Your go-to guide for Toronto student life.
Housing Decisions: When and How to Start Planning
Published May 22, 2026 by Yana Tibbetts
Whether you’re moving to Toronto for the first time or just taking a leap of faith by moving somewhere new for the upcoming academic year, securing housing can be either your biggest headache or the easiest thing in the world.
Going into it blind can be scary though, so here are my tips as an international student who first came to the city three years ago.
Want the video version? Jump to Sam’s take.
1. Earlier is Better
The sooner you begin your search, the less panicked you’ll be overall. Toronto’s rental market is competitive, and a lot of student housing options around the city function on a first-come, first-served basis.
At least 4 months in advance is usually a decent bet if you’re looking off-campus – that’s right about now if you’re hoping to move in by September.
For students looking on campus, make sure to familiarize yourself with how your university or college does things as soon as you’ve made your choice. Your school will have housing resources available on their website, so be sure to take a look.
2. Know Your Options
Toronto is huge, and it offers a variety of housing options, so there’s really something for everyone.
- On-campus options are a great choice for the student looking to fully immerse themself in university.
- Off-campus residences can give you that same immersed feeling without making you feel tied down.
- Apartments and shared houses are great for those who want to get a taste of the independent adult life.
Take some time to learn all about the different types of student housing, and consider what fits best for your lifestyle, budget, and academic schedule to find what works for you.
3. Budget Wisely
Toronto can be pricey, so it’s important to set and keep a realistic budget throughout your planning process. Any option you pick is going to come with its own extra costs, whether that’s utilities or a meal plan, so make sure you’re not only aware of everything, but considering it when deciding on where to settle down.
Top Tip: Getting a jump start on your student budget is never a bad idea.
4. Location Matters
Proximity to public transit is crucial as a downtown student. Personally, my biggest life saver during my uni days has been living a ten-minute walk from campus, but it’s not so easy for everyone.
Make sure that wherever you end up looking for housing, you’re happy with the commute to school. Consider how long it will take to walk, bike, drive, and/or TTC.
5. Connect Online
When I started first year, a series of unfortunate circumstances left me without housing one month before I was due to enter the country. Online forums and student groups helped me find a last-minute solution that ended up saving me in my time of need. When in doubt, look online and see what others are saying.
6. Visit Before You Commit
If possible, visiting locations in-person can really help seal the deal, but for those of us from foreign countries, online vlogs and virtual tours will be your biggest saviour. Pictures alone can be misleading, so do your best to get an idea of what the place really looks like before locking yourself in.
7. Know Your Rights
Above all, and possibly the most important thing you need to do before moving in somewhere, is know your rights. Make sure that you’re familiar with Ontario’s tenant rights if renting, and your school’s housing policy if living in student accommodation, to keep yourself safe and protected from potential issues and always make sure to read through any agreement before you sign.
Finding housing doesn’t have to be scary. With the right approach, you can easily find the perfect sanctuary to set you up for success.
