Best off campus housing for McGill University students

McGill University is located on the southern slope of Mount Royal in central Montreal, Quebec. On-campus housing is only guaranteed for first-year undergraduate students under the age of 22, meaning most upper-year and graduate students need to find off-campus accommodation. Montreal is significantly more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto, and its diverse neighbourhoods give students a wide range of options at different price points and commute lengths. This guide covers the best areas for McGill 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 Montreal Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Montreal

Common rental types near McGill include individual rooms in shared apartments or houses, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, and full flats in older low-rise buildings, which are the most characteristic rental type in Montreal. Even with Montreal's relatively low rents, shared accommodation remains popular among students as a way to keep costs down further. 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 Montreal

McGill students are eligible for a Reduced-Fare Opus Card, which provides access to the STM bus and Metro network at a discounted rate. The McGill Metro station on the Green Line is directly adjacent to campus, making transit access from most parts of the island straightforward. Many students also cycle, and Montreal has an extensive network of bike paths and the BIXI bike-share system.

Best Neighbourhoods for McGill Students

Ville-Marie

Ville-Marie covers Montreal's downtown core and sits immediately adjacent to the McGill campus. Students living here can walk to class in around 15 minutes from most parts of the neighbourhood, or take the 107 bus in ten to 15 minutes. The neighbourhood is home to cultural landmarks including the Old Port, the Quartier des Spectacles, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, alongside a wide range of restaurants, shops, and services. Accommodation is predominantly condos and apartment buildings, at prices that reflect the central location. Estimated commute: ten to 20 minutes.

The Plateau-Mont-Royal

East of McGill and immediately north of downtown, the Plateau-Mont-Royal is one of Montreal's most iconic student and young professional neighbourhoods. It is known for its artistic character, cafes, parks, and independent boutiques, with La Fontaine Park at its heart. The Metro connects the Plateau to the McGill campus in about 25 minutes, and driving takes 12 to 15 minutes. Rents here are moderate and the neighbourhood suits students who want an active, community-oriented environment. Estimated commute: 15 to 30 minutes.

Mile End

Bordering the Plateau to the north, Mile End shares much of its neighbour's character but has its own distinct identity as a hub for musicians, artists, and the city's anglophone and allophone communities. Indie cafes, record stores, live music venues, and some of Montreal's best-known bagel shops are all found here. The 80 bus connects Mile End to campus in about 20 minutes. Rents are similar to the Plateau and generally affordable by Canadian standards. Estimated commute: 15 to 30 minutes.

Villeray

North of Mile End, Villeray is a quieter, more residential neighbourhood with a strong community feel, green spaces including Jarry Park, and a diverse dining scene. It suits students who prefer a calmer home environment and do not mind a longer commute. The Metro's Orange and Blue Lines connect Villeray to the McGill campus in about 35 minutes. Rents here are among the lowest of the neighbourhoods on this list. Estimated commute: 30 to 40 minutes.

A Note on Quebec Lease Rules

Quebec's rental market operates differently from other provinces. The mandatory lease form, the Bail obligatoire, must be used for most residential tenancies. Landlords in Quebec cannot collect a damage deposit or any deposit other than the first month's rent. Tenants also have the right to refuse rent increases, and if they do not respond to a renewal notice within one month, the lease renews automatically under the same conditions. Familiarising yourself with Quebec tenancy law before signing is worthwhile — see our [Quebec rental laws guides] for details.

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.

Securing a Rental Before Arriving in Canada

McGill students who have not yet arrived in Montreal 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 Montreal

Rental scams exist in Montreal 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 McGill University

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Montreal. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the McGill campus.