Best off campus housing for Saint Mary's University students

Saint Mary's University (SMU) is located in the South End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, one of Canada's most liveable mid-sized cities. The campus sits close to the waterfront and within reach of several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character and price point. This guide covers the best areas for SMU students, how to find and secure a rental, and how to stay safe during your search.

Types of Accommodation in Halifax

The most common rental types available to SMU students include individual rooms in shared houses or apartments, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, and full houses. Shared accommodation is a popular choice for students looking to keep costs down while living close to campus or in well-connected areas. 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.

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

Getting Around Halifax

Halifax Transit runs buses and ferries across the Halifax Regional Municipality. SMU students are eligible for the UPass, which provides unlimited transit travel at a discounted rate — check with SMU's student services for current pricing and eligibility. The South End, where campus is located, is also well suited to cycling and walking for students living nearby.

Best Neighbourhoods for SMU Students

South End

The South End is the most convenient choice for SMU students, with many rentals within walking or biking distance of campus. The area has a strong student presence, a mix of modern apartments and older character homes, and a range of cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores nearby. Point Pleasant Park borders the neighbourhood and offers green space for study breaks and outdoor activity. As the closest area to campus, the South End tends to command slightly higher rents, but the savings in commuting time and transit costs can offset this.

North End

The North End is known for its creative, independent character, with local cafes, breweries, boutique shops, and the Hydrostone Market. It offers more affordable rentals than the South End, with duplexes, older rental buildings, and shared houses being common options. Several Halifax Transit bus routes connect the North End to campus, with a typical commute under 15 minutes. It is a popular choice for students who want a lively neighbourhood at a lower price point.

Downtown Dartmouth

Across the harbour from Halifax, Downtown Dartmouth is accessible via the Alderney ferry, which connects to downtown Halifax in minutes. From there, buses or a short walk can get you to SMU. The area offers a mix of apartments, condos, and shared housing with waterfront views and a growing arts and food scene. Alderney Landing hosts regular markets and events. Rents in Downtown Dartmouth are generally more affordable than comparable units on the Halifax peninsula.

Bedford

Bedford offers a quieter suburban feel about 20 to 30 minutes from campus by bus or car, depending on traffic. The area has more space than the inner-city neighbourhoods, with townhouses, detached homes with rental suites, and low-rise apartments being common. Bedford Place Mall and nearby parks and trails make it a practical choice for students who prefer a calmer environment and do not mind the longer commute. Rents are generally lower than in the South End or North End.

Lower Sackville

Lower Sackville is the most affordable and most remote option on this list, located roughly 25 kilometres from campus. Halifax Transit bus routes connect the area to Halifax's downtown core and onward to SMU, with a typical commute of 30 to 45 minutes. Detached homes with basement suites, townhouses, and small apartment complexes are the most common rental types. Lower Sackville suits budget-conscious students who prioritise housing costs over commute time and are comfortable using transit regularly.

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

SMU 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 SMU

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