Student Life at the School

Resident life is the perfect way to meet new friends, connect with Niagara Parks School of Horticulture and make the most of your experience at the school. Our student residence is located on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens, the 34.9-hectare (86.2-acre) school campus which provides the living classroom. By choosing on-campus living, you will be close to classmates, sharing an iconic experience in horticulture education.

“I really liked the idea of the practical program and being able to not only learn about horticulture but to put all of that to use as well.”

80+ years of experiential learning

Our programs offer over 1,000 hours of experiential learning outside of the classroom to nurture the growth of well-rounded skills and build confidence while developing strong leadership abilities.

Small Classes and Focus Groups

Class sizes are no larger than 12 students to offer an abundance of meaningful instructor/student contact opportunities.

Residence: your home away from home

Residence provides a positive experience in a dormitory style, group living environment. Residence is an excellent opportunity for students to develop independence, work on interpersonal skills where mutual respect provides the foundation for a successful experience.

Dormitory-style living with double-room and limited single-room occupancies
A short walk to classes with a common dining hall
Meals prepared by in-house culinary team
Co-ed, non-smoking facility

Students in residence have access to high-speed, wireless internet; student lounges; coin-operated laundry; and free parking.

There are instances where the interest in residence accommodation exceeds the spaces available. In such circumstances interested students will be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a space becomes available.

Residence Options & Rates

Residence fees are listed in the chart below and are express as per semester – Niagara Parks School of Horticulture’s academic year consist of 3 semesters (12 months). Residence fees are due prior to move in for September and at the beginning of Winter and Summer semesters (please consult the Academic Calendar for Dates). Students who are successful in the application process for staying in residence will need to provide a $400 nonrefundable deposit to hold their place in the residence building. The deposit will contribute to their residence fees for the upcoming semester. Students who are unsuccessful in their application to residence will be placed on a waiting list and be contacted when any vacancies may arise.

Description	Cost (per semester)*
Dormitory Single Room	$2,208
Dormitory Room Shared Accommodation (1 roommate)	$1,920

Dining on Campus

Residence meal plans have many different entrée options to choose from at each and every meal, providing many different healthy choices including vegetarian, vegan including other specific dietary needs. For special dietary needs, please speak with our residence chef to ensure your dietary needs are met.

Residence Dining Room Hours

	Fall & Winter Semesters	Summer Semester
Breakfast	7:00 to 7:45 a.m.	6:15 to 6:45 a.m.
Lunch	12:00 to 12:30 p.m.	11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Dinner	4:30 to 5:30 p.m.	3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Meal Plan Options

All students living in residence are required to purchase one of the 2 following meal plans.

Seven days per week: Where the student pays a flat rate to have their meals on campus for the week including weekends.
5 days per week: Monday – Friday where students pay a flat rate to have their meals on campus for the “Work Week.”

Other meal plans are available for off campus students who may like the option and convenience of dining on campus.

Plan	Description	Cost (per semester)**
Students living in residence*
1	3 meals/day (7-day plan)	$3,165
2	3 meals/day (5-day plan)	$2,265
Students living off campus
3	5 lunch meals/week	$755
4	Individual meals	$8.61

*Students living in residence are required to purchase either plan 1 or 2. **One academic year includes three semesters (fall, winter, summer).

Industry Contacts

The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture provides many contact points for students to start networking within the industry before graduation. Included are mentorship opportunities, internship placement, study tours, trade shows, seminars, guest speakers and alumni connections.

Applied Leadership & Resume Building

Senior students get first-hand experience as crew supervisors, leading student crews on horticulture tasks within the Botanical Gardens. This indispensable learning experience offers an opportunity to develop important leadership skills that look great on a resume.

Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship

Graduates of the NPD program may be eligible to write the provincial exam to gain the certificate of qualification for the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship in Ontario.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Our school is fully recognized by OSAP and also offers a number of internal scholarships. Many industry-based scholarships and bursary opportunities are available as well.

Get Paid to Learn

All of our students are registered apprentices and employees of Niagara Parks. Students receive payment for their practical-based learning in the Botanical Gardens.

Additional services and support:

Academic and learning supports
Living arrangements and residence
Free parking
Employment opportunities and career services
Library and study space
Student association
Student-led activities and leadership