Modern, safe, inclusive and accessible student housing: College West housing re-opens!

By Katherine Cormack Posted: August 21, 2018 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) declared College West housing officially re-opened at a special ceremony on August 21, 2018. John Smith, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs, and Bettina Welsh, Director, Student Housing Operations, assist with the official ribbon cutting.
Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) declared College West housing officially re-opened at a special ceremony on August 21, 2018. John Smith, Associate Vice-President Student Affairs, and Bettina Welsh, Director, Student Housing Operations, assist with the official ribbon cutting. Photos: External Relations

James Hsieh, fourth-year student, talks to media at grand re-opening event of College West housing.

Fourth-year student James Hsieh LOVES his place in newly renovated College West housing. And so do his parents who remarked, “Wow! It’s better than a hotel,” when they had saw his new room and shared accommodation.

James, who’s majoring in business with a minor in creative technologies, lived in College West housing prior to the two-year renovation and is excited to move back in to enjoy his great room, large kitchen, and updated bathroom that now has a bathtub, as well as a shower.

“After a day of classes and studying, I can come home and just relax and not stress about things like utilities,” said the Calgary native.

Located in the heart of the University of Regina main campus, College West housing has been home to thousands of students since it opened its doors in 1973. More than 40 years on in 2016, the building had reached the end of it life cycle. The decision was made to completely renovate 80,000 square feet of student housing - bringing it up to code and creating modern, safe, bright, airy, and accessible housing for 274 students. The U of R’s College West, Kīšik, Paskwāw and Wakpá towers are now able to accommodate 1,611 students in on-campus housing.

“Students are the heart and soul of our University,” said Dr. Thomas Chase, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) who spoke at the grand re-opening event this morning. “Creating welcoming, inclusive, accessible, and safe housing is just part of our wholistic approach to education.”

College West Kitchen
Inside College West

Student housing provides a much-needed service to University of Regina student learners and is a vital component of the recruitment process for international, national, and local students wishing to live on campus. As well, it provides much-needed conference facilities for the University and the community during the summer months.

The building was designed with student life and student health in mind and includes such upgrades as:

  • Addition of four skylights (light-wells) to increase the amount of natural light;

  • Abundance of windows and glass (promotes interaction and community);

  • Modern apartments with full kitchens with loads of counter and cabinet space;

  • Break-out rooms for large projects;

  • 25-person theatre; and,

  • An array of common/communal spaces for students to promote interaction with neighbours and friends.

“It’s important that everyone is included,” said Bettina Welsh, Director, Student Affairs Operations. “That why things like a community kitchen, smudging room, games rooms - all of it fully accessible - are so central to the new design.”

Volunteers from the University community, including alumni, will be on hand to assist when students arrive on Move-in Day (August 31). The following week will be a busy one for students with Welcome Week activities including Orientation on September 4.