Consider these tips when you are looking to find great off-campus housing that suits your wants and needs perfectly.

1. Tips for Finding Off-Campus Housing

2. Most students start off excited about the prospect of
searching for an apartment — but they quickly
realize that it’s no easy process. Adding to the
pressure, you have to be sure that you are making
the right choice before you lock yourself into a year-
long lease. This can be difficult, especially if you have
never looked for housing before. However,
approaching your search with a plan will increase
your chances of success.

3. 1. Start Your Search Early
All the other students at your university who also
want to live off campus will be interested in the same
properties as you. Housing at the best prices and in
good locations is always snapped up first. Instead of
beginning your search right before school starts up,
look early in the summer — before you become too
busy with exams.

4. 2. Pick Your Roommates
Renting an entire apartment for yourself will likely be
prohibitively expensive. The more people you share
with, the lower the costs — bear in mind, you’ll be
able to split utilities as well as rent. Talk to your
friends to find out who has a similar budget to you
and form a group to search for housing together.

5. 3. Consider a Sublet
If this is your first year at university, you might not
have anyone that you know and that you could share
with. A better option may be to find a room in a
home. The off-campus housing service at your
university might be able to help you find suitable
listings.

6. 4. Find a Student-Friendly Apartment
Some landlords offer housing just for students. Such
apartments are more likely to meet your needs, such
as in rates and rental terms.

7. 5. Sign a Lease
Whoever you do end up renting from, you must sign
a lease. This will protect you and ensure that you do
have housing for the entire school year.

8. 6. Don’t Consider On-Campus Housing a
Backup Plan
You may think that if you are unable to find suitable
off-campus housing, you can always apply for a room
on campus as your fallback plan. In fact, university
campuses are often fully booked and even have wait
lists by spring.

9. Cut your search for an apartment short by choosing
student off-campus housing like West Village Suites.
Our student rooms for rent are all-inclusive suites
just steps from McMaster University. Best of all, our
roommate matching service means there’s no need
for you to find people who you want to live with
beforehand.