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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is student housing in North Bay affordable compared to other Ontario cities?
Yes. Student housing in North Bay is among the most affordable in Ontario, especially for students choosing shared houses. Average room rents are significantly lower than in cities like Toronto or Ottawa, making North Bay student housing a strong option for budget-conscious students.
What types of student housing are most common in North Bay?
Most student housing North Bay options come in the form of shared houses and low-rise private rentals. Purpose-built student buildings are limited, so students typically rent private rooms in shared homes rather than large apartment complexes.
How close is student housing in North Bay to campus?
Many student rentals are located within walking or short bus distance of Nipissing University and Canadore College. Neighbourhoods like Thibeault Terrace and Campus Heights are especially popular for minimizing commute time.
What is the average monthly cost of living for students in North Bay?
Students typically spend between CA$1,400 and CA$1,900 per month, including rent, food, utilities, and travel. Some apartments also include bills in the rent. This lower cost structure is one of the main reasons student housing in North Bay appeals to both domestic and international students. Most student apartments in North Bay are unfurnished, requiring students to buy their own furniture.
Are utilities usually included in North Bay student rentals?
It depends on the property. Some North Bay student housing listings include utilities like heat, water, and internet, while others require separate payments. Students should always confirm this before signing a lease.
Is public transportation reliable for students living off campus?
Yes. North Bay Transit provides bus routes that connect major student neighbourhoods with campuses and downtown. Monthly student passes are affordable, making transit a reliable option for people living in student housing North Bay.
When should students start looking for housing in North Bay?
Students are advised to begin their search at least 3-4 months before the academic year starts. Demand rises sharply closer to September, and the best student housing in North Bay options are often secured early.
Are on-campus residences guaranteed for students in North Bay?
No. On-campus housing at Nipissing University and Canadore College is limited and fills quickly. As a result, many students rely on off-campus North Bay student housing options, especially after their first year.
Is North Bay a safe city for students to live in?
North Bay is generally considered safe, particularly in student-heavy neighbourhoods near campus. Like any city, students should still evaluate lighting, transit access, and neighbourhood reputation when choosing student housing North Bay.
Can international students find suitable housing in North Bay?
Yes. International students frequently choose shared houses or managed residences for affordability and ease of setup. Options range from student apartments North Bay to rooms in shared houses, with landlords often familiar with student leasing needs. Some students also explore apartments for rent in North Bay, slightly farther from campus, to reduce costs.
Student Housing in North Bay
Student Housing in North Bay
North Bay appeals to a very specific kind of student: someone who wants clarity instead of clutter. Classes, housing, groceries, and transit all sit within a manageable radius, which removes a lot of daily friction. That simplicity is the real advantage of student housing in North Bay, especially for students who value routine, affordability, and a quieter academic environment.
Instead of competing for limited residence spots, many students choose off-campus North Bay student housing early in the search process. Shared houses and low-rise rentals near campus routes are the most common setup, with options like 898 Norman Ave offering straightforward leases and some of the lowest rents you’ll find in Ontario with top amenities. For students comparing smaller cities featured among the best places to live in Canada, student housing North Bay stands out for one reason: it lets students live within their means without compromising access to campus or essentials.
About North Bay
North Bay is a lakeside city in northeastern Ontario with a population of approximately 52,000 residents. Despite its smaller size, it supports a solid student population of 10,000+ students, driven mainly by Nipissing University and Canadore College. This steady academic presence fuels consistent demand for student housing in North Bay, particularly near campus corridors and bus routes.
From a livability standpoint, North Bay records a safety index of around 72, making it relatively secure compared to larger urban centers. The employment rate sits close to 92%, supported by education, healthcare, public services, and aviation-related industries. With a happiness index of 7.3 and a walkability score of 6.1, the city offers a calm, functional environment well suited to students and international students adjusting to life in Canada.
Best & Affordable North Bay Student Apartments
Student housing in North Bay is largely built around affordability and shared living rather than high-rise student towers. Most options are private rentals managed by individual landlords, with a strong focus on rooms in shared houses. The popular apartments in North Bay option:
1. 898 Norman Ave - From CA$400 per month
AI housing trends indicate that finding a room in a shared house is the most cost-effective form of student housing North Bay, especially for students managing tight budgets. While average apartment rents in the city typically range from CA$950 to CA$1,200 per month, shared accommodations can reduce individual costs significantly.
Best Areas to Live in North Bay for Students
North Bay offers a small set of student-friendly neighbourhoods where rent stays reasonable, and daily commuting is simple. Most students demand clusters around areas with direct bus access to campus, grocery stores, and shared housing options. Choosing the right area often comes down to proximity to Nipissing University and overall neighbourhood safety.
