General
How does HOEM compare to other student housing options?
What makes HOEM different?
Who is eligible to live at HOEM?
Anyone aged 16 and older with student status is eligible to live at HOEM. We welcome students from any institution, so no matter where you’re studying, you can make HOEM your home.
Where is HOEM located?
HOEM is nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto at 186 Jarvis Street, providing easy access to the city’s vibrant life and public transit. Buses, streetcars, and the subway are just steps from our front door, so the entire city is at your disposal.
Can I book an in-person or virtual tour?
Absolutely! We offer both in-person and virtual tours to suit your convenience. You can book a personalized tour through our website.
Is HOEM accessible for those with disabilities or medical needs?
We strive to accommodate all our residents’ needs. HOEM offers a limited number of wheelchair-accessible suites in the 4-bedroom style. When booking your room, please fill out the Special Accommodations Form to let us know about any specific requirements, whether they are accessible, medical, or otherwise.
How far is HOEM from campus?
HOEM is conveniently located near several Toronto campuses:
- 6 minutes from the heart of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus
- 20 minutes to the University of Toronto (UofT) and OCAD University (OCADU)
- 15 minutes to George Brown College
- 8 minutes to CMU College
For a full list of nearby institutions, check out the map on our main page.
What is the HOEM Portal?
The HOEM Portal is your personalized hub for everything related to life at HOEM. Whether you’re booking your stay, checking your housing agreement, or connecting with fellow residents, the portal is designed to make your experience easier and more enjoyable.
You can access the portal by clicking “Sign in”—you’ll be redirected to a different site that hosts our portal, but don’t worry, you’re still at HOEM!
Booking, Housing Agreements, & Payments
How long are HOEM’s housing agreements?
We offer flexible housing agreements to suit your needs, including one-semester, two-semester, and three-semester stays. For full dates and details, please login to our portal.
How do I pay my housing installments?
All housing payments are processed through Flywire in our registration portal. You can choose from several payment methods, including credit card, debit credit, online bank transfer, and wire transfer. A 2.4% surcharge applies to credit and debit credit payments, which is added after the payment is made.
What do my housing installments cover?
Your housing fees cover a comprehensive range of services, including utilities, WiFi, bi-weekly in-suite cleaning, bike parking, access to all events and workshops, and use of amenities such as the 24-hour gym, fitness studio, and all fitness classes.
What is a guarantor and who can be one?
A guarantor is an individual who agrees to take on financial responsibility on your behalf if needed. Guarantors can be either domestic or international, and no credit checks are required.
How do I secure my apartment?
Housing confirmations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure your space, you can book your room directly through the HOEM Portal. Please note that you will need to make your initial housing installment payment via credit card to confirm your booking.
When can I move in?
We offer a variety of housing terms to fit your travel and academic plans. You can find full housing term dates by logging into our portal.
Apartments
Learn about our student apartments.
Do you offer accessible apartments?
We do our absolute best to meet your needs! We have a limited number of wheelchair-accessible apartments in the 4-bedroom style. When booking your room, please fill out the Special Accommodations Form to let us know about any special accommodations (accessible, medical, or otherwise) you need.
What do I need to bring with me?
Just your personal belongings! Your apartment is move-in ready. For a full list of what we provide, check out our Standard Features.
What appliances and furniture are in my apartment?
Lots! Your bedroom comes with everything you need to feel at home: a bed, desk and chair, a 2-drawer dresser, a 4-drawer dresser, and a clothes rail for your wardrobe. In the shared common area, you’ll find a comfy couch, coffee table, TV console (TV not included), plus either a dining table with chairs or stools at the counter—depends on the layout.
As for appliances, your kitchen’s stocked with the essentials: an oven, range, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, and kettle. Whether you’re making a quick snack or preparing a gourmet meal, you’ll have what you need.
Who will I live with?
Students will be able to self select roommates through our roommate matching program in July. The program is designed to ensure you and your roommates are highly compatible, setting you up for a harmonious living experience. For more information, see our roommate matching page.
Can I move in with a friend?
Already have friends in mind that you’d like to live with? We can absolutely ensure you end up together. For more information, see our roommate matching page.
When does roommate matching take place?
