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Resources Housing and Accommodation

Off-campus housing guide for university students

By University Study
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By Bianca McKeown and Olivia Grandy, Carleton University B.J.’25

So, you didn’t get into residence. What are your housing options now?

After the first year of university, many students choose to live off campus.

For off campus living, there are four main options that students consider: getting a place together with friends, living with someone you don’t know who already has a place rented, renting on your own, or renting a room in someone’s home.

It’s important to look specifically at your university and their off-campus housing page as housing varies greatly from city to city.  Consider this comparison between UBC and McGill.

Before making a decision about which housing option suits your needs, it is important to consider the upsides and downsides of each option.

Living with friends

    After first year, most people end up living with their friends.

    Most students either rent a house, condo, or apartment with friends depending on their budget and what they want included in their rent. You should know that often, utilities such as heating, water, and hydro are not included in the rent. Internet is another extra cost that you’ll have to split. Ensuring everyone is clear about their budget limits from the outset is very important.

    You also should consider compatibility when living with friends. Just because you’re friends, doesn’t mean you’ll be good roommates. Often, living with friends can put additional strain and pressure on a friendship, so setting boundaries and having clear communication can make living together easier. UBC Okanagan Campus Transition Advisor, Lindsay Farrugia advises students to be specific with boundaries. “Clean” means different things to different people.

    You’ll need to get ahead of the game when looking for housing. Often, there is an advantage in being the first group to tour a house. This means deciding on your housemates early, and establishing your collective wish list for the ideal rental.  If you’re looking for a May 1st lease, get a group together in January as listings start appearing as early as February and they go quickly. This varies by city though, so scroll through Reddit to find out what lease timing is most common in your city.

    Living with people you don’t know 

      With Facebook Marketplace, this housing option is now increasingly popular among students.

      Often, people will join a Facebook group for student housing in their area. For example, for students in Kingston there is a Queen’s University Off-Campus Housing group you can join. This way, you can find people who are also seeking the perfect roommate match.

      Before moving in, meet up in-person to test your compatibility. Often, someone may seem perfect online, but once you meet up you may see there are huge lifestyle differences you didn’t notice before.

      An advantage of living with someone you don’t know is it’ less awkward to ask the hard-hitting questions from the get-go. Have a list of questions ready to probe how they feel about the living conditions most important to you. Questions can be regarding cleanliness, noise, finances, kitchen and food items, and hosting guests. Farrugia says this is already awkward, so don’t shy away from bringing forward any concerns in a respectful way.

      Before signing any lease, make sure you view the place and meet all the roommates you’d be living with. Though you don’t have to be best friends with the people you live with, compatibility and clear communications goes a long way.

      It’s also important to manage your expectations of the experience. Consider peacefully co-existing with someone a success, anything else, such as friendship, is an added bonus says advice columnist and influencer, Harlan Cohen.

      Ultimately, use your judgment and gut instincts when deciding to live with someone you don’t know. If something feels off, or you notice a red flag, then it’s best to keep looking.

      Living on your own

        If living with other people doesn’t strike your fancy, then you may want to consider living on your own.

        This option may work best if you’re introverted, or have a busy social life and want a break from the hustle and bustle of student life.

        When living alone, the most important aspect to consider is finances. Not sharing a rent and paying the full cost of utilities can be expensive, so making sure you’re financially stable and can afford to live alone is priority #1.

        Safety is another aspect to consider. Make sure doors and windows are locked at all times and consider adding safety measures like a chain lock or bolt lock. It may be a good idea to have a close friend or family member have your location in case anything happens.

        The upside of living alone is that you don’t have to deal with roommates! You have the luxury to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Want to binge watch a movie at 3 am in the living room? Go for it! Want to have friends over? There is nobody to stop you!

        That being said, living alone can get lonely. Make sure you have a good support system of family and friends to keep you company. Things such as getting a plant, picking up a new hobby, or getting a pet can also help ease the lonely blues.

        Rent a room in a house

          Maybe the above options don’t feel right, so you’re looking to rent a room in someone’s house. This option may come with a few sacrifices, but if you can get on the homeowner’s good side and show you’re willing to pitch in, your wallet and sleep schedule may thank you.

          For many students, renting a room means their roommates are often at a different life stage than them — you may find yourself sharing a space with an older couple or in a young family’s basement.  It’s essential you respect the homeowner’s boundaries and keep a low profile noise-wise, especially if you don’t have a private entry. In these situations, you should think of yourself as a guest in the house, hopefully in exchange for peace, quiet and a sense of home away from home.

