Best off campus housing for Dalhousie University students

Dalhousie University (Dal) is located in the South End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the Halifax Peninsula. Dal offers student residences, with on-campus housing guaranteed for first-year students who meet the application deadline, but most upper-year and graduate students need to find off-campus accommodation. Halifax is considerably more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto, and the South End and surrounding neighbourhoods have a strong student rental market. This guide covers the best areas for Dal students, how to search and apply for a rental, and how to stay safe.

For current average rent figures by neighbourhood and unit type, see the liv.rent Rent Reports.

Types of Accommodation in Halifax

Common rental types near Dal include individual rooms in shared houses or apartments, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, basement suites in older homes, and full houses. Halifax has a strong supply of older character homes throughout the South End that are commonly divided into student rentals. Shared accommodation is popular as a way to reduce costs. To find rooms in shared spaces, use the "Room" filter under Housing Type on liv.rent and the map view to see what is available near campus.

Getting Around Halifax

All full-time Dal students are automatically enrolled in the UPass program, which provides unlimited travel on Halifax Transit buses and ferries throughout the academic year. Halifax Transit's Schedules and Route Maps are useful for planning commutes from any neighbourhood you are considering. The South End, where Dal is located, is also well suited to cycling and walking for students living nearby.

Best Neighbourhoods for Dal Students

South End

The South End is the most convenient neighbourhood for Dal students, with many rentals within walking or biking distance of campus. The area has a large student presence, a mix of character homes and newer apartment buildings, boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and easy waterfront access. Point Pleasant Park at the southern tip of the peninsula offers green space for outdoor activity. The neighbourhood is the most sought-after for Dal students and rents reflect that, but the savings in commuting time and transit costs can offset the difference. Estimated commute: five to 25 minutes depending on location.

Downtown Halifax

Just north of the South End, Downtown Halifax is the urban heart of the city with a busy shopping district, restaurants, pubs, and public gathering spaces along the waterfront. It is a 15 to 20 minute bus ride or about a 20 to 30 minute walk from most parts of downtown to Dal's campus. Rents in downtown are generally on the higher end for Halifax, but the location gives students access to a wide range of amenities and transit connections. Estimated commute: ten to 30 minutes.

North End

Halifax's North End has developed a strong identity as a creative and community-oriented neighbourhood with independent cafes, breweries, boutique shops, and the Hydrostone Market. It is a quieter residential area by day and one of the city's most active neighbourhoods for arts and nightlife. Multiple bus routes connect the North End to Dal's campus, with a typical commute of 25 to 30 minutes by bus or about 15 minutes by bike. Rents in the North End are generally more affordable than in the South End. Estimated commute: ten to 30 minutes.

Armdale

West of the South End and situated near lakes and green spaces on the edge of the peninsula, Armdale is a primarily residential neighbourhood that suits students who prefer a quieter, nature-adjacent environment. Bus routes connect Armdale to Dal in about 25 to 30 minutes, and driving takes ten to 15 minutes. Trails, lakes, and parks are within easy reach for students who enjoy outdoor activity. Rents in Armdale are generally lower than in the South End or downtown. Estimated commute: 25 to 35 minutes.

Standing Out as an Applicant

Complete your liv.rent profile fully before applying. Upload proof of income or employment, verify your identity, and use the Renter Story section to give landlords context about your situation, particularly useful if you are a first-time renter or do not yet have a Canadian credit history. Pre-submitting your application before a viewing signals to the landlord that you are serious about the unit.

Applying as a Group

If you are renting with roommates, one person can apply as the primary applicant and add others as roommates, though most landlords will still want to screen each person individually. Alternatively, all group members can submit individual applications through liv.rent, each generating their own Trust Score for the landlord to review.

Securing a Rental Before Arriving in Canada

Dal students who have not yet arrived in Halifax or Canada can apply to listings on liv.rent from anywhere in the world. Once your profile is complete, you can indicate that you are a first-time renter and that you are renting from outside Canada, allowing landlords to assess your application accurately without requiring Canadian references.

Avoiding Rental Scams in Halifax

Rental scams exist in Halifax as in every Canadian city. Key red flags:

• Rent priced significantly below the neighbourhood average
• Requests for a cash deposit before a lease is signed or a property has been viewed
• Pressure to send money urgently
• Requests for your SIN or banking details before you are ready to sign
• Listings that do not provide a full street address

Renting from ID-verified landlords on liv.rent removes most of this risk. For more on staying safe, see our [guide to rental scams in Canada].

Find Off-Campus Housing Near Dalhousie University

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Halifax. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the Dal campus in the South End.