Tips for Choosing Off-Campus Student Housing

Tips for Choosing Off-Campus Student Housing
Living off campus can be a major decision that requires major consideration. Fortunately, it’s
something that many university students experience, so there’s plenty of advice and resources
out there. These tips and resources can help you find the right off-campus housing for your
budget and lifestyle. Helpful tips include:
Starting early
Understanding the costs
Touring several housing options
Checking the university’s board
Starting Early
There can be a lot of competition for off-campus housing, so you should start looking as early as
possible. Ideally, you should start looking during the summer, as more students move out and
more housing becomes available then. The competition for off-campus housing increases
during the fall, which can make it difficult to find the highest quality student housing Oshawa
has to offer. So, start your search in the summer and don’t hesitate to make a move when an
apartment or room becomes available. Make sure you’re available for a viewing as soon as a
property manager contacts you.
Understanding the Costs
Living on your own can be expensive, and even more so when you’re unaware of the exact
costs of things. Common expenses to consider include: monthly rent, utilities, groceries, cell
phone bills, costs of household products, transportation fees, and monthly parking fees (if
applicable). Once you’ve worked out the approximate monthly amount of these expenses,
create a workable budget. If you have roommates, divide the costs evenly. Knowing what you
can afford can help you find the right accommodations.
Touring Several Housing Options
You’ll never know what housing option is the best fit if you don’t try out several ones. This
includes apartments, rooms, and townhomes. Explore your options and tour as many homes,
neighbourhoods, and housing types as you can. It’ll help you become familiar with the housing
options, their neighbourhoods, and the pros and cons of the different types. For example,
student apartments are often all-inclusive and offer amenities that townhomes do not. Some
neighbourhoods are also more ‘walkable’ than others and offer proximity to your university.

Additionally, while furnished apartments can be convenient, they can also be more expensive.
Ultimately, you should look for housing that is:
In a safe, walkable neighbourhood and close to your campus
All-inclusive
Free of hidden fees
Offers flexible leases and reasonable rental rates
Filled with amenities
Checking the University’s Bulletin Board
You may find that some of the student housing Durham College has to offer can be found on
campus bulletin boards. These boards often feature the best off-campus housing opportunities
for students, including those offered by Village Suites Oshawa. However, the housing
opportunities offered can change day-to-day, so check the board early and as often as possible.
Housing from the board is also often readily available, so even if there’s a lot of competition,
you’ll likely find a place when apartment-hunting this way.