Collegeview Commons, Kitchener
185 King St. N., Waterloo
143 Columbia Ave, Waterloo
Bridgeport House, Waterloo
308 King, Waterloo
20 University, Waterloo
253 Lester St, Waterloo, ON
251 Lester St, Waterloo, ON
261 Lester St, Waterloo, ON
271 Lester St, Waterloo, ON
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Kitchener a good city for students to live in?
Yes, Kitchener has a good destination for students. It offers good transit options and safety. It also has top universities, including Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo.
How much does student housing in Kitchener usually cost?
Student housing in Kitchener is lower than in other major cities in Canada. In Kitchener, the rent starts around CA$750 per month for shared rooms. Rental prices depend on the property's location and proximity to the campuses.
When should students start looking for housing in Kitchener?
You should start looking for student housing in Kitchener 2-6 months before the start of the academic session. Demand for student housing peaks in August and September, so students are encouraged to look early. Some housing options also provide short leases or semester leases.
Are utilities usually included in student housing in Kitchener?
Utilities are generally included in the rooms. These include heat, water, hydro, and high-speed internet. To get the exact list of utilities, contact the property manager.
Is Kitchener well-connected by public transport for students?
Kitchener has great connectivity across the city. Travel is supported by ION Light Rail, Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus, and GO Transit (Bus & Train). These are either free or come at a reduced cost with your student ID.
Which universities drive demand for student apartments Kitchener?
Demand is mainly driven by Conestoga College, along with nearby University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. Limited on-campus capacity means many students rely on off-campus student housing Kitchener.
Are shared apartments a good option for students in Kitchener?
Yes, shared apartments are usually the most economical setup in student housing in Kitchener. You can rent a private room while sharing common areas, which helps reduce rent.
Is Kitchener suitable for international students?
Kitchener is a great place to live as it offers both academic progression and affordable rent. Properties are safe and mostly close to the university campuses. You can get in touch with the property manager to find out the lease terms.
How does Kitchener compare to other cities for student living in Canada?
Kitchener offers lower rent compared to other major cities. Rent is 24% to 35% lower in Kitchener compared to Toronto. It also offers reliable and affordable transit.
Student Housing in Kitchener
Student Housing in Kitchener ON
Kitchener has become one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. It is home to some of the top institutions in Ontario, including the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College. Naturally, the demand for student housing in Kitchener is always high. Since on-campus housing fills up quickly, the city offers a range of student options, including private and shared apartments. Amber provides a verified listing of these properties.
Kitchener's rental market has a place for everyone. You can choose as per your budget, and choice of amenities and utilities. You can check out properties like 131 University and The Hub Geowave, which offer a range of amenities and a modern layout. With the range of options for students, Kitchener has quickly turned into one of the best places to live in Canada.
About Kitchener
Kitchener houses over 337,000 residents (part of the Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo metro area), which includes tens of thousands of post-secondary students. The growing student community is reflected in the job creation rate. The employment rate sits near 94%, which shows a promising trajectory. The city also has a good safety index of 57.08 and a quality-of-life index of 182.08. The city has an average Walk Score of 45. Although this score varies by location. For example, the downtown and campus zones are more walkable.
IT and commerce are booming parts of the city. Kitchener is known as the "Silicon Valley North." Apart from academics, the city also offers annual events such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, the Blues Festival, and the KOI Music Festival. If you are a nature person, you will find the Grand River running through the city. It also offers a lower cost of living compared to cities like Toronto.
