Best off campus housing for University of Calgary students

The University of Calgary (U of C) is located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, just south of the Varsity neighbourhood. The university offers on-campus residences, but demand consistently exceeds availability and waitlists are common. Many students, particularly upper-year and graduate students, need to find off-campus housing. