathroom

• Take out garbage and recycling.
• Clean the shower stall, sink, tap, counter and mirror.
• Clean the toilet tank, bowl and base.
• Empty drawers of all contents, and wipe the drawers with a damp cloth to remove any debris and dirt.
• Vacuum, sweep and wash the floor.
• If you replaced the original shower curtain, reinstall it.

Unit kitchen or kitchenette

• Remove decorations and hooks from the ceiling and walls. Clear walls of all tape and adhesives.
• Take out all garbage, compost, recycling, food and beverages.
• Clean walls and baseboards.
• Wipe the cupboards inside and out, along with the drawers, counters, backsplash, sink and taps.
• Wipe the table.
• Thoroughly wipe down the fridge and freezer inside and out.
• Clean the surfaces, burners and drip pans on the stove, and inside the oven.
• Pull the glass plate out of the microwave and wash it. Thoroughly wipe down the door, inside and outside of the microwave.
• Vacuum, sweep and wash the floor.
• Empty drawers of all contents, and wipe the drawers with a damp cloth to remove any debris and dirt.

Garbage and donation

Ensure that garbage is taken to the appropriate bins, as usual for your building. Garbage must not be left in your room, bathroom, hallway, lounge, etc.

• Donate unwanted items to our Dump and Run program (see information in this section).
• Donate unopened food to our Food Bank.
• Garbage chutes will close one week before the end of the residence agreement. Use outdoor bins where available.

Dump and Run: You can’t leave any personal items behind in your room/unit. Drop off your unwanted items in the collection box located in each residence or the Free Store bin in the Learning Crossroads building (CRX), on the first floor under the staircase. Learn more about the Dump and Run program.

Coldex fridge rental

If you rented a fridge with Coldex, leave it in your unit. Our facility team will co-ordinate pickup after move-out.

Fridge must be clean, dry, unplugged, fully defrosted, and contain no water.

• On weekdays, for better access to parking, we recommend that you move out at night, after 5 p.m.
• There is a $85 to $100 fine if you have a car parked outside the zones designated for moving and haven't paid for parking.
• Have a look at the uOttawa Parking Map for more information.

Paid parking 

• Lot K (residence complex)
• Brooks parking garage (100 Thomas-More Private)
• Rideau Residence (Capital Parking next door)
• Desmarais garage (55 Laurier Avenue East — access on Nicholas Street)
• Parking Lot M (40 Mann Avenue) — available on weekends or after 3 p.m.
• All other parking not mentioned in the next list or outside the dates mentioned in that list
• Consult the daily parking rates.

Street parking 

When

• Winter move-out: Free from Monday, April 20, to Tuesday, May 5
• Spring move-out: to be confirmed
• Fall move-out: All parking is paid during the December move-out period.

Where

• Copernicus Street from University Private to Laurier Avenue East
• Henderson Avenue from Templeton Street to Somerset Street
• Friel Street from Rideau Street to Friel Residence
• Mann Avenue in front of 45 Mann Residence

Please note that parking is free for an hour, as indicated on local street parking signs. 

You must move out by the deadline unless your residence agreement is valid in September. If you move to another room, and need accommodation past the move-out deadline, please email [email protected].

Students with an 8-month residence agreement must leave on May 1st 2026 at 9 a.m. If you need to stay in residences for a few extra nights, please fill out this request.

Please note that we will reach out to you only if your request is approved. Therefore, we recommend that you look at other options, in case we are unable to accommodate you.