Housing near University of Montreal: 2026 student guide

University of Montreal: A Student Housing Guide

The University of Montreal (UdeM) consistently ranks among Canada’s top research universities – it holds position 168 in the QS World University Rankings. Located at 2900 Bd Édouard-Montpetit in Montreal, Quebec, the main campus sits on the northern slope of Mount Royal, surrounded by the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. With a Google rating of 4.3 from 914 reviews, the university attracts a diverse student body, many of whom seek accommodation nearby. This guide uses campus reviews, city context, and practical trade-offs to help you find a place that fits your lifestyle.

What Campus Reviews Reveal

Reading current student and visitor feedback can give you a realistic sense of daily life at UdeM. Here are a few verbatim excerpts from Google reviews:

• Ajay kumar Luthra (5 stars, a month ago): “A best place for Dental treatments Very satisfactory for Budget as well as quality of treatments. Personal care and attentions are provided each and every step of treatment. Thanks for being here, spreading feel of safe hands for all troubles of Dental cases.”
  This review highlights the university’s dental clinic – an on-campus resource that may influence where you choose to live if you need regular appointments.

• Sagar Chawla (5 stars, 3 months ago): “Université de Montréal is a beautiful university with an impressive campus. The professors are highly knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely supportive, creating a very positive learning environment.”
  A positive learning environment suggests that spending time on campus – whether in the library, labs, or green spaces – is a priority. Living close by could help you take full advantage of that.

• Space ca (4 stars, a month ago): “(THIS REVEW IS BASED ON A VISITOR NOT A STUDENT)Its good over there and the atmosphere is good (I recommend to visit IF you get invited there).”
  Even for visitors, the campus atmosphere is welcoming. For students, a short commute means you can easily come and go for classes, group work, or social events.

• Shyju Shajahan (4 stars, 2 weeks ago): “I love this place, I miss a lot. Proud that I could study here.”
  Emotional attachment to the campus is common. Choosing housing within walking distance or a quick transit ride can strengthen that connection.

These reviews point to a campus that is both functional and pleasant. Many students appreciate the supportive environment and the quality of facilities. When selecting housing, consider how often you will use on-campus services (clinics, libraries, sports centres) and how much time you want to spend commuting.

City Context: Montreal

Montreal is a bilingual city (French and English) with a relatively affordable cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver. The University of Montreal’s main campus is in the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood, a dense, multicultural area with grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and public transit connections. The Montreal metro system (STM) includes the Université-de-Montréal station (Blue Line) right on campus, and bus routes serve the surrounding streets.

The city’s rental market is regulated by the Régie du logement, and leases often run from July 1 to June 30 (the “moving day” tradition). However, many landlords offer 12-month leases starting at other times. Vacancy rates fluctuate; you may find more options in the fall before the academic year starts. As a student, you will also have access to discounted public transit passes (the OPUS card with a student discount).

Budget Bands

Rental prices vary significantly by housing type, distance from campus, and building age. Because specific current prices are not provided here, all figures below are indicative – confirm with the operator (landlord, building manager, or rental platform) before signing any lease.

• Shared room / dormitory-style: If you share a bedroom or live in a university-affiliated residence (run by UdeM or private operators), monthly costs can be lower than private studios. Expect to pay somewhere in the range of CA$500–CA$900 per month, depending on amenities and meal plans. Confirm directly with the residence office.
• Private studio / one-bedroom apartment: A self-contained unit in a purpose-built rental building or a converted house can range from about CA$900 to CA$1,500 per month. Older buildings in Côte-des-Neiges tend to be more affordable; newer condos near the campus may be higher.
• Two- or three-bedroom apartment (shared with roommates): Splitting rent often reduces individual costs. A two-bedroom unit might go for CA$1,300–CA$1,900 total, so each tenant pays CA$650–CA$950. Again, these are indicative figures – verify with current listings.

Montreal’s rent control limits annual increases, but always check whether heat, electricity, and internet are included. Many older buildings include heating but not electricity.