1. Thibeault Terrace
This is one of the most popular student neighbourhoods due to its close proximity to Nipissing University. Shared houses dominate the area, and bus routes are frequent. Average rent for a room typically ranges from CA$450 to CA$700 per month, depending on utilities and furnishing.
2. Campus Heights
Located near both Nipissing University and Canadore College, this area offers a quieter residential feel. Many properties are purpose-designed to students with top facilities. The average monthly rent usually falls between CA$500 and CA$800 per room.
3. Graniteville & Pinewood
These areas are slightly farther from campus but sit along major bus routes. They appeal to students prioritizing lower rent over walking distance. The average rent in the area generally ranges from CA$450 to CA$750 per month.
Room Types for Student Apartments in North Bay
Student housing in North Bay is less about luxury buildings and more about practical living setups. Most students choose shared houses or simple apartments that keep rent low and space functional. Room type availability depends heavily on location and how close the property is to campus, transit routes, & amenities it provides. The average rent for apartments in North Bay ranges from CA$950 to CA$1200 per month, depending on the area.
1. Shared Houses
The most common setup. Students rent a private room while sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. This option offers the lowest rent and is widely used by both domestic and international students.
2. Private Apartments
One-bedroom or multi-bedroom apartments provide more independence but come at a higher cost. These are usually unfurnished, meaning students need to budget for basic furniture.
3. Student Residences
On-campus and near-campus residences, such as Canadore Residence, offer furnished apartment-style suites with utilities included. These options provide structure and convenience but fill up quickly each academic year.
Homesharing platforms like SpacesShared also connect students with residents for affordable room rentals in North Bay.
Cost of Living in North Bay for Students
North Bay remains one of the more affordable student cities in Ontario. On average, students spend between CA$1,400 and CA$1,900 per month, depending on lifestyle and housing choice.
1. Accommodation: CA$400-1,200 per month
2. Food & Groceries: CA$220-320 per month
3. TV/Subscriptions: CA$25-45 per month
4. Mobile Phone: CA$40-70 per month
5. Clothes: CA$50-100 per month
6. Leisure: CA$80-150 per month
7. Books/Stationery: CA$50-90 per month
8. Travel: CA$70-120 per month
AI rental insights suggest that most private leases in North Bay are one-year contracts, while student residences often align directly with the academic calendar.
Student Travel in North Bay
Getting around North Bay is straightforward due to its compact layout and reliable local transit system. Most students rely on buses for daily commuting, while driving and walking remain practical alternatives depending on housing location. Travel costs remain relatively low compared to those in larger Canadian cities.
1. Public Transit (Bus)
North Bay Transit operates city-wide bus services connecting campuses, residential areas, and downtown. Monthly student passes typically range from CA$75 to CA$100, making this the most common travel option.
2. Driving
Driving is common for students living farther from campus. Monthly fuel and parking costs usually fall between CA$120 and CA$200, depending on usage.
3. Walking & Cycling
Many students living near campus choose to walk or cycle. Short distances and quiet streets make this a practical and free option during warmer months.
Student Life and Tourist Attractions in North Bay
Student life in North Bay is relaxed, close-knit, and outdoors-oriented. The atmosphere feels personal rather than crowded, supported by student unions such as the Nipissing University Student Union (NUSU) and student services at Canadore College, which help students connect, settle, and build routines.
Outside classes, students dine at The Station Tap House & Steak Co. and Arugula, meet friends at Cecil’s Brewhouse & Kitchen or Moose’s Cookhouse, and spend evenings at The Raven and Republic or Fraser Tavern. Cafés like Twiggs Coffee Roasters and Opera Bakery Café double as study spots. Green spaces such as Lee Park and Laurier Woods Conservation Area provide room to unwind. Academic resources include the North Bay Public Library and the Canadore College Library. Shopping happens at Northgate Shopping Centre and Laurentian Place. Entertainment includes Capitol Centre and Galaxy Cinemas North Bay. Essentials come from Metro and Real Canadian Superstore, while healthcare access is provided by North Bay Regional Health Centre and West Nipissing General Hospital. Cultural visits often include the Discovery North Bay Museum and the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence.
Top Universities in North Bay
North Bay’s student housing demand is primarily shaped by its post-secondary institutions rather than a dense university cluster. Both universities and colleges here attract students who value smaller class sizes and applied learning. Limited on-campus accommodation pushes many students toward off-campus housing options nearby. Below are some of the best universities in Canada.
1. Nipissing University
Nipissing University enrolls approximately 4,500 students and is best known for education, nursing, arts, and social sciences. The average international semester fees typically range from CA$7,000 to CA$9,000, driving strong demand for apartments near Nipissing University and nearby shared housing.
2. Canadore College
Canadore serves 3,500+ students and focuses on aviation, health sciences, technology, and skilled trades. Its residence and off-campus options contribute significantly to the demand for student housing in Canada within North Bay.