Best off campus housing for TSOM students

Toronto School of Management (TSOM) is located at the corner of Yonge Street and College Street in downtown Toronto, directly in front of College subway station. The central location means students have excellent transit access and a wide range of neighbourhoods within reasonable commuting distance. This guide covers the best areas to consider for off-campus housing, how to find and secure a rental, and how to avoid common scams.

Types of Accommodation in Toronto

The most common rental types available to TSOM students include individual rooms in shared houses or apartments, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, and full houses. In a city like Toronto, shared accommodation is popular among students for cost reasons. Searching for a room under the "Room" housing type filter on liv.rent and using the map view is a practical way to see what is available close to campus.

For current average rent figures by unit type and neighbourhood, see the Toronto Rent Report.

Best Neighbourhoods for TSOM Students

Downtown Toronto

The area immediately surrounding TSOM offers the shortest commute of any neighbourhood on this list. The western end of downtown tends to have more affordable options than the financial district core. Expect a mix of newer apartment buildings and older low-rise units. TTC subway and bus routes connect throughout, and the area is well served by bike lanes.

Nearby: Art Gallery of Ontario, Grange Park, Queen's Park, University of Toronto.

Queen West

A short streetcar or bike ride from campus, Queen West is known for its lively atmosphere, independent shops, cafes, and arts venues. Accommodation here is mostly shared houses, apartments, lofts, and studios. TTC streetcars on Queen Street and buses provide direct routes to campus. Bike-sharing is also widely available in the neighbourhood.

Kensington Market

Immediately west of the University of Toronto and within easy reach of TSOM, Kensington Market has a strong student presence and an affordable, community-oriented character. Shared accommodation and room rentals in multi-bedroom units are the most common options. TTC buses and streetcars connect the neighbourhood to campus, and the area is highly walkable.

Church-Wellesley Village

East of campus and a short walk or TTC ride away, Church-Wellesley Village offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and shared apartment rentals. The neighbourhood is inclusive and walkable, with cafes, restaurants, and green spaces close by. TTC subway and bus connections make commuting to TSOM straightforward.

Cabbagetown

A quieter option for students who prefer a less urban feel while staying close to downtown, Cabbagetown is known for its Victorian homes and community atmosphere. Shared houses and room rentals in converted houses are common. TTC buses and streetcars provide access to campus, and the Don Valley trails and Riverdale Park are nearby for outdoor activity.

Getting Around

TSOM sits directly in front of College subway station on the Yonge-University line, making it one of the most transit-accessible campuses in the city. TTC buses and streetcars extend coverage across the neighbourhoods listed above. Full-time post-secondary students are eligible for discounted TTC monthly passes. GO Transit regional buses and trains serve the broader GTA for students commuting from outside the city.

Searching for a Rental on liv.rent

liv.rent's TSOM off-campus housing portal includes a walking distance calculator that shows how long it takes to walk from any listing to the TSOM campus, so you can compare options without switching between tabs. Local amenities such as grocery stores and food options are also preloaded for listings in the area, giving you a quick read on what is nearby.

To search for furnished short-term rentals, select "Short Term" under Rental Type and "Furnished" under Furnishing. To search for rooms in shared accommodation, select "Room" under Housing Type.

Applying as a Group

If you are renting with roommates, there are two ways to handle the application on liv.rent. 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, each generating their own Trust Score for the landlord to review. Landlords can also add tenants via the applicant list or through the "add new tenant" section if vetting externally.

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. Applying before a viewing, or pre-submitting your application when you are confident about a unit, signals to the landlord that you are serious.

Avoiding Rental Scams

Toronto's rental market is competitive, and scams are common. Key red flags to watch for:

• Rent priced significantly below the neighbourhood average
• Requests for a cash deposit before a lease is signed
• Pressure to send money urgently
• Requests for your SIN or banking details before you are ready to sign
• Listings that do not include 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 TSOM

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Toronto. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings close to the TSOM campus.