Toronto is home to some of Canada's most prestigious post-secondary institutions — the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, OCAD University, George Brown College, and Seneca College among them. With over 300,000 post-secondary students across the GTA, it is one of the most student-dense cities in North America.
Student housing in Toronto is competitive and expensive. The private rental market is tight, and average rents are among the highest in Canada. Purpose-built student housing near campus removes the uncertainty of navigating Toronto's rental market as a first-time renter, often offering all-inclusive rates that make monthly costs predictable in a city where utility bills and internet costs add up fast.
Location matters enormously in Toronto. The city is large and transit times compound quickly. Students at U of T's St. George campus benefit most from housing in the Annex, Spadina, or Kensington Market areas — all within walking distance of campus. Students at Ryerson (TMU) often look at Cabbagetown, Church-Wellesley, or the Dundas East corridor. Proximity to a TTC subway line is often more valuable than square footage.
The TTC subway, streetcar, and bus network covers the core reasonably well, and the PRESTO card makes transfers seamless. That said, transit in Toronto can be slow during peak hours. Students who live within walking distance of campus report significantly lower stress levels than those who commute from the suburbs.
Toronto's cost of living is real. Groceries, dining out, and entertainment are all priced for a major metropolitan market. Creating a monthly budget early in the school year — and sticking to it — is one of the most effective things a new student can do. All-inclusive student housing helps by fixing the largest line item (rent) with no surprises.
The co-op and internship market in Toronto is the strongest in Canada. Students in business, engineering, technology, media, and health sciences have access to internships at Bay Street firms, tech companies, media houses, and hospitals — often without needing to relocate. Living in student housing near campus keeps you close to the professional networks that feed these opportunities.
Toronto's diversity is one of its greatest strengths as a student city. Over 200 languages are spoken across the city, and the food, cultural, and arts scenes reflect that. From Kensington Market's global food stalls to the Distillery District's galleries, there is more to explore than four years will cover.
For students seeking purpose-built student housing in Toronto, start your search early — ideally six to eight months before your intended move-in date. Canadian Student Living operates student communities near major Toronto campuses, offering fully furnished, all-inclusive suites with on-site management and a community of fellow students.