New student housing for University of Prince Edward Island
A new residence building at the University of Prince Edward Island will create dedicated year-round housing for post-secondary students.
UPEI has the fastest growing university student population in Atlantic Canada and it will soon have a fourth on-campus residence through a partnership between the Province and UPEI. With 260 new beds, the new residence will alleviate pressure on the current housing market, improve the student experience and increase the university’s housing capacity from 9.4 per cent to 15 per cent of the current student body.
The new housing residence will provide stable on-campus accommodations for Island, out of province, and international students to continue their studies or pursue employment opportunities all year long.
"With UPEI's record growth in the number of students, and many of these students interested in experiencing on-campus residence life, we have seen increased demand for our existing residences," said Dr. Alaa Abd-El Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI. "The new residence facility will also feature a number of classrooms to alleviate some of the pressure on our academic space. We are extremely grateful and excited to work with the Government of PEI to offer new housing options for our students that will help us achieve our vision of a vibrant, sustainable University community.”
The new housing facility will also include 22,000 square feet for lecture halls and multi-purpose space. These additions will enhance the educational experience for students and staff alike, as well as attract conferences and major events to Prince Edward Island.
“Students are facing the same housing challenges as many Islanders,” said Premier Dennis King. “This is a good step forward to help students focus on what matters most to them. The stability of knowing they have a place to call home all year long will positively add to their student experience and academic success.”
The $60 million infrastructure project is expected to be completed by 2022 in advance of the Canada Games. This will complete UPEI’s transformation to the Athletes Village where competitors from across the nation will take up temporary residence for the duration of the Games, after which UPEI students can begin moving in.
