Are you a transgender or gender non-conforming student concerned about roommates? Are you simply more comfortable living with roommates of different genders? Then consider a mixed-gender housing arrangement.
Diversity is an important part of the cultural landscape at UTM, and we consider gender diversity to be an important aspect of this. We believe that students deserve to live in a housing arrangement that is inclusive of their gender identity. In the interest of creating an equitable and inclusive community, the Department of Student Housing & Residence Life offers mixed-gender housing options for students. Mixed-gender housing is available for all students, including those who feel that their gender identity or gender expression is not represented in the traditional male and female housing arrangements that are typical of most campuses.
In the residence application, all students have the option to select their gender - but are not required to. Students also have the option to select a same-gender housing arrangement or a mixed-gender housing arrangement.
Same-Gender Housing: will include 1-7 roommates who also select same gender.
Mixed-Gender Housing: could include 1-7 roommates of any gender.
Your selection does not impact the community that you are assigned to; mixed and same gender units are located in all residence communities.
Mixed-gender housing may not be guaranteed, however, if mixed-gender housing is a needs-based accommodation or if you would simply like to initiate a conversation with a residence staff member regarding what you see as your gender-specific housing needs, please contact us resdesk.utm@utoronto.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I still request to live with roommates of the same gender as me? Yes. Mixed-gender housing arrangements meet the needs of some of our students – but it’s not what everybody wants. In the residence application, you will be given the opportunity to select your gender as well as ‘Mixed-Gender’ or ‘Same-Gender’ housing. Select a ‘Same-Gender’ housing arrangement if you would rather live with roommates of the same gender as you.
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Am I required to identify my gender? No. In the residence application, students have the option of selecting their gender as either: Man, Woman, Transgender Man, Transgender Woman, Transgender Person, Two Spirit, Gender Queer/NonBinary, Prefer Not to Answer or An Identity Not Listed.
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What does living in a mixed-gender housing arrangement look like? Students living in a mixed-gender housing arrangement could have 1-7 roommates of any gender. Depending on the unit type, these students will share common spaces (e.g, semi-private washrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc.) with their roommates. The majority of our units are single bedroom, but in the case of double units, only students of the same gender will share a bedroom.
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Does choosing a mixed-gender housing arrangement mean I will only be able to live in a certain building style? No. Your selection of same-gender or mixed-gender housing arrangement does not impact the community or building-style you are assigned to. Mixed and same gender units are located in all areas of residence.
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Will my selection of mixed-gender or same-gender affect the priority of my residence application? No. If you meet the requirements for a Residence Guarantee, then neither your gender identity nor your mixed-gender or same-gender housing selection will impact the priority of your offer. However, if you are on the waitlist, your selection could impact the order in which you receive an offer depending on our stock of available units. If you have any questions about your specific application, be sure to contact us resdesk.utm@utoronto.ca.
Additional Resources
Sexual & Gender Diversity Office
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Office - UTM
Washroom Inclusivity Project
Getting Help
To learn more about gender diversity programs and support services on campus, please visit the website of the Sexual and Gender Diversity Office. http://www.sgdo.utoronto.ca