          Before moving in, have a clear conversation about the owner’s policies on having guests over. When is it appropriate for you to blast your Spotify playlist? Hopefully, the homeowner will consider your need for a healthy level of social interaction. Still, some trust-building may be required before you volunteer to host weekly hangouts with your pals.

          Finally, ensure the room feels genuinely comfortable to you and that it’s actually legal. Every province and city has specific rules about what constitutes a bedroom — often around windows and square footage.

          Additionally, make sure you can imagine yourself feeling safe in the room — the low ceilings don’t make you feel claustrophobic, or you don’t feel like you’re living in a gloried closet. The room is all you’ve got, especially since you’re sharing a space with someone who may not fully understand the student lifestyle.

          International students 

          If you’re from out of Canada and looking for a place to stay, then these four options still apply to you! However, it’s worth doing some extra research to get a feel for the rental market since you might be unfamiliar with what a fair rate looks like. As a transition advisor, Farrugia suggests using Place4Students to get a feel for rental rates in your city. The site is likely partnered with your destination university. Even if you don’t end up finding your dream rental on this site, it’s helpful to navigate shopping within your budget on Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji, she said.

          On the same note, it’s important you’re aware of what a standard lease in your province looks like. For example, in Ontario, there is a standard lease agreement that everyone signs by law. Take a look at what leases look like in your city before signing one!

          If any clause in your lease contradicts the law, it’s technically void. But you still have to pay your rent even if you find a void clause in your lease!

          A dispute between you and your landlord can be tricky to navigate, especially if you want to remain on friendly terms. Farrugia advises students to use the resources available to them. For instance, UBC’s student union offers students support and information for off-campus tenancy, and similar law-student-run support services exist on campuses across the country.

          The main websites and resources students use to find housing are:

          Other great places to look:

          Off-campus housing guides by universities:

          West coast

          Central

          East coast

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          Current Language: en
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          Starting university is a thrilling adventure, especially when you’re stepping into a new chapter in a Canadian city. But before the excitement of meeting new people and attending your first lecture, there’s a crucial task ahead – packing! Here’s your ultimate packing list, with a few personal tips to ensure you’re ready for this big step.

          Essential Documents

          Before anything else, ensure you have your important documents: ID, passport, health insurance card, student ID, admission letters, and any necessary medical records. Keep these in a secure folder that’s easily accessible.

          Bedding and Comfort

          Residence halls typically provide a mattress, but it’s up to you to make it cozy. Pack a few sets of sheets (check if your bed is twin XL), a warm comforter, pillows, and a mattress topper or protector. Don’t forget a few cozy blankets – dorms can be chilly!

          Laundry and Bathroom Essentials

          In addition to your bedding, pack a laundry basket and detergent. For your bathroom, bring towels and washcloths. Consider a shower caddy to carry your toiletries to and from the bathroom. Don’t forget your medications and any personal care items you use regularly.

          Clothing and Footwear

          You already know Canadian weather can be unpredictable, so layering is key. Pack clothes for all seasons: warm jackets, rain gear, sweaters, t-shirts, jeans, and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget flip-flops for communal showers and a couple of dressier outfits for special occasions.

          Study Supplies

          Your studies are why you’re here, so come prepared. Stock up on notebooks and binders, pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, and index cards. A laptop or tablet is essential for notetaking and assignments. An academic planner or calendar can help keep your deadlines organized. Pro tip: Bring a sturdy backpack or tote bag that’s comfortable for carrying your books around campus. A USB drive or external hard drive can be useful for saving and backing up important files.

          Toiletries and Personal Care

          Pack all your basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and skincare products. Consider a first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and other essentials. If you use any prescription medications, make sure to bring those as well. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle, consider packing face masks, and hand sanitizer.

          Kitchen Essentials

          Even if you plan on eating at the dining hall, having a few kitchen items can be handy. Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, microwave-safe bowl, plate, cutlery, and some basic snacks. If your dorm allows, a small mini fridge can be a lifesaver for keeping snacks and drinks cool. A small kettle or coffee maker can be great for late-night study sessions.

          Tech Gadgets and Chargers

          In this digital age, tech is indispensable. Along with your laptop, bring your phone, chargers, and a power strip with surge protection. Noise-canceling headphones can be great for studying, and a Bluetooth speaker can bring life to your dorm room. An HDMI cable might be useful for connecting to TVs or projectors.

          Decorative Items

          Your dorm room will be your home for the next year, so make it feel like one. Pack photos of family and friends, posters, fairy lights, or anything that adds a personal touch to your space. These little items can be comforting when you’re feeling homesick. Also note that many dorms require you to use picture hanging strips or removable hooks. Consider packing closet organizers and hangers to keep your wardrobe tidy.

