A photo of the North Tower residence building taken from a high vantage point at dusk.

At some point in your college search, you may have thought to yourself “Where am I going to live?”. Well it turns out, you’re not alone. Being new to Kamloops for me meant that I had to secure on-campus housing. On-campus student housing is an important aspect of the college experience. It provides students with a sense of community and a convenient location close to classes and activities. Student residences at Thompson Rivers University offer a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences, each with its own unique features and amenities. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at three of these on-campus student residences: North Tower, McGill Residence and East Village.

North Tower

A photo of the North Tower Residence during the day in the winter.

North Tower is one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings on campus. It is a high-rise residence hall that offers students a traditional dorm experience with a modern twist. The building has 11 floors, and features some of the best views of the city. The suites are shared between two or four students, with each student having their own bedroom and desk. North Tower also has a study lounge, a 24-hr fitness area, and a laundry room. The location of the Tower is also ideal for students, as it is just a short walk away from the main academic buildings and the campus center.

McGill Residence

McGill Residence is a unique residence option that offers students a chance to live in a more traditional dormitory-style residence, with single rooms that share common bathrooms. Each room comes equipped with a bed, desk, wardrobe, and kitchenette. Residents have access to a central shared kitchen and laundry facilities. This residence is a science student’s dream as it is conveniently located just behind the Ken Lepin Science Building which, for some, is less than a one-minute walk to class. Additionally, this building is right across from Canada’s Tournament Capital Centre.

East Village

East Village is an apartment-style residence that offers students a more independent and private living experience. The building is made up of suites that each house 2 or 4 students. Each 2 or 4 bedroom suite has a shared common area, bathroom and a full kitchen. This residence also features a central area with a TV and pool table, as well as a study space for residents to use. This can be a great option for students who are looking for more space and autonomy than what a traditional dormitory can offer. I have lived in this residence and my absolute favorite thing about it is that it is quite literally right across from the Real Canadian Superstore, Wendy’s and Domino’s Pizza all at the same time.

Conclusion

All three residence buildings at TRU have a strong sense of community and offer a variety of events and activities throughout the year to help students get to know each other and get involved on campus. Additionally, each building has a dedicated Residence Life team that is available to help students with any questions or concerns they may have.

One of the best things about living in a residence at TRU is the convenience of being close to all the resources and services on campus. From class buildings to the library and the student union, everything is within easy walking distance. Additionally, all residence buildings are staffed 24/7 with professional security personnel, providing students with peace of mind and a sense of security.

All first-year students have a guaranteed space in residence if they apply before April 1, 2023!

All in all, the three main residence buildings at Thompson Rivers University offer a range of room options and amenities that are sure to meet the needs of any student. Whether you are looking for a single room, double room, or suite, TRU’s residence buildings have something for everyone. With a strong sense of community, convenient location, and a dedicated Residence Life team, TRU’s residence buildings are the perfect place for students to call home.


Future Student Ambassador, Bensly – Bachelor of Computing Science. “Which Residence is Right for You?”, 17 Jan 2023

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