Student Housing in Toronto

The best neighbourhoods in Toronto for student flats include Downtown Core, Midtown, and North York, which provide students with a relatively safe and convenient living experience. If you already have preferred areas to live, just let us know, and we will do our best to help you book the perfect student accommodation to support your studies in this city. Whether you want to walk to campus or save on housing, below are some recommended neighbourhoods in Toronto with average monthly rents for your reference.

The cost of living in Toronto is a significant concern for many international students and their families. On average, a student needs about CA$2,000 per month for basic living expenses in Toronto, while they need about CA$3,000+ per month for a comfortable living. The cost of living for Toronto students can vary depending on the university, program, and lifestyle. Especially student housing can take up a large part of it; choosing affordable options or shared apartments at uhomes.com can help you save a lot. The table shows an estimated breakdown of the cost of attendance at Toronto universities; you can calculate yours based on it.

Toronto is home to many top-tier institutions, each with unique academic programs and vibrant student communities. You can browse plenty of student apartments in Toronto near these universities on uhomes.com and choose the best fit based on your preferences. Below are some of the major universities in Toronto:

1. University of Toronto: ranked 29th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. It is one of the most prestigious universities in Canada and worldwide, known for its programs in medicine, business, engineering, the humanities, and education. The university has 44 libraries. With 19.5 million physical volumes and more than 6.4 million electronic volumes, it is the third-largest library system in North America.
2. York University: This university has pioneered a range of programs and 8,500 experiential education opportunities, including internships, community placements, co-ops, and capstone projects, to prepare students for a changing world.
3. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU or Toronto Met): It is well known for its city campus and interesting buildings, offering 60 undergraduate and 55 graduate degree programs to approximately 46,000 students.
4. OCAD University: The full name is Ontario College of Art & Design University. It is dedicated to art and design education. It offers courses in painting, sculpture, fashion design, digital media, graphic design, and other fields.
5. George Brown College: It is a public, fully accredited college of applied arts and technology with three campuses in downtown Toronto. George Brown offers more than 170 full-time programs across art and design, business, community services, and more.
6. Centennial College: It is the first public college in Toronto, offering programs in business, engineering, health sciences, media, and transportation. The college is known for its cultural diversity and for an employment-focused education through co-op or industry placements.
7. Humber College: The college provides students with hands-on, career-oriented education through industry partnerships and real-world experiences. Programs such as arts, business, and engineering are popular.

If you want to know more about universities and colleges in Toronto, please check our blog for more details on the top colleges in Toronto.

Toronto stands out among many cities for its well-connected transportation network, including buses, trains, and bicycles. With so many public transportation options, students can conveniently get around Toronto on weekends or easily reach their campuses from student housing.

1. From the Airport

If you land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, you can take the UP Express (Union-Pearson Express). It runs every 15 minutes and takes only 25 minutes to get to downtown.

2. Public Transit

You can explore Toronto on one of the best transit systems in North America - the Toronto Transit Company (TTC). Three modes of transportation are available to help you get around the city quickly and conveniently: bus, subway, and streetcar. If your student housing in Toronto is located downtown, there's a good chance you'll see a transit stop almost as soon as you walk down the stairs.

• Single Fare: $3.35
• PRESTO: $3.30(One-ride-ticket), $3.35(Two-ride-ticket), $6.70(Day-pass-ticket)
• Monthly Passes: $156.00(Monthly Pass), CA$128.15 (Student Monthly Pass) 
• Taxi: $4.25 (Base Fare, $1.75 per kilometre, $31.00 for 1-hour waiting)

3. Cycling

Cycling is a very common and popular mode of transportation in Toronto. Most student housing in Toronto provides public bike storage. You can buy a bike and ride it to school or wherever you want to go. Or you can rent a public bike. The Toronto Cycling Map shows the 855 km (530 mi) bike path network, which includes off-road paths, bike lanes, and shared-path routes.

4. Walking

If you book your student accommodation in Toronto near your university, it's a great choice to walk to your class. The sunshine, the trees, and the grasses lining the road will relax your nerves.

