Starting in September 2012, the University of Toronto campus will be home to Kintore College, a small women’s residence. Housed in the first four floors of a modern condominium building at 77 Charles, Kintore College promises to be a “home away from home” to young women studying at the university, according to the college’s director, Crystal Mason.

Although the residence will be small, with around 20 women accepted, Ms. Mason emphasizes the benefits to a more tight-knit living situation, especially in such a large school community as U of T.

“It’s kept small on purpose. We want it to be a place where everyone can get to know everyone else, and really just become friends with all of the other people in the residence,” says Ms. Mason.

Spearheaded by the women’s charity PEV (Promotion of Education and Values), the goal of establishing a women’s-only residence has been in the works since the land at 77 Charles was purchased in 1997. PEV has since entered into an agreement with a condo developer, and are anticipating to be fully operational by the start of the new school year.

Although it is not the only women’s residence on campus, Kintore College stands out because of its loose affiliations with the Catholic organization Opus Dei. The non-denominational residence will be providing its students with optional “spiritual guidance” by Opus Dei, as well as extracurriculars, including guest speaker visits and volunteering initiatives. There will also be a curfew in place to ensure the safety of the residents.

In order to apply, applicants must provide a recent transcript, photo, proof of full-time registration and two letters of recommendation. Following the initial application, a personal interview is conducted to see if the student would fit into the Kintore College lifestyle.

Ms. Mason expands on the idea of life at Kintore being somewhat out of the ordinary, as far as university residences go. “I don’t envision it being just a dormitory where people are sleeping, but having a really vibrant residence life as well that can contribute also to the education, and the fulfillment of the people who live there.”

For more information, visit www.kintorecollege.ca