McMaster University residence rooms cost $6,550 to $13,990 for the eight-month academic year, and students with a residence guarantee pay $600 up front to apply. Meal plans are required but billed separately. This guide sets out the room fees I could verify and what the university’s page does not say.
Details come from the McMaster Housing residence fees page, checked on 20 October 2026. The page headline says only “8-Month Academic Year” and does not name the year, though it was last updated in June 2026, so confirm the fees apply to your intake. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
Room fees for the eight-month year
| Room type | Building | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pod suite, 2 person, 1 washroom (single room) | Lincoln Alexander Hall | $13,990 |
| Pod, 1 person, 1 washroom (single room) | Lincoln Alexander Hall | $13,340 |
| Pod, 4 person, 2 washroom (single room) | Lincoln Alexander Hall | $12,360 |
| Pod, 3 person, 1 washroom (single room) | Lincoln Alexander Hall | $11,840 |
| Super-single with connected shared washroom | Peter George Centre for Living and Learning | $11,950 |
| Single with connected shared washroom | Peter George Centre for Living and Learning | $11,850 |
| Suite, 4 person (single room) | Mary E. Keyes Residence | $11,700 |
| Single (double bed) with ensuite washroom | Les Prince Hall | $11,350 |
| Single (twin bed) with ensuite washroom | Brandon, Edwards, Hedden, Matthews, McKay, Moulton, Wallingford, Whidden and Woodstock Halls, and Les Prince Hall | $11,200 |
| Single room | Brandon, Edwards, Matthews, Moulton and Wallingford Halls | $10,220 |
| Apartment, 4 or 6 person (single room) | Bates Residence | $10,600 |
| Double room | Brandon, Edwards, Matthews, Moulton and Wallingford Halls | $9,220 |
| Triple, traditional room | Matthews, McKay and Wallingford Halls | $6,750 |
| Quad, traditional room | Hedden, Moulton and Wallingford Halls | $6,550 |
The page lists more room types than these, including double rooms with connected or single-user washrooms. It does not give a price for 10 Bay Residence and refers readers to that residence’s own site.
Fees, deposit and payment dates
- Application payment: students with a residence guarantee pay $600 through the Housing Portal, made up of a $500 deposit that counts towards the first residence charge and a $100 non-refundable application fee.
- Payment dates: room fees are split into two equal instalments, due 25 September for the fall term and 25 January for the winter term.
- Meal plan: required for all students in residence and not included in the room fee. The page gives no meal plan prices and links to the Hospitality Services page.
- Other charges: a $45 non-refundable Residence Life Health and Wellbeing Fee, and a Student Property and Liability Insurance Program premium of $85 plus applicable taxes.
The page does not describe who qualifies for the guarantee or give an application deadline, so check McMaster’s residence application page for the dates and conditions that apply to you.
McMaster residence or private rental?
| Question | Residence | Private rental |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | Meal plan required, priced separately | You cook for yourself |
| Upfront cost | $600 for guaranteed applicants ($500 deposit plus $100 fee) | Ask what deposit applies and get it in writing |
| Rent | $6,550 to $13,990 for eight months, excluding meals | I could not verify Hamilton rents, so check current listings |
I have not covered Mohawk College, ranked neighbourhoods or listed private buildings, because I could not verify prices or area details against reliable sources. If you rent privately, view the place in person or on a live video call, get a written lease and never pay before you have one. For another Canadian city, see our Montreal guide, or browse all student accommodation in Canada.
FAQs about student accommodation in Hamilton
How much does McMaster residence cost?
Room fees run from $6,550 for a traditional quad to $13,990 for a two-person pod suite for the eight-month year, before the required meal plan.
How much is the residence deposit?
Students with a guarantee pay $600 to apply: a $500 deposit applied to the first charge and a $100 non-refundable application fee.
Is the meal plan included in the room fee?
No. Meal plans are required for everyone in residence and are billed separately.
Sources
All checked 20 October 2026.
