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Student Housing in St. Catharines
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Regent - 51 Lake St., St. Catharines
Regent - 136 James St., St. Catharines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is student housing in St. Catharines affordable compared to other Ontario cities?
Yes. Student housing in St. Catharines is generally more affordable than in cities like Toronto, Hamilton, or Mississauga. Shared housing options near campus often cost significantly less, making it a practical choice for students managing rent alongside tuition and daily expenses.
What types of student housing are available in St. Catharines?
St. Catharines student housing includes studio apartments, shared houses, private apartments, and student-focused buildings. Most students choose shared apartments or houses to keep rent predictable and utilities manageable throughout the academic year. Common amenities in student housing include a shared lounge area, study room, and fully-equipped gym.
How close is student housing to Brock University?
Many student neighbourhoods like Glenridge and Thorold are within walking distance or a short bus ride from Brock University. This proximity is a major reason student housing St. Catharines remains in steady demand year after year.
Do apartments in St. Catharines come furnished?
Some student apartments St. Catharines are fully furnished, especially student-focused buildings like Regent properties. However, many private rentals are unfurnished, so students should always confirm what’s included before signing a lease.
What is the average rent for student housing in St. Catharines?
Rent for student housing in St. Catharines typically ranges from CA$675 to CA$850 per month for a room in a shared apartment. Private studios and one-bedroom units cost more, depending on location and furnishing.
Are utilities usually included in St. Catharines student housing?
Utilities are often included in student-focused buildings, but private rentals vary by landlord. Students choosing St. Catharines student housing should confirm whether electricity, internet, heating, and water are included in the monthly rent.
When should students start looking for housing in St. Catharines?
Most students begin searching 4-6 months before the academic year starts. Demand for student housing St. Catharines rises sharply in summer, and options become limited closer to September.
Is public transport reliable for students living off-campus?
Yes. Niagara Region Transit provides reliable bus routes connecting campuses, downtown, and residential areas. This makes student housing in St. Catharines workable even for students living slightly farther from campus.
Which universities drive student accommodation St. Catharines?
Brock University & Niagara College shape the Housing demand in St. Catharines. Limited on-campus accommodation means most students rely on off-campus housing throughout their studies.
Is St. Catharines a good city for international students?
Yes. The city is safe, affordable, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for international students new to Canada. Many international students choose apartments for rent in St. Catharines because of lower rent pressure and shorter commutes compared to larger cities.
Student Housing in St. Catharines
Student Housing in St. Catharines
St. Catharines doesn’t overwhelm students, and that’s the point. It’s a city where campus, housing, and everyday life stay within reach instead of competing for attention. That balance is why student housing in St. Catharines works so well for students who want to stay focused academically without feeling boxed into dorm life or priced out of the market.
As residence availability tightens with each intake, more students pivot toward off-campus St. Catharines student housing. Areas close to Brock-facing routes are especially popular, with buildings like Regent – 136 James St. and Regent – 51 Lake St. offering furnished, student-friendly layouts and straightforward leases. Among cities often compared while scanning the best places to live in Canada, student housing St. Catharines continues to stand out for one reason: it lets students live close, affordably, and without daily friction.
About St. Catharines
St. Catharines is the largest city in Ontario’s Niagara Region, with a population of roughly 136,000 residents. It supports a strong student population of 25,000+, driven primarily by some of the best universities in Canada. This consistent academic presence keeps demand for student housing in St. Catharines high, particularly in neighbourhoods within walking or short bus distance of campus.
From a livability perspective, the city holds a safety index of around 74 and an employment rate close to 93%, supported by education, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. With a happiness index of about 7.5 and a walkability score of 6.8, St. Catharines offers a student lifestyle that’s functional, calm, and easy to settle into.
Best and Affordable St. Catharines Student Apartments
Affordable student housing St. Catharines is largely shaped by shared apartments and student-focused buildings rather than high-rise luxury rentals. These options appeal to students who want predictable rent and minimal setup costs. Popular affordable choices include:
1. Regent – 136 James St. - From CA$789/month
2. Regent – 51 Lake St. - From CA$789/month
AI rental data shows that rooms in shared apartments typically range between CA$675 and CA$850 per month, often including utilities and access to common amenities. This keeps entry-level costs significantly lower than standard one-bedroom apartments across the city.
Best Areas to Live in St. Catharines for Students
Student demand in St. Catharines is concentrated in neighbourhoods that combine campus proximity, safety, and reasonable rent. Student housing in St. Catharines primarily caters to Brock University &agara College students. Choosing the right area usually comes down to commute preference. Key areas for student housing in St. Catharines include Glenridge, Thorold, & Downtown St. Catharines.