Toronto is unique for students: Studying in Toronto, you can enjoy a safe, multicultural, and vibrant environment with diverse academic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Here are some other reasons to study in Toronto that offer an unforgettable learning experience. 

Higher education options

Top universities in Toronto attract domestic and international students. Besides the University of Toronto, the city also has many comprehensive universities, such as Toronto Metropolitan University and York University, as well as colleges like Humber College and Centennial College that offer practical courses, providing a rich selection for students with different needs.

Job Opportunities

As Canada's economic center, Toronto offers excellent part-time, internship and employment opportunities for international students. Many part-time or research positions are provided for students in Toronto. You'll have the opportunity to earn some money to pay for your student housing in Toronto or other costs of living while you study. In addition, some universities, such as the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, offer a formal, paid co-op program that helps students gain rich practical experience. 

Multicultural Environment

Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. About half of its population was born outside Canada, which makes it easier for international students to find a sense of belonging and community support. With a population of over 3 million people and over 180 languages spoken, Toronto is considered one of the most diverse cities in the world. During your time here, you can interact with people from different cultures, which will significantly enrich your horizons.

Student Housing

Living on campus guarantees an on-campus community experience, while off-campus accommodation offers greater freedom and independence. As students become more familiar with the city, a significant number of sophomores and beyond typically opt for off-campus student housing in Toronto, seeking more privacy, luxury amenities, and proximity to friends. uhomes.com offers a range of affordable apartments for rent in Toronto, helping you easily achieve your savings goals while living smart and stress-free.

Entertainment

Toronto offers a wealth of cultural activities and festivals throughout the year, such as the International Jazz Festival and the International Film Festival, providing students with a wonderful after-school life. Toronto is a beautiful city where history and modernity interweave, and it offers many attractions worth visiting, such as the CN Tower and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Getting out of your Toronto student housing and exploring the city in your spare time is a great way to socialize. You're probably on a budget as a student. Luckily, there are plenty of student-friendly free things to do in Toronto.

• Art
  If you are interested in art and culture, there are many art galleries you can visit for free or at a low cost! Rent a bike and head to the Royal Ontario Museum, one of the largest museums in North America, with exhibits ranging from prehistory to ancient Egypt. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Toronto is free on Free First Friday Nights. If you have a special liking for shoes, then you must visit the Bata Shoe Museum. This museum offers free admission every Sunday and houses more than 13,000 pairs of shoes that tell the story of footwear through the ages.
• Taste Global Food
  If you enjoy food tours, you can visit the St. Lawrence Market, which National Geographic rates as the world's best food market. You can taste the classic "Pea Bacon Sandwich" and purchase fresh ingredients and handicrafts. One of the most interesting things to do in Toronto is explore its vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods. In Chinatown, savour authentic Chinese dim sum and bubble tea. Enjoy fresh pasta and espresso at a cozy open-air café in Little Italy. From Greektown and Little India to Koreatown and beyond, each community offers its own unique regional culture, traditions, and culinary experiences.
• Explore Around Town
  Biking is one of the best ways to explore Toronto. You can choose to buy a bike, use a public bike, or rent one from one of Toronto's many independent bike rental shops. Follow the Waterfront Trail and enjoy the view of Lake Toronto.
• Enjoy Free Music
  In downtown areas (such as Kensington Market and Nathan Road), there are often free street performances. Toronto Music Garden is an outdoor park along the waterfront that hosts weekly classical and jazz concerts during the summer.
• Go to The Island
  If you want to escape the city for a short time, Toronto Island Park is a good option! It's only a 10-minute ferry ride away, and if you have a student ID, the ferry ticket is only $5.86!
• Travel to Other Cities
  Take a break from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver, which are popular destinations among university students. Buses (FlixBus, Greyhound, Orleans Express) and trains (VIA Rail) are affordable options that you have the chance to apply student discounts to, while flights and car rentals are also great options, depending on the time and budget.