Living off-campus can be a great choice when attending post-secondary school. Remember to do your research and ask questions!
Renting can be costly, and you will also need to think about any one-time costs:
- First and Last Month’s Rent
- Security Deposit
- Pet Deposits
Remember, monthly costs include:
- - Rent
- - Utilities
- - Miscellaneous Services Offered Onsite (Internet, Phone, Cable, etc.)
Some landlords will include one or more utilities in the rent. Any utility not included with the rent will need to be paid separately.
- Water: cities charge for water being sent to the unit.
- Electricity: this can be called Hydro One or Synergy North.
- Heating: some units use natural gas from Enbridge to heat the property.
What rental period is best for you?
In formal leasing agreements, there are different rental periods.
- One-year Lease (the most common)
- Eight-month Lease (slightly difficult to find)
- Month-to-month Lease (more difficult to find)
What kind of property should you rent?
Apartment Pros & Cons
-
Pros
- Secure and private entry to the building and unit
- Typically fewer tenants per unit than are found in a house
- Greater chance of an onsite, and more responsive, landlord or property manager
-
Cons
- Shared space with all other residents, especially laundry rooms, mail areas, and lounges
- Buildings with many units have a greater potential for noise issues and hazards
- Apartment hallways, trash rooms, and entryways may be neglected or abused
House Pros & Cons
-
Pros
- Typically more spacious than an apartment holding the same number of tenants
- Much better way to live with a large group of people, which is one of the cheapest ways to rent
- Better chance pets are permitted, especially if the house comes with a yard
- More likely to have private amenities, such as a washer and dryer
-
Cons
- Oftentimes homes are less secure than apartments, especially if the property is isolated
- Homes may require more maintenance, which can mean more reliance on the landlord
- The fewer people you live with, or the nicer the house, the pricier the rent will be. Total rent for a house will tend to be more than the apartment equivalent
- Shared bathroom, kitchen, and living areas can mean less privacy overall
Overall, establishing safe and supportive allies, accessing resources, and participating in cultural events helped me the most when transitioning from high school to post-secondary and ensured my success when completing my program. I encourage all Indigenous students to access culturally safe supports and settings when moving onto post-secondary because it can make an immense difference in your overall well-being and success!”
Mackenzie Young, Mattagami First Nation
Northern College Graduate – Social Services Program