Roommate matching kicks off in July, and trust us, it’s the best way to find roommates you’ll actually enjoy living with (whether that’s one person or three). Joining the process gives you the most say in who you live with, so be sure to book early and don’t miss out! If you can’t take part, no stress—our team will do their best to match you with people who vibe with your profile. But if you want the best chance at the best fit, get in on the matching!
When will I find out who my roommates are?
Once placements are finalized, we will share your roommates’ email addresses with you. This information is typically provided well in advance of your move-in date, giving you a chance to connect with your suitemates.
What if something needs to be fixed in my apartment?
Learn Our maintenance team is on it! Submit a work order through your HOEM Portal, and they will be available to attend to anything that needs a little TLC.
Building & Amenities
Learn about our amenities.
What amenities are available in the building?
We have tons of wonderful student-focused amenities including a gym and fitness studio, a giant shared living room filled to the brim with games and hangout spots, various spaces for private or group study, a pristine laundry room, and more!
How will I know when there are events?
Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on what’s happening at HOEM! You can also check out our events page, monthly event posters on every floor (right by the elevator buttons!), our newsletters, and display screens for weekly event invites!
Do I have access to the underground parking garage?
Yes! Underground car parking is available to residents or guests for an additional fee. You can book a spot at the front desk or through your HOEM Portal. Bike parking is available at no extra cost!
Where do I pick up mail?
We have parcel lockers in the lobby for you to pick up any deliveries.
Are the common spaces accessible?
Yes, all common spaces are wheelchair accessible and available to all students in the building.
Can I bring my pet?
While pets are not allowed, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals are welcome at HOEM. When booking your room, please complete the Special Accommodations Form and submit the necessary documentation to register your ESA or Service Animal.
International Students
Learn about being an International Student at HOEM.
Does HOEM provide proof of residence?
Yes! Proof of residence is available for download through your HOEM Portal as soon as your room is confirmed.
Do you have employment opportunities for students at HOEM?
Absolutely! We offer student staff positions each year, including roles like Content Curators, Digital Designers, Videographers, C&C Summer Staff, Experience Leaders, Neighbourhood Leaders, and Engagement Leaders. Follow us on Instagram for updates on student staff job postings and check out our Student Jobs.
What is there to do near HOEM?
SO. MANY. THINGS! Located in downtown Toronto, we’re in an exciting city where you’ll always find something that fits your interests. Check out our city map for things to do nearby, and follow us on Instagram for even more ideas.
How can I get around?
We are conveniently located near TTC streetcars and bus routes (501, 505, 506, 511), subways (Dundas Station, Queen Station), and just a 15-minute walk from Toronto’s Union Station, which connects the city to all over Ontario (and the rest of Canada!). There is also a Toronto Bike Share station located behind HOEM on Mutual Street. And of course, Taxis and Ubers are always just minutes away.
Parents & Guardians
More information for Parents & Guardians.
What is a guarantor?
A guarantor is an individual who takes on financial responsibility on a student’s behalf if needed. Guarantors can be either domestic or international, and no credit checks are required.
Can my student choose their roommate?
Yes! In mid-summer, our roommate matching and selection process opens for all students who have confirmed spaces. Students can either use our roommate matching service to find a compatible roommate or simply select their roommate if they already know who they want to live with.
Does my student need to bring anything to HOEM?
Just their personal belongings! Our suites are move-in ready. For a full list of what’s included in each suite, please see our amenities.
Is your building secure?
At HOEM, we place the highest priority on the safety and security of our residents. We have 24/7 reception, overnight security, and live-in staff. In case of emergency, our security, maintenance, and professional staff members are on-call 24/7.
My student requires unique accommodation or has a medical condition. Who do I speak to?
We will do our absolute best to meet your student’s needs. During the booking process, please fill out the Special Accommodations Form to let us know about any special accommodations (accessible, medical, or otherwise) your student requires. If you still want to chat, feel free to contact us, and we’d be happy to discuss any individual needs.
Does HOEM offer payment plans?
Yes, we do! If you need a payment plan, please email jarvis@hoem.ca. Please note that payment plans cannot be implemented for the initial installment.
When is the HOEM office open?
Our admin team is in the office Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Our services desk is open 24/7 to answer any general questions.
Are the common spaces accessible?
Yes, all common spaces are wheelchair accessible and available to all students in the building.