Finding an apartment just got easier
Photo: The Off-Campus Housing Program will host Ryerson’s second annual Housing Fair on February 2.
Anyone who has tried finding an apartment in Toronto knows what it means to suffer, but it’s another level of stress if you’re a student.
Need an apartment but don’t know where to start? Ryerson’s new Off-Campus Housing Program (opens in new window) , run by Student Affairs (opens in new window) , is here to help.
“Our off-campus students make up a huge amount of our population,” said Katrina Persad, off-campus housing facilitator. “In order for students to succeed academically, they need to have their base needs fulfilled. If someone can have a home that they feel safe and comfortable in, and that they can afford to live in, then that sets them up for success in every other area of their life.”
With limited space available in Ryerson’s campus residencies, the Off-Campus Housing Program supports students on their Toronto apartment hunt.
“They’re not only competing with other students from universities and colleges all over the city, but also families and young professionals,” said Persad. “The cost of living is very high here, and it’s very difficult for students to find a place under $1,000 in rent. And then, there’s just physically finding a place: they’re competing against professionals who have their own credit scores and histories that are pretty clean. Students need guarantors, so acting quickly can be a struggle.”
Online or by appointment, the office helps students find safe and affordable housing, sign leases, manage tenant and roommate issues, and communicate with landlords. Staff can also help students get acquainted with Toronto’s neighbourhoods, or simply take them step-by-step through the basics.
“Many students think the first step is searching, but actually, the first step is figuring out what you need,” said Persad. “How much can you afford? Do you need a roommate? Are you willing to take transit? What are your dealbreakers?”
On February 2, Student Affairs will host the second annual Off-Campus Housing Fair, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Learning Centre Amphitheatre. The event will offer resources, support, and education for students considering off-campus housing, featuring external partners like Place4Students (external link, opens in new window) , Downtown Legal Services (external link, opens in new window) , StayBillety (external link, opens in new window) , and the Toronto police.
The Off-Campus Housing office also facilitates the Commuter Hostel (opens in new window) program, which provides commuting students with short-term accommodations on campus during the academic year.
The office’s website (opens in new window) contains step-by-step resources, and in-person consultation is available at Pitman Hall (PIT 110) during drop-in hours as posted online.