Seneca Polytechnic Newnham Residence — Local services in Toronto

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars) Location, Cost, Convenience—Great. Staff Conduct, WiFi, and Parking—Disappointing.

I’ve been living here for almost two semesters and I have mixed feelings. With nearly 20 years of customer service experience, including time as a front desk agent, I feel confident in offering an honest and fair review.

The Good:

✅ The location is unbeatable—campus is a 2-minute walk. ✅ The cost is reasonable compared to Toronto rent, especially since utilities are included. ✅ The building has convenient amenities: a convenience store, restaurant, fitness center, and lounges. ✅ Free coffee, tea, and snacks are provided on Wednesday mornings. ✅ The common areas are kept tidy. Although a better paint job is recommended.

The Not-So-Good:

❌ The WiFi is consistently poor, which is unacceptable for students who rely on online access for schoolwork. ❌ Parking is overpriced at $325+HST per semester or $4+tax per hour. ❌ Some staff members, including a security guard named Tej and certain front desk employees, abuse their authority. I have personally witnessed and experienced: • Condescending attitudes • Gossiping and laughing about residents behind their backs • A general lack of professionalism and discretion.

Overuse of cellphones during work.

Mold in the bathroom.

This behavior creates an uncomfortable and disrespectful environment, which is the opposite of what a residence should be.

Other Concerns:

⚠️ Privacy issues: Multiple unnecessary “inspections” were done during breaks—even when nothing warranted them. Maintenance once entered my unit without permission, nearly walking in on me. There are no bedroom door locks, so I recommend residents use door stoppers and personal cameras for added security.

⚠️ AC failure during heatwave: When the air conditioning broke, upper-floor residents suffered extreme heat for over two weeks with minimal communication or action. Only after numerous complaints did the staff begin handing out fans—something that should have been done immediately.

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✅ Summary: The location and cost are great, but these positives are being overshadowed by: • Poor WiFi • Overpriced parking • Unprofessional staff behavior and privacy concerns

Management needs to take resident well-being more seriously—starting with proper training, accountability, and better...

Dear Residence Staff,

I am writing this email as a final statement regarding the unacceptable living conditions I experienced in Seneca Newnham Residence and the lack of support from residence staff that ultimately forced me to seek alternative sleeping arrangements.

Since the beginning of my stay, I have repeatedly raised concerns about my roommate’s extreme lack of hygiene and the ongoing negative impact this environment had on my mental and physical well-being. My roommate consistently left trash, including rotting garbage and soiled hygiene products, creating an unsanitary and distressing space. Despite multiple complaints, nothing was done to address these serious concerns.

The neglect from residence staff only worsened the situation. Instead of receiving the support necessary for a safe and livable environment, I was forced to endure these conditions for months, contributing to significant mental distress. The situation escalated to the point where I had to seek medical attention and was ultimately prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

When it became clear that neither the residence staff nor any internal processes would provide a solution, I had no choice but to seek alternative sleeping arrangements entirely at my own expense to prioritize my health and well-being.

I find it unacceptable that a place intended to provide a safe and supportive living space for students failed to act, despite clear evidence of health hazards and repeated concerns. This experience has impacted my overall well-being.

No student should have to go through what I did, and the lack of accountability from residence management is deeply disappointing.

Regards, Nadacia...

I recently had the opportunity to stay at Seneca College Residence, and as a guest, I found the experience to be excellent. Everything about the stay was straightforward and well-organized, making it a hassle-free and enjoyable visit. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that the staff and management put a lot of effort into maintaining a smooth and welcoming experience. The check-in process was efficient, with clear instructions and helpful staff to guide me. The facilities were clean, modern, and thoughtfully arranged, ensuring that all my needs were met. The rooms were comfortable and well-equipped, offering a great balance of functionality and comfort. Whether you're staying for a short visit or a longer period, the residence provides everything you might need for a pleasant stay. The common areas were tidy and inviting, promoting a sense of community without feeling overcrowded. Overall, Seneca College Residence exceeded my expectations. The organization, cleanliness, and professionalism of the staff made my stay stress-free and enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting or looking for accommodation in the area. It’s truly a well-run and...