Finding the right rental for any student in Montreal can be daunting, especially if you're new to this beautiful city. With so many neighborhoods, a variety of housing options, and rules, it is very important to be prepared in advance by knowing certain information. This guide encompasses all a student needs to know about Montreal student rentals. We explain how to find affordable student housing here, give some transport tips and advice on safety, and help you through it to make your move stress-free. If you are an international student or a local looking for a better place to put up, this guide has got you covered.
Universities and Colleges in Montreal
Montreal hosts some of the best universities in Canada, each with a variety of programs and opportunities available to students.
Top universities are:
McGill University
McGill is a world-leading research university and one of the most diverse institutions. It is centrally located in downtown Montreal, convenient for access to all the vibrancy of city life and its cultural events.
Concordia University
Concordia has excellent faculties in the Business and Engineering disciplines. It possesses two campuses, its main one being in downtown Montreal, offering contemporary facilities and great student life.
Université de Montréal
This highly specialized French-speaking university deals with programs in law, medicine, and arts. It is situated in Côte-des-Neiges, an area pretty quiet, which will suit students seeking tranquility.
UQAM - Université du Québec à Montréal
UQAM is a French-speaking university specializing in arts, communications, and social sciences. It is advantageously located downtown for quick and easy access to cultural and social activities.
Colleges
There are also smaller colleges like Dawson College and LaSalle College, which are also very popular. These colleges specialize in programs such as design, technology, and business. Students at these schools generally prefer rentals closer to downtown or near the metro for quick transportation.
Private institutions include Trebas Institute and Herzing College. They offer diploma programs and attract students who seek to have specific skills.
Each university and college has its own student support services, including housing resources and rental listings. All institutions have student meal plans available, as well as health services.
Finding Student Housing in Montreal
Montreal has plenty of options for students to stay in. Each of them has its own characteristics and attractions. Knowing them will allow you to make a better choice of where to live. After all, it is not just the proximity to a college or university but also the atmosphere of the area, attractions, proximity to parks, transportation, and shopping centers that make life more comfortable for students.
Plateau-Mont-Royal is an artistic neighborhood with relatively affordable housing. It's proximal to downtown and contains a number of cafes and shops.
Milton Park is literally next door to McGill University, a very convenient place for students to walk onto campus. The city center is perfect for Concordia students. It's quick to get to campus and public transportation.
Côte-des-Neiges is a quiet residential area with relatively low rent. It is close to the University of Montreal. Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG) is ideal for students who prefer a quiet environment.
If you're looking for a quieter and more affordable alternative to the city center, Montreal's Angrignon neighborhood is the place for you. Quiet, family-friendly, with parks where one can have a walk, run, and have some relaxation in nature. There are also shopping malls and supermarkets within the neighborhood; it is easy to reach public transportation, including Angrignon metro station, which connects the neighborhood to the center and allows you to get to a place of study in 20-30 minutes.
Types of Student Rentals in Montreal
Students in Montreal have several options when it comes to housing. The apartment for long or short term rentals for students is suitable for those who like their privacy. You can either get a studio apartment or a one-bedroom apartment. Many students in Montreal rent bigger apartments to share the costs. This also gives you a chance to make new friends.
Most universities have a student residence. These are pretty handy but sometimes more expensive compared to other housing options outside the campus. Sharing a single room in a bigger house is relatively cheaper. This is quite ideal for students who operate on a strict budget. Homestays, another student accommodation option, place the international students in a family atmosphere where boarding and support are included.
Costs of Renting in Montreal
Montreal is one of the major cities in Canada that is most affordable for a student to stay in. Prices range approximately from CAD 800-1,200 monthly to about CAD 1,200-1,800 for a 1-bedroom apartment for rent. You can also find 3 or 4-bedroom apartments for rent in Montreal for cohabitation. Shared apartments can be anywhere between CAD 500-800 per person, while university residences mostly go for approximately CAD 1,000-1,500 monthly. Utilities, Internet, and transport come as other add-ons. Students may also have to pay for renter's insurance, which is often required by landlords.
How to Search for Rentals
Finding a place to stay takes some time and a bit of planning. There are loads of ads on Kijiji, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Look for apartments for rent on the site, like https://montreal-aparthotel.com/ , that offer a wide choice of objects for long and short term rentals in Montreal. Many universities have a housing office that can help match you with a place to stay. Real estate agents can also help in finding suitable and affordable apartments, but may charge for this service. You can also ask other students or friends if they know of anything. Once you have found some potential places, attend open houses and schedule visits to compare your options before making a decision.
Lease Agreements and Rental Rules
Montreal has laws that protect renters. Always read your lease carefully before signing. Most leases are for 12 months. But you can find month to month rental apartments, too.
Quebec law does not permit security deposits. If a landlord asks you for a security deposit, do not pay it. It is the landlord's responsibility to make repairs. You should report any problems right away.
The law says that the rent can only be increased once a year, and only by the legal limit. Check to see if utilities and appliances are included in your lease.
Unfurnished vs. Furnished Rentals in Montreal
Most student rentals in Montreal are unfurnished. Furnished student apartments for rent in Montreal are more convenient. They come with the necessary furniture and appliances. These options are best for short-term rentals in Montreal. These rentals are more expensive, but as the rental period increases, the final average monthly cost usually decreases.
The rental of unfurnished ones is cheaper, but you have to buy or rent furniture yourself. Stores such as IKEA and Walmart sell rather affordable items. You can find something in many second-hand shops in Montreal as well. Sometimes, the landlord might propose to rent apartment a partially furnished unit, too.
Saving Money on Rent
Students are very often on strict budgets. Sharing housing can reduce the costs involved. Areas away from the center of the city are less expensive. Some landlords will negotiate their prices, particularly in the off-season.
Seek out places that include utilities in the rent. Find listings that are posted by landlords directly to avoid agent fees. Subletting is another option for short-term rentals on a budget.
Transportation and Commuting
Public transportation in Montreal is excellent. Most parts of the city are covered by the STM system. For students, a monthly pass costs approximately CAD 60. There are many bike paths in Montreal. BIXI bike rentals are relatively cheap.
Many student neighborhoods are walkable and proximate to campuses. Students can also buy discounted transit passes through their university. Car ownership is usually not necessary due to high parking costs and traffic congestion.
Safety Tips for Renting
Rent safely. Don't pay rent or any deposits until you have seen an apartment. Always view the property before you sign anything.
Be sure to request a receipt after paying your rent. Test detectors and locks that the property provides to ensure that it is a safe place.
Research landlords and buildings online. Go online and review rental companies, and watch out for those that are too good to be true.
Balancing Studies and Living Costs
Living in Montreal as a student requires good planning. Budget for rent, utilities, and food. Use student discounts whenever possible. Many stores and services offer lower prices for students. Cooking at home is more affordable than eating out.
Students can also reduce transportation costs by living closer to campus or using bikes during warmer months. Sharing internet and streaming subscriptions with roommates is another way to cut costs.
Tips for International Students
Prepare yourself more if you're an international student. Check the visa requirements and rental laws in advance upon your arrival. Open a local bank account to make the payment easier. Look for any students' support group or cultural association that could help you get along with living in Montreal.
Most universities have specific services for international students, including special help with housing and advice on legal matters. Prepare in advance your documents like proof of enrollment in school, bank statements, and an emergency contact. This will save you time when dealing with university administrative matters.
Final Thoughts
Finding a student residence in Montreal may seem a bit stressful, but it gets quite easier with the right information. Start your search early, understand your budget, and explore different neighborhoods. Montreal can be very welcoming with its affordable rentals, great transportation, and plenty of affordable student housing and-friendly options.
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