Choosing where your child lives during university is one of the most consequential decisions of their academic career. The right environment supports focus, safety, and wellbeing. The wrong one creates friction that follows them into every exam.
Purpose-built student housing — like Canadian Student Living communities — is categorically different from renting an apartment on the private market. The buildings are designed around student life: study spaces, secure entry, professional on-site management, and communities of peers with the same academic calendar and goals.
When evaluating any student housing option, start with location. Distance from campus matters more than most students admit before move-in day. A 40-minute commute each way adds over an hour to every school day. Look for housing within walking or short cycling distance of the campus your student attends.
Ask about what's included in rent. All-inclusive leases — utilities, internet, sometimes laundry — remove financial surprises and make budgeting predictable. This is especially important if your student is managing their own expenses for the first time.
Understand the lease structure. Student-specific leases often align with the academic year. This matters if your child is on a co-op rotation, studying abroad for a semester, or plans to go home for the summer. Flexibility here can save significant money.
Inquire about security. Professional student housing communities have controlled access, security cameras, and responsive on-site teams. These are standards — not upgrades. Ask specifically about after-hours protocols.
Finally, visit before signing if at all possible. Photos and virtual tours are useful, but walking the building and meeting the management team tells you far more about day-to-day life. Ask to see a suite, the common areas, and the study spaces. What you find will either confirm your confidence or surface important questions before a lease is signed.