Best off campus housing for NAIT students

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) main campus is located in central Edmonton, served directly by the Metro Line LRT at NAIT Station on campus. NAIT offers some student residence options, but off-campus housing is a common and often more affordable choice for students at all stages of their program. Edmonton is one of Canada's more affordable major cities for renters, and the neighbourhoods surrounding NAIT offer a range of options at student-friendly price points. This guide covers the best areas for NAIT 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 Edmonton Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Edmonton

Common rental types near NAIT include individual rooms in shared houses or apartments, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, basement suites in detached homes, and full houses. Shared accommodation is popular among students as a practical 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 Edmonton

NAIT students with full-time enrolment typically receive a U-Pass as part of their student fees, providing unlimited access to Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) buses and the LRT network. NAIT Station on the Metro Line is located directly on campus, making transit connections from most parts of the city straightforward. ETS Trip Planner and the Transit app are useful tools for mapping commutes from any neighbourhood you are considering.

Best Neighbourhoods for NAIT Students

Spruce Avenue

Directly adjacent to the NAIT campus, Spruce Avenue is the closest off-campus neighbourhood and is well suited to students who want to walk to class. The area has a mix of low-rise apartment buildings, basement suites in character homes, and shared student rentals. It is served by the NAIT LRT Station and major bus routes along 118 Avenue and Kingsway. Kingsway Mall, grocery stores, cafes, and green spaces are all within easy reach. Estimated commute: five to ten minutes on foot.

Westwood

Directly north of campus, Westwood is a quiet, primarily residential neighbourhood with a relaxed character that suits students looking for a calm place to study. Housing options include detached homes with basement suites, older walk-up apartment buildings, and shared houses at generally affordable price points. The neighbourhood is within walking or biking distance of NAIT and is served by bus routes along 97 Street and 118 Avenue. Kingsway Mall and major grocery stores are a short trip away. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes on foot or by bus.

Central McDougall

Just south of campus, Central McDougall is a well-established neighbourhood known for its affordability and central location. Housing options include older low-rise apartments, basement suites, room rentals, and shared student housing. The Kingsway/Royal Alex LRT Station and bus routes along 107 Avenue and 101 Street provide good transit coverage. Kingsway Mall, grocery stores, and medical services are all nearby. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes by transit or foot.

Queen Mary Park

West of campus and just northwest of downtown, Queen Mary Park is a growing neighbourhood with a mix of newer mid-rise apartment buildings, condo rentals, and older homes with basement suites. Bus routes along 107 Avenue, 109 Street, and 116 Street connect the area to NAIT and MacEwan University. The Brewery District, Oliver Square shopping centre, and downtown dining and culture are all accessible from the neighbourhood. Estimated commute: 15 to 20 minutes by bus.

Downtown Edmonton

Downtown is the most urban option on this list and suits students who want to be at the centre of the city's activity. The Metro Line connects directly to NAIT from multiple downtown stations including MacEwan, Central, and Churchill. Housing is predominantly high-rise apartments, modern condos, and lofts. Rents in parts of downtown can be competitive with the inner-city neighbourhoods listed above, while offering access to shopping, restaurants, gyms, public libraries, arts venues, and city events. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes by LRT.

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

NAIT students who have not yet arrived in Edmonton 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 Edmonton

Rental scams exist in Edmonton 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 NAIT

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