Tips for Finding Places to Live When You’re at University or College


Searching for a place to live is always a struggle for college and university students. There are plenty of rooms for rent in Edmonton, but only some will be suitable for your needs. To ensure you end up with a great place to live, you need to know what you’re looking for and how to find it.

1. Start Your Search Early

The sooner you can begin looking for housing the better. If you start your search early, you’ll be able to visit a greater number of places and you’ll have a clearer idea of what is available. You’ll also increase your chances of landing the perfect apartment — remember, you’re competing with other students in Edmonton.

2. View Several Places

You may love the very first place you visit. Still, it is best if you view at least a couple more apartments before you make a final decision. The landlord should never pressure you into agreeing to rent a property on the spot. In fact, a pushy landlord is a red flag.
Once you’ve searched for a while, narrow down your options to just a few apartments or rooms. Bring someone along who has experience renting to give you a second opinion about potential places.

3. Stay Open-minded

Bear in mind that you may struggle to find an apartment with exactly the number of bedrooms you want. If you find a place that is bigger or smaller than you had in mind, change your plans. You may end up sharing with just one friend or living alone. Alternatively, you may need to find more people to join your group of roommates.

4. Ask for a Written Contract

A lease in writing should be a requirement. Never accept a verbal contract — this puts you at risk of losing your housing before the school year is complete. Furthermore, read the lease carefully and negotiate any terms you’d like changed.

5. Seek Support from Your School

If you are unsure about a particular property or are struggling to find suitable accommodation, ask your school for help. Your college or university likely has a team of advisors who can suggest student-friendly landlords, help you understand your lease, and even connect you with potential roommates.

The best option for accommodation is always dedicated student housing. Edmonton students can find luxury off-site campus suites at The Horizon. Not only will you be right by campus, you’ll be living with other students and have everything you need on site.

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