Things To Consider
When looking for a place to live, think about what is most important to you.
Transit: Most McMaster students who live off-campus take transit every day.
- Is it walking distance to regular transit? Living far away from the bus stop can add many minutes to your commute.
- Will you need to take more than one bus? Bus transferring adds time to your commute and can be frustrating if you miss a connection.
- How frequent and busy are the buses? Buses close to campus are usually very full and sometimes too full to stop for more passengers.
- Is cheaper rent worth a longer commute? Try picturing yourself after a long, exhausting day.
Noise and neighbourhood dynamic: No one deserves to have an uncomfortable living situation.
- Is your neighbourhood safe?
- Are you okay with noise from other students, young families with children, or busy traffic?
- Do you think your new neighbours will be okay with noise coming from your place?
- Do you mind biking or walking to campus or other places around Vancouver during inclement weather?
- Is it worth more expensive rent to live within minutes of all the amenities?
- Do you prefer cooking or eating out?
- Do you have easy access to a car or transit to get to the grocery store?
- Utilities: Heat, Internet, and cable.
- Does Internet quality matter to you?
Laundry: How will you wash your clothes and how often?
- Most apartment buildings have shared laundry rooms with coin-operated machines.
- Basement suites and houses may or may not have a washer/dryer.
- Where is the closest Laundromat?
Furnished or Unfurnished?
- How much furniture will you need?
- How will you get new furniture into the place? Do you need a truck rental?
- Furnished apartments often make sense for students looking for short-term housing.
Floor Plan