Affordable Student Apartments in Kitchener
There are many affordable student housing options in Kitchener. The most economical option is usually shared houses. These properties are also close to the campuses and come with utilities and amenities. Here is a list of affordable housing options in Kitchener:
| Student Housing | Amenities | Starting Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Preston House | Study Space, Fitness Center, On site Laundry | CA$717/month |
| Bridgeport House | Study Space, Fitness Center, On site Laundry | CA$699/month |
| Collegeview Commons | Movie Theatre, Onsite Security, Parking | CA$800/month |
| King Street Towers | Multiple Study Lounges, Movie Theatre, Fitness Centres | CA$750/month |
| 143 Columbia Ave | On-Site Laundry, Air Conditioning, On-Site Parking | CA$750/month |
Best Student Apartments in Kitchener
If you're looking for apartments that offer the best amenities and private space, then Kitchener also offers properties that are the best rated. These are also on the higher end of the budget:
| Student Housing | Amenities | Starting Rent |
|---|---|---|
| 131 University | Commercial Space on Ground Floor, Controlled and Secured Access, Less than 10 min walk to WLU and UW | CA$2,363/month |
| Hub Geowave | Community Promenade, Controlled and Secured Access, Geo-Thermal Heating and Cooling | CA$1,861/month |
| Fergus House | Movie Theatre, Bike Storage, Fitness Center | CA$1,285/month |
| Hespeler House | Games Room, Study Lounge, Fitness Center | CA$1,271/month |
| 308 King | Easy Access to The Universities, On-Site Laundry, Rooftop Terrace | CA$1,213/month |
Best Areas to Live in Kitchener for Students
Kitchener has plenty of student-friendly areas to live in. These areas offer good transportation, proximity to the campuses and safety. Here are the best areas to live in Kitchener for students:
| Neighborhood | Best For | Nearest University/College |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Kitchener | Walkability, transit access, cafes, and nightlife | Waterloo Campuses |
| Doon & Pioneer Park | Proximity to campus and student-focused housing | Conestoga College |
| Bridgeport & King Street | Commuting to multiple campuses and shared housing | Waterloo and Kitchener Campuses |
Room Types for Student Apartments in Kitchener
To find the perfect student housing in Kitchener, students first need to understand the various types of rooms that are on offer. Student housing ranges from shared apartments to private studios, all of which come with individual leases. These have their own set of utilities too. Here are the room types in Kitchener:
1. Studio Apartments: Studios are self-contained apartments that offer maximum privacy. These are ideal for students who seek an individual set-up. Since these are leased by single tenants, they are also costlier.
2. Private Apartments: Private apartments usually include one-bedroom or multi-bedroom units. These can be either be rented individually or shared. These also offer more space compared to studios. Rent varies significantly depending on location and included amenities.
3. Shared Apartments: Shared apartments are the most economical since the bills are divided among the tenants. It's ideal for social living and community-led set up.
Cost of Living in Kitchener for Students
One of the advantages of living in Kitchener is the affordable cost. The city is approximately 25% to 40% cheaper in comparison to Toronto. The monthly cost of living in Kitchener for a student ranges between CA$1,700 and CA$2,300. Here's a summary of the various expenses:
1. Accommodation: CA$750-1,800 per month
2. Food & Groceries: CA$250-350 per month
3. TV/Subscriptions: CA$25-50 per month
4. Mobile Phone: CA$45-75 per month
5. Clothes: CA$60-120 per month
6. Leisure: CA$100-180 per month
Student Travel in Kitchener
| Mode of Transport | Routes Covered | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ION Light Rail (LRT) | Fairway Station (Kitchener) to Conestoga Mall (Waterloo) | Free with student ID |
| Grand River Transit (GRT) Bus | All of Kitchener | Free with student ID |
| GO Transit (Bus & Train) | Kitchener GO to Toronto (Union Station) | 40% Off standard fare (with PRESTO student concession) |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | All of Kitchener | $12 – $25 |
Student travel is affordable and easy with the various options available in Kitchener. Transit options include Light Rail and Bus:
Student Life and Tourist Attractions in Kitchener
Students have a lot to do in Kitchener. The city offers a lot of campus organizations such as the Conestoga Students Inc., University of Waterloo Federation of Students, and Wilfrid Laurier Students’ Union. Beyond academics, there is a lot to do for nightlife and in cultural venues.
Foodies have a lot to explore in Kitchener. Options such as Lancaster Smokehouse and The Bauer Kitchen offer great food. If you're looking to socialize, McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill and Descendants Beer & Beverage Co. are good options. Nightclubs are supported by Wax Nightclub or Dallas Nightclub. Cafes include Smile Tiger Coffee Roasters and Balzac’s Coffee Roasters.
Academic resources are supported by Kitchener Public Library - Central Branch and Forest Heights Community Library, shopping happens at Fairview Park Mall and Sunrise Shopping Centre, entertainment includes Centre In The Square and Princess Cinemas, daily essentials come from Zehrs and Real Canadian Superstore, healthcare access includes Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, and cultural visits often include THEMUSEUM and Joseph Schneider Haus National Historic Site.
Top Universities in Kitchener
Kitchener boasts a healthy academic ecosystem. It offers globally ranked institutions, offering courses in fields of engineering, business, health and more. Here is a list of top universities and colleges in Kitchener:
| University/College | QS Ranking | Top Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Conestoga College | Not Ranked Globally | Applied AI & Machine Learning, Engineering, Business Administration, Nursing |
| University of Waterloo (Health Sciences Campus) | #115 | Pharmacy (PharmD), Optometry, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences. |