Heading to the University of Toronto (UofT) for your degree? As Canada’s top-ranked university, there are few better places to study! But with that reputation comes fierce competition from applicants and a high demand for housing.

Luckily, we offer a huge range of student housing in Toronto, with many of our apartments near UofT’s campuses. And with our filtering options, it’s easy to find a living space that meets your requirements.

Start browsing our listed apartments above – or continue reading to learn more about student life at UofT and the best neighbourhoods to live off campus! 

Where is the University of Toronto located?

The University of Toronto has three campuses in Toronto. The main one – the St. George Campus – is based in the heart of Toronto, while the Mississauga Campus to the west and the Scarborough Campus to the east are both about 25km from the downtown area.

St. George has stunning historic buildings and is seamlessly integrated into downtown Toronto, with Mississauga and Scarborough surrounded by woodland and offering a more traditional campus experience.

UofT runs a shuttle bus that connects Mississauga and St. George, with the trip taking just over an hour. The journey time from St. George to Scarborough is similar, but you’ll need to use public transport.

How is the University of Toronto ranked?

The University of Toronto consistently ranks as Canada's top university and is right up there with the best in the world, typically landing among the top 30 positions in major global ranking systems like the QS World University Rankings.

Part of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, UofT has a standout reputation for innovation and through its history has helped pioneer groundbreaking research in areas like medicine, physics, technology, and the arts.

Its star-studded roster of alumni includes various Nobel laureates, political leaders and world-famous writers, as well as the founders behind major tech companies like OpenAI and Grammarly.

Study programs at the University of Toronto

The University of Toronto has a huge offering of more than 700 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs spanning virtually all possible fields of study, from criminology and creative writing to climatology and chemical engineering.

UofT’s subject rankings are high across the board, so whatever you choose to study, you can expect a high standard of teaching. The university particularly excels however in medicine, humanities, and social science, where it’s among the best in the world.

Many courses have specialized work programs, like the Arts & Science Internship Program or the Professional Experience Year Co-op, where you can gain paid work experience in your chosen field. 

Student life at the University of Toronto

Comfortably Canada’s biggest university with close to 100,000 students, life at the University of Toronto is vibrant, fast-paced and diverse – such a large student body means there’s always something going on no matter which campus you find yourself.

There are more than 1,000 student clubs to get involved in, ranging from sports teams and academic societies to cultural and interest-based groups. You’ve also got plenty of campus traditions like the annual Homecoming celebrations or camping in the Mississauga fields.

Toronto itself – Canada's biggest city and commercial center – is undeniably a major appeal of the university. Many students spend their free time exploring the city, particularly neighbourhoods like the Annex, Chinatown, and Kensington Market near the main campus. 

How much does it cost to study at the University of Toronto?

The University of Toronto charges different tuition fees to domestic students who are residents of Ontario (CA$6,100 per year), those based outside the province ($6,900), and international students ($61,720).

UofT also estimates that students will need roughly $25,000 to cover additional course fees and living expenses, so factoring in this in with tuition costs, domestic and international students can expect to pay around $31,000 and $87,000 per year respectively.

A mix of need-based loans and grants and merit-based scholarships are available, which can help lower these costs. However, with UofT being publicly funded, only domestic students can apply for financial support from the university.

Best neighbourhoods to live off campus at the University of Toronto

Many UofT students choose to live off campus and there are some great areas near all three campuses. The Annex – a historic neighbourhood known for its Victorian apartment buildings – is probably the most popular area for students based at the St. George Campus.

Harbord Village and Kensington Market are two other solid options within walking distance of the main campus, while Chinatown and St. Clair West Village are slightly further out but likely to offer lower rents.

If you’re based at the Mississauga Campus, the surrounding neighbourhood of Erindale has lots of options for affordable housing. For the Scarborough Campus, Highland Creek and Morningside are the two most popular student areas. 

Frequently asked questions

When should I start looking for housing at the University of Toronto?

If you’re looking to rent an apartment off campus, it’s best to start looking at least three months before your first day at UofT. This should give you enough time to view a few properties, secure a place, and get settled before your start date. Just bear in mind that Toronto's rental market is competitive, so the sooner you start looking the better!

How much does it cost to rent an apartment near the University of Toronto?

Toronto is generally quite an expensive place to live, however rents will vary widely depending on whether you choose to live downtown near UofT’s main campus or closer to the other campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough. For example, rental prices on the apartments we list near UofT range from CA$1,000–CA$3,500. 

Do I need a visa to study at the University of Toronto?

To study at the UofT as an international student, you’ll need a study permit. To apply for this, you’ll first need your letter of acceptance from the university, along with proof of identity and financial support. The study permit is typically valid for the length of your chosen study program plus an additional 90 days.

Where are the best places to live near the University of Toronto?

The Annex, Harbord Village, and Kensington Market – all adjacent to UofT’s main campus – are three popular and convenient student areas not far from downtown Toronto. Students based at the Mississauga Campus generally opt for Erindale, while Highland Creek and Morningside are top choices near the Scarborough Campus. 

What if I didn’t get an answer to my question here?

For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!