St. Francis Xavier University has surpassed the provincial government's residence occupancy requirement, achieving a 98 per cent on-campus housing rate for the current academic year.
Under a two-year provincial funding agreement introduced last April, Nova Scotia universities are required to maintain a maximum vacancy rate of five per cent in student residences. StFX's performance exceeds the 95 per cent occupancy threshold tied to its operating grant.
"Not only has StFX met its own high targets, but the university is pleased to exceed the 95 per cent target that the province looks for, which is related to the university's operating grant," said Bob Hale, Associate Vice-President, Ancillary Services.
This year, approximately 1,750 students are living in 11 residences across campus. The residence application portal for the coming academic year has already opened, with almost 1,500 students applying to live in residence so far for the 2026/27 academic year an early indicator of continued demand.
University leaders attribute the strong occupancy rate not only to demand for housing, but also to sustained efforts to strengthen residence culture and student engagement.
"We know that housing and enrollment patterns can shift from year to year," said Elizabeth Yeo, Vice-President Students. "What's most encouraging is seeing the community culture we've been intentionally working to build truly take root. Residence life at StFX has always been about more than where students live it's about how we live together."
Ms. Yeo said the momentum in residence life reflects the university's broader Being Xaverian strategy, which focuses on belonging, wellness, respect, and engagement. Initiatives such as Flourishing Foundations, a transition program for new students, and the Good Neighbours Program reinforce shared responsibility and respect within residence communities.
That emphasis is also reflected in StFX's results from the 2024 Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC). In the nationally benchmarked survey, StFX students reported very strong satisfaction with the university's welcome and orientation experience, underscoring the importance of early connection and community support.
CULTURAL CHANGE TAKING HOLD
"We're seeing early indicators that these cultural shifts are making a real difference," said Jacqueline DeLeebeeck, Director of Residence Life. "There are fewer conduct incidents and damages, stronger retention of student staff, and increased engagement among returning students through residence councils and community programs."
Ms. DeLeebeeck said the relational and restorative model now in place prioritizes dialogue, accountability, and repairing harm when issues arise, while renewed residence councils are re-emerging as active, student-led bodies shaping programming and peer leadership.
"The tone has changed," she added. "There's greater pride, empathy, and ownership. Students want their residence to feel like a community and they're helping to build it."
STRONG TEAM EFFORT
Mr. Hale noted that achieving a 98 per cent occupancy rate comes amid evolving housing dynamics, enrollment fluctuations, and recent federal changes to international student policies.
"Despite those pressures, this result reflects a strong, coordinated effort across departments," he said.
Staff initiatives have included increasing the availability of single rooms, expanding social media outreach with virtual residence and dining hall tours, and opening applications earlier to support student planning, and early outreach to actively support belonging and success.
"High occupancy brings energy to campus," Mr. Hale said. "It creates a more vibrant, connected environment for everyone."
STUDENT EXPERIENCE AT THE CENTRE
For students, the appeal of residence life lies in the sense of belonging it creates.
"Residence is so appealing because of the community it brings," said Emma Nolan of Toronto, Ont., a senior community advisor in MacIsaac Hall. A StFX alumna now completing the Accelerated Nursing program, Ms. Nolan has been involved in residence leadership since her second year.
"Living in residence helps students form lifelong friendships and build connections across campus," she said. "It gives people support quickly, especially if they arrive not knowing anyone."
Connor Samson, a third-year Schwartz School of Business student and Community Engagement Officer in Bishops Hall, said StFX residences are in high demand because of their tight-knit, inclusive culture.
"Being on campus with classmates and new friends from around the world makes a huge difference in transitioning to university," said Mr. Samson. "StFX is known for its family-like feeling, and residence is where many students first experience that."
"When students feel that they belong, they take care of themselves and each other," Ms. Yeo said. "That spirit extends beyond campus into the communities they're part of. That's what Being Xaverian is all about and it's what will carry us forward."