1. Glenridge
Glenridge sits closest to Brock University and is heavily student-oriented. Shared houses dominate the area, making walking to campus common. The average rent in Glenridge is between CA$1400 and CA$1600 per month.
2. Thorold
Thorold attracts students looking for slightly lower rent while staying on direct bus routes to campus. Housing here includes shared houses and low-rise apartments. The average rent in Thorold is between CA$1200 and CA$1400 per month.
3. Downtown St. Catharines
Downtown suits students who prefer cafés, arts spaces, and a more urban routine. The average rent in Downtown St. Catharines is between CA$1500 and CA$1700 per month.
Room Types for Student Apartments in St. Catharines
Student accommodation in St. Catharines follows straightforward North American layouts. Options vary based on budget, privacy, and lease preference.
1. Studio Apartments
Studios are self-contained units offering full privacy. They’re usually chosen by graduate students or those working part-time. Pricing starts around CA$789-1,000+, depending on location and furnishing.
2. Private Apartments
One-bedroom or multi-bedroom apartments offer more space and independence. These are often unfurnished and cost more, making them more suitable for students sharing with a friend or partner.
3. Shared Apartments & Houses
The most common choice for students. Each student rents a private bedroom while sharing kitchens and living areas. This setup keeps rent low and dominates housing near Brock University.
Cost of Living in St. Catharines for Students
St. Catharines remains one of the more affordable student cities in Ontario. On average, students spend CA$1,600 to CA$2,100 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation type.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (CA$) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | CA$675-1,400 |
| Food & Groceries | CA$220-320 |
| TV / Subscriptions & Mobile Phone | CA$65-125 |
| Clothes | CA$60-120 |
| Leisure | CA$90-160 |
| Books & Stationery | CA$50-90 |
| Travel | CA$80-130 |
Student Travel in St. Catharines
Getting around St. Catharines is straightforward and student-friendly, largely because the city is compact and designed around campus movement rather than long-distance commuting. Most students rely on buses, walking, or cycling for daily travel, which keeps monthly transport costs low compared to larger Ontario cities. Commute times are short, especially for students living near Brock University or along direct bus routes.
1. Public Transit (Bus)
Niagara Region Transit connects Brock University, downtown, and residential areas. A single fare averages CA$3.00-3.50, while monthly student passes typically range from CA$80-110, offering discounted unlimited travel.
2. Driving
Driving is common for students living farther from campus. Monthly fuel and parking costs usually range between CA$120 and CA$220, depending on commute distance.
3. Walking & Cycling
Many students walk or cycle daily, especially in Glenridge and Thorold. This is the most cost-effective option and works well due to short distances.
Student Life and Tourist Attractions in St. Catharines
Student life in St. Catharines is social without being chaotic. The atmosphere is shaped by strong campus communities and student representation through the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) and student associations at Niagara College, which support events, services, and academic advocacy.
Outside classes, students spread out across the city rather than sticking to one strip. Coppola’s Ristorante is a go-to for relaxed group dinners, while OddBird attracts students looking for something modern and creative. Social evenings often begin at The Merchant Ale House or Kully’s Original Sports Bar, before shifting toward Level Nightclub or L3 Nightclub for late nights. Cafés like Fine Grind Cafe and Mahtay Café & Lounge double as study spots. Green breaks happen at Montebello Park and Lakeside Park Beach. Academic support comes from the St. Catharines Public Library Central Branch and Dr. Huq Family Library Branch. Shopping hubs include The Pen Centre and Fairview Mall, while entertainment runs through FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and Film House Cinema. Daily essentials come from Zehrs and Real Canadian Superstore, healthcare access is anchored by Niagara Health St. Catharines Site and Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre, and cultural depth comes from St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre and Morningstar Mill.
Top Universities in St. Catharines
St. Catharines’ student housing demand is directly shaped by its two major post-secondary institutions, both of which attract students looking for applied learning and smaller campus environments. Limited on-campus accommodation means a large portion of students live off-campus, driving consistent demand for nearby rentals. This makes location and proximity to campus a key factor when choosing student housing in St. Catharines.
1. Brock University
Brock enrolls 19,000+ students and is known for business, health sciences, education, social sciences, and kinesiology. International semester fees typically range between CA$7,000 and CA$9,500, keeping demand high for apartments near Brock University.
2. Niagara College
Niagara College serves 10,000+ students across applied programs in hospitality, technology, trades, and health sciences. Limited on-campus housing drives steady demand for student housing in Canada options within St. Catharines.