Best off campus housing for University of Alberta students

The University of Alberta (U of A) main campus is located in south-central Edmonton, bordered by the North Saskatchewan River Valley to the south. The university offers on-campus residence primarily for first-year students, meaning upper-year and graduate students generally need to find off-campus housing. Edmonton is one of Canada's more affordable major cities for renters, and the neighbourhoods surrounding the U of A campus have a well-established student rental market. This guide covers the best areas for U of A 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 U of A include individual rooms in shared houses or apartments, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, basement suites in detached homes, duplexes, and full houses. Shared accommodation is popular as a practical way to keep costs down. 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

U of A students with eligible enrolment receive a Universal Transit Pass (U-Pass) included in tuition fees, providing unlimited access to Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) buses and the LRT network. ETS's Trip Planner is a useful tool for mapping commutes from any neighbourhood you are considering.

Best Neighbourhoods for U of A Students

Garneau

Directly east of the U of A campus, Garneau is one of Edmonton's most student-oriented neighbourhoods and the most convenient choice for many U of A students. The neighbourhood has a wide selection of apartment and condo buildings alongside older multi-bedroom houses well suited to shared living. It overlooks the North Saskatchewan River Valley and is within easy walking distance of campus for many residents. Kinsmen Park, the Kinsmen Sport Centre, and the John Walter Museum are close by. Estimated commute: five to ten minutes on foot or by bus.

Strathcona

Southwest of campus, Strathcona is one of Edmonton's most vibrant and recognisable neighbourhoods, centred on Whyte Avenue with its restaurants, shops, bars, theatres, and the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market. The housing supply is a mix of low-rise rentals, high-rise condos, duplexes, and townhomes. The 004 and 008 buses connect the neighbourhood to campus. Strathcona is a large area, so commute time varies by location. Estimated commute: five to 20 minutes by bus or foot.

Allendale

Southeast of campus, Allendale is a quieter, primarily residential neighbourhood with a community-focused character. Single-family homes make up most of the housing supply, with some low-rise apartments available. The 009 and 701 buses connect the neighbourhood to campus, and driving takes about ten minutes. The neighbourhood has public tennis courts, an outdoor rink, and a community hall. Estimated commute: ten to 30 minutes by bus.

Parkallen

Just west of Allendale and east of the U of A Farm, Parkallen is a largely residential neighbourhood with a tight-knit community feel. Single-family homes dominate the area, with a portion available to rent. The 004 bus connects the neighbourhood to campus in about ten minutes, and it is also connected to the LRT through South Campus/Ford Edmonton Park Station. Violet Archer Park and community facilities are nearby. Estimated commute: five to 20 minutes by bus or LRT.

Ritchie

East of Strathcona, Ritchie is a well-connected residential neighbourhood that gives students a quiet home base while remaining close to the amenities of Whyte Avenue and downtown Edmonton. Single-family homes and rental apartments are both available. The 004 bus connects Ritchie to campus in about 20 minutes, and driving takes ten to 15 minutes. The neighbourhood has a strong Community League, outdoor rink, and the locally operated Ritchie Market with food and drink vendors. Estimated commute: ten to 25 minutes by bus.

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

U of A 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 the University of Alberta

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