          While the essentials are important, don’t forget to pack a few items that bring comfort and remind you of home. A favorite family photo, a cozy blanket, or even a small plant can make your dorm room feel like a home away from home. Packing for university can feel overwhelming, but with this list, we hope you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way. Remember, it’s okay if you forget something – you can always pick it up later!

          Happy packing!

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          By Hailey Leggett

          Living with roommates can be tough.  But with the right mindset and a bit of collective effort, sharing a living space doesn’t have to disrupt your life, and can be a very rewarding experience.

          Beyond the obvious financial benefits, living with student roommates can help reduce stress and foster life-long friendships. From learning how to communicate effectively to navigating shared responsibilities, roommates will teach you what it takes to co-exist with others. 

          When making these rules, it is important that everyone is both on board and open to feedback. As the year goes on, it is important to remain flexible. A good way to keep communication open is by holding a monthly meeting to check in on how things are going—what’s working, what isn’t, what needs changes and what needs to change to improve your shared living experience. This gives everyone a safe and open space to express concerns or offer suggestions.

          During this time, it is critical to remain patient and respectful. As the year goes on, you will slowly uncover a level of patience you never knew you had. Inevitably, you will get frustrated with everyone at some point or another. This is perfectly normal (to a certain degree). Not everyone works well together, especially when you are sharing the same space for months at a time. What you may find messy, your roommate may not. 

          Living with roommates can be chaotic and unpredictable; however, it can also be filled with laughter, bonding and unforgettable memories. You’ll never forget the late-night kitchen debriefs or the time someone did something so memorable that you still laugh to think about it. You need to approach this period with patience, honesty and a sense of humour. Every moment of frustration or annoyance is part of the experience. Take a deep breath and take every moment for what it is. 

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          By Bianca McKeown and Olivia Grandy, Carleton University B.J.’25

          So you’ve decided to rent for the first time, what’s next? Before viewing a house with friends and signing a lease there’s a few things you should be aware of.

          Be careful about who you live with

          In a perfect world, you live with your best friends, and everything goes smoothly. However, this isn’t always the case. It’s important to choose your roommates wisely. Your friend who always blasts music in the kitchen at 2 am may not be the ideal roommate. Also, make sure to carefully screen any potential roommates you may find off of Facebook Marketplace.

          Create your personal list of red flags and ask your prospective roommates where they stand on those matters. Common red flags you may want to avoid are uncleanliness, loudness, always having guests over, and a bad habit of “borrowing” your things for months. Remember, that clean means something different for everyone, so determine boundaries and expectations before moving in with someone.

          View the place you’re going to rent and ask lots of questions

          Before signing any lease, it’s always important to view the place. During the tour, make sure to look at the place carefully and take lots of pictures to remember for later. Is it messy? Dirty? Any holes in the wall? Or bugs?

          While you’re getting the tour, use the time to ask lots of questions. Are utilities included in the rent? How loud are the neighbours at night? Does the landlord make timely repairs or do they take months to address issues? Why are the previous tenants moving out?

          If a house has a quick turnover of tenants, it’s not always a good sign. Make sure to ask any burning questions you have, and if possible, speak to the previous tenants directly to hear their experience of living at the place.

          Sign a proper lease and get help from parents and friends

          Amid the excitement of finding the perfect rental to share with your pals, it’s important to remember that signing a lease is entering a legal agreement with your landlord. So, it’s essential you have a plan for approaching this process and getting the support you need.

          First of all, you should be prepared to understand the document you’re signing and ensure that it’s actually legal. For instance, you should know what a standard lease agreement in your province consists of. In Ontario, there is a standard lease agreement that everyone signs.

          If you’ve never rented before, it’s a great idea to reach out to those who have. If you’re an international student, reach out to your Canadian network of friends and counsellors for advice. There are also many valuable resources on Canadian campuses that can provide you with valuable information.

          Most of all, though, if your parents are available to support you during this process, this is the time to ask them for help. Like it or not, they likely have more experience than you in this area and may be able to spot issues where you can’t!

          Be proactive, but don’t rush into signing anything

          You probably already know that many Canadian cities are facing severe housing shortages, so it’s important to be proactive when searching for a rental property. This means checking listings daily and quickly reaching out when you’re interested in viewing a property.

          That said, it’s important you don’t feel pressured into signing a lease too quickly! Take a step back and consider the pros and cons of the property, and thoroughly review the lease agreement.

          If your landlord continues to pressure you timewise, express your interest in the property. Then, let them know that you want to build a good relationship with them and taking some extra time to review the agreement will help you do so.

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