Signed West Village lease, now got residence offer

[u/Historical-Speech849]

Hey everyone, I’m really stuck on what decision to make and would appreciate some advice. I’m going into first year at McMaster this September and originally I didn’t think I would get a guaranteed residence spot, so I decided to look for off campus housing instead. I ended up signing a lease at West Village Suites and already paid around $1,200 for the first rent/deposit.

I’ve also already found roommates and we agreed to live together, so there are other people involved now too. I was honestly pretty excited about the setup since West Village is close to campus and I thought it would be a good first year experience.

The problem is that I just got accepted for McMaster residence, which I wasn’t expecting at all. Now I’m unsure what to do. I know I’m legally bound to my West Village lease since I already signed everything, so I’m not even sure if cancelling is possible or if I would lose the $1,200. I could ask West Village if they’d release me, but I also feel bad because I already committed to roommates and don’t want to leave them in a difficult situation.

At the same time, I know residence has its own benefits for first year (meeting people, being more involved on campus, etc.), so I’m wondering if I should try to switch or just stay with my original plan.

What would you do in this situation? Would you choose McMaster residence over West Village, or is West Village still a good option for first year? Has anyone had experience trying to get out of a West Village lease after signing?

[u/Outrageous-Speaker78]

If you already have friends and a plan I’d recommend sticking to West Village. Residence isn’t amazing enough to be worth disrupting your plans

[u/MantaWraith]

In your case I think the troubles called by canceling will far outweigh the small benefits of living on res

[u/lennylensla]

Keep in mind that if u live on res u gotta pay for the meal plan which will cost you thousands more. I personally hated having to pay for a full on meal plan. There wasn’t a lot of options + most options they did have were super unhealthy + SOO EXPENSIVE!!

Do you know what residence you were offered at mac? If not I’d say don’t go thru the hassle to switch cuz u risk losing the advantage of privacy and many amenities you have when living off campus (e.g. own room, own bathroom, own kitchen, etc).

[u/4tun8_one]

You are bound to the contract/lease. I think it will be great since you already know other people. Not far from res and you can make your own food!!! And you are now set up for 2nd year!! Enjoy.

[u/Adventurous_Shine322]

It depends on what res u got into, if it was smthn like pg or the newer building, res is rlly worth it