Best off campus housing for Toronto of Metropolitan University students

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, near the intersection of Yonge and Dundas Streets. The school offers student residences, but spots are not guaranteed even for first-year students, and upper-year students typically prefer to live off-campus. Toronto's rental market is competitive, but TMU's central location means students have access to a wide range of neighbourhoods within a manageable commute. This guide covers the best areas for TMU 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 Toronto Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Toronto

Common rental types near TMU include individual rooms in shared apartments or houses, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, and condos in both low- and high-rise buildings. Many students share a larger unit with roommates to reduce costs in a city where rent is among the highest in Canada. 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 Toronto

TMU's downtown location puts it within easy reach of the TTC subway, streetcar, and bus networks. Yonge-Dundas Square is steps from campus, and multiple subway stations are within walking distance. The TTC offers a discounted post-secondary monthly pass for full-time students. For students considering neighbourhoods outside the downtown core, proximity to a subway line or streetcar route is the most important factor in keeping commute times manageable.

Best Neighbourhoods for TMU Students

Garden District

The Garden District sits immediately around the TMU campus, making it the most convenient neighbourhood on this list. The area is anchored by Allan Gardens, an indoor botanical garden and conservatory, and is close to the Eaton Centre, Massey Hall, and all of downtown Toronto's urban amenities. Accommodation is predominantly newer condo buildings in both low- and high-rise formats. For students who want a zero-effort commute, this is the obvious starting point. Estimated commute: five minutes or less on foot.

Church and Wellesley

Just north of campus, Church and Wellesley is a diverse, inclusive neighbourhood known for its community character and year-round activity. It is densely populated with condos in both low- and high-rise buildings, and offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options along Church Street. Wellesley subway station connects directly to campus in under 15 minutes including walking time. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes.

Cabbagetown South

East of the downtown core, Cabbagetown South offers relatively more affordable rents than the immediate campus area while remaining close to TMU. The neighbourhood has a mix of low- and high-rise condo buildings alongside its well-known Victorian streetscapes. The 505 streetcar provides a direct route to campus in about five minutes, and walking takes 15 to 20 minutes. The area has a growing arts and food scene and is well suited to students who want a neighbourhood feel without sacrificing access. Estimated commute: ten to 20 minutes.

The Annex

Northwest of campus near the University of Toronto's St. George campus, the Annex is one of Toronto's most established student neighbourhoods. It is known for its large multi-bedroom character homes, low-rise apartment buildings, and a lively stretch of shops, restaurants, and entertainment on Bloor Street. Three subway stations (Spadina, Dupont, and Bathurst) serve the neighbourhood, with Spadina providing the most direct route to TMU. Walking to campus from anywhere in the Annex takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes by subway.

St. Lawrence

South and east of campus, St. Lawrence is a historic neighbourhood centred on the St. Lawrence Market and its vendors. The area has shifted from its industrial origins to a mix of newer high-rise condo buildings and commercial spaces. It is well served by TTC bus and streetcar routes, with a 15 to 20 minute commute to campus by transit or about 25 minutes on foot. The market and surrounding streets offer a wide range of food options and local amenities. Estimated commute: 15 to 25 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

TMU students who have not yet arrived in Toronto 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 Toronto

Toronto's competitive rental market makes it a frequent target for scammers. 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 Toronto Metropolitan University

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Toronto. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the TMU campus at Yonge and Dundas.