Walk vs Transit Trade-Off

The University of Montreal campus is not in the ultra-dense downtown core, but it is well served by public transport. Here is a breakdown of the main trade-offs:

• Walking distance (0–1.5 km): Living within a 15- to 20-minute walk of the campus means you can avoid transit costs and schedules. The streets around Côte-des-Neiges, Édouard-Montpetit, and Decelles are popular. You will be close to grocery stores and the mountain park (Mount Royal). The downside: units in this zone are in high demand, especially near the metro station, and rents tend to be slightly higher. Also, some streets are hilly – the campus sits on a slope, so be prepared for uphill climbs.
• Transit commute (1.5–5 km): A slightly longer commute via metro or bus can open up more affordable options. For example, the Blue Line runs from Saint-Michel to Snowdon; living near a station east of campus (e.g., Jean-Talon, Parc) can lower rent while keeping a 15–25 minute door-to-door trip. The Orange Line (e.g., Place-des-Arts, Lucien-L’Allier) connects to downtown, but you may need a transfer. Bus routes 51, 119, and 129 serve the area. Monthly transit pass cost (student rate) is around CA$55 (as of 2026, indicative – confirm with STM).
• Cycling: Montreal has a growing bike network. From neighbourhoods like Mile End, Outremont, or Villeray, a 20- to 30-minute bike ride can be practical, especially in warmer months. Note that campus has bike racks and some covered storage, but winter cycling requires studded tires and proper gear.

Shortlist logic: Start by deciding your maximum tolerable commute time (e.g., 20 minutes). Then filter by budget: if you want to spend less than $1,000 on rent alone, you will likely need roommates or look beyond the immediate walking zone. Use online platforms (not specified here) to search for rentals and verify distances with Google Maps or the STM trip planner.

Shortlist Logic Using Given Nearby Residences

The data provided does not include a list of specific residence names or addresses near the University of Montreal. However, the university itself operates several on-campus residence buildings (e.g., Pavillon Bélanger, Pavillon de l’École polytechnique) and maintains partnerships with private student housing providers. Because we cannot name any institution or website domain here, the shortlist logic below is a general framework you can apply when evaluating places you find through your own research.

1. Distance to campus: Use the university’s address (2900 Bd Édouard-Montpetit) as the destination. Any residence within 1 km is walkable. If you find a listing that mentions “steps from Université-de-Montréal metro,” that is a strong indicator of convenience.
2. Transport connections: Look for listings that say “near metro” or “bus route 51/119.” Confirm that the line runs during early morning and late evening (many students have evening classes).
3. Safety and amenities: The Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood is generally safe, but check street lighting and proximity to convenience stores. Some blocks have more student parties; others are quieter.
4. Lease terms: Student-friendly leases (month-to-month or 8-month academic year) are less common in Montreal. Most landlords require a 12-month lease. If you plan to leave for summer, consider subletting your unit or finding a roommate who stays.
5. Reviews of the building: If the listing is a managed student residence, search for reviews online (on platforms not named here) from previous tenants. Look for complaints about maintenance, noise, or management responsiveness.
6. Included utilities: Confirm whether electricity, heating, water, and internet are included. In older Montreal buildings, heating (often electric or hot water) may be included; internet usually is not.
7. Roommate matching: If you are looking for a shared apartment, some services allow you to match with roommates. Alternatively, ask on university social media groups (not to be named). Be cautious about scammers – never send money before viewing the unit in person or via video.

Since no specific residences are given, your best strategy is to search for “student housing near University of Montreal” using the criteria above. Always verify the rent and terms with the operator before committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to live on campus or off campus?
On-campus residences (operated by UdeM or affiliated institutions) offer convenience and a built-in social community, but they can be more expensive than off-campus shared apartments. Off-campus housing gives you more freedom in terms of space and budget, but requires a longer daily commute and more personal organization. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize proximity and structure or cost and independence.

2. How much should I budget for rent and living expenses in Montreal?
Rent is the largest expense. For a shared room, indicative monthly costs range from CA$500 to CA$900; for a private studio, CA$900–CA$1,500. Additional utilities (electricity, internet) can add CA$50–$150. Food, transit (student pass around CA$55), and personal costs will total another CA$300–$500 per month. Confirm all prices with the operator or service provider.

3. What is the best neighbourhood for students at University of Montreal?
Côte-des-Neiges is the most obvious choice – it wraps around the campus and has many rental units, grocery stores, and restaurants. Outremont (west of campus) is quieter and upscale, with larger apartments. The Plateau or Mile End (south of Mount Royal) are trendy areas but require a longer commute by bus or bike. For budget-friendly options, look east along the Blue Line towards Jean-Talon or Saint-Michel.

Data as of 2026. All prices are indicative and subject to change – confirm with the operator before making any decisions.

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