Finding the Perfect Student Accommodation in Toronto
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is an increasingly popular study destination attracting students nationwide and worldwide. With top universities like the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, York University and others, Toronto welcomes over 200,000 students each year for higher education.
Finding suitable housing is an important consideration when moving to Toronto for studies. This detailed guide provides an overview of the types of student accommodations available and critical factors to evaluate when choosing.
Introduction to Student Life in Toronto
Toronto offers an exceptional student experience combining high-quality education, career opportunities, diversity and an enviable urban lifestyle. Over 20% of the student population comes from abroad, primarily China, India, South Korea, the United States and the Middle East.
The city provides easy access to entertainment, events, food from across the globe, public transit and picturesque green spaces alongside the Lake Ontario waterfront. Part-time work prospects are also plentiful.
Types of Student Housing
When beginning your student accommodation search in Toronto, consider these main options:
University Residences
The universities manage on-campus dormitories and apartments. Preferred by first-year students seeking a community environment.
Purpose-Built Student Apartments
Privately owned furnished apartments near campuses explicitly designed for student living. Offer more independence.
Shared Housing Rentals
Private homes and apartments rented by students together. Cost-effective way to live with roommates and make friends.
Homestay Accommodations
Living with a local host family provides meals, WiFi and a cultural immersion experience.
Private Rental Apartments
Renting an unfurnished or semi-furnished private apartment on your own. More suitable for older students.
Key Deciding Factors for Student Housing
Consider these vital factors when shortlisting Toronto student accommodation options:
- Location and commute time to campus, amenities, and public transit access.
- Budget, rents and deposit costs. Balance amenities versus affordability.
- Living preferences – private, shared or communal.
- Facilities – WiFi, furnishings, laundry, recreational areas.
- Contract terms – duration, flexibility, termination policies.
- Support – maintenance, staff availability, safety and security.
Recommended Neighborhoods for Student Housing in Toronto
Some neighbourhoods favoured by students for affordable rents, proximity to campuses and lively culture include:
- Downtown – Close to Ryerson University, entertainment, transit, expensive.
- Harbourfront – Walkable waterfront area near the University of Toronto, pricey.
- Annex – Vibrant area with University of Toronto access, moderate rents.
- Koreatown – Affordable rents, close to Ryerson campus, excellent food.
- Liberty Village – Near downtown with cheaper student share houses.
Top Student Housing in Toronto
Based on facilities, location, affordability and student reviews, here are Toronto’s top 20 student accommodations.
1. University of Toronto Residences
UofT provides dorms, townhouses, and apartments across three campuses for undergraduates and graduate students seeking convenient on-campus living.
2. Ryerson University Housing
Ryerson offers several residence options for first-year students, including traditional dorms, suites with private bedrooms, and shared units.
3. Campus Living Centres – UofT
These on-campus dorms and apartments managed by UofT enable first years to live on campus conveniently across three locations – St George, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
4. Chestnut Residence – UofT
Located on the University of Toronto’s downtown campus, Chestnut provides dorm-style residences to over 1000 first-year undergraduate students.
5. Tatham Hall – York University
Tatham Hall is a traditional-style freshman residence on the York University campus with standard dorm rooms and shared amenities.
6. Winters College – York University
This apartment-style residence by York University offers furnished units with single bedrooms, shared living spaces and kitchens for independent student living.
7. Student Housing Toronto
Student Housing Toronto provides furnished student apartments and condos for short-term rental near UofT and Ryerson campuses to enable off-campus living.
8. Campus Co-op Residence – UofT
Campus Co-op by UofT offers apartment-style community living with 400 students helping with chores and meal preparation, fostering bonding.
9. Varsity Housing
Varsity Housing gives affordable short-term shared units and private rooms near UofT and Ryerson University for budget-conscious students.
10. Parkside Student Residence
Located beside High Park, Parkside offers self-contained bachelor, one-bedroom units to OCAD University campus students.
11. Annex Student Housing
This rental provider offers cheap shared student bungalows and affordable apartments in Toronto’s lively Annex neighbourhood near the UofT campus.
12. Toronto Student Living
This purpose-built high-rise accommodation near Ryerson has furnished suites with a gym, lounge areas, events space and study rooms.
13. Robertson Hall Residence – UofT
On UofT’s St George campus, Robertson Hall provides traditional dorm-style housing for first-year undergraduate students.
14. Essex Hall Residence – Ryerson University
Managed by Ryerson, Essex Hall houses 500 first-year students in double rooms with shared washrooms and offers amenities like lounges and a dining hall.
15. McGill University Grad Residences
McGill’s well-appointed graduate residences in downtown Toronto offer studios and multi-bedroom units to upper-year and grad students.
16. Homestay Bayview Toronto
Homestay Bayview matches students with local families in Toronto, providing amenities like WiFi, laundry, meals and cultural immersion.
17. University Place – York University
Managed by York University, University Place offers unfurnished townhouses and apartments for students seeking independent living on the campus.
18. Davisville by the Park
This rental building near the Yonge subway line provides modern shared and private units for UofT and Ryerson University students.
19. Toronto Student Homes
Toronto Student Homes assists students in finding affordable shared apartments and basement units located near campuses in Toronto.
20. Victoria College Residence – UofT
Part of UofT’s St George campus, Victoria College Residence houses 1000 students in mostly traditional dorm-style double rooms.
Summary
With abundant education choices, Toronto offers a world-class student experience. Finding suitable housing within your budget among the available university and private market options takes research. Connecting with fellow students and exploring all neighbourhoods can uncover some great finds.
