Surrey’s KPU to Launch First Student Residence
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), Surrey’s largest post-secondary institution, is set to open its first on-campus student residence in 2027. The new eight-storey building will house 350 students, with priority given to Indigenous students and former youth-in-care, creating more opportunities for focused study and community engagement.
A $144 Million Investment in Student Life
The Newton campus at 12666 72 Ave. will host the new residence, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2027, according to Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s minister of infrastructure. The $144 million project is funded mostly by the provincial government ($119 million), while KPU contributes $25 million from the proceeds of its land sale for the upcoming Surrey hospital in Cloverdale, opening in 2030.
Designed for Comfort and Community
The residence will include one- and two-bedroom units, four-bedroom apartments, a dining hall, communal lounge, multi-faith room, laundry facilities, and enhanced security. University president Bruce Choy emphasized that the housing will foster a stronger sense of community and give students the support they need to thrive academically.
Surrey’s Growing Student Housing Options
KPU isn’t the only post-secondary institution expanding housing in Surrey. Western Community College, in partnership with Lark Group, is constructing over 750 student units in the City Centre 5 building, part of Surrey’s health and technology district. Originally planning 500 units, the college expanded the project after city council review to offer flexible, affordable housing for students.
The Western project will include communal dining spaces, lounges, a lawn and fire pit, retail and restaurant space, office units, and a daycare linked to its teaching program. Completion is expected in 2028, further enhancing Surrey’s student housing landscape.
A Step Toward Future Growth
With KPU’s first residence and other student housing projects, Surrey is rapidly expanding its post-secondary infrastructure. These initiatives promise to improve the student experience, provide affordable living options, and strengthen the city’s academic community for years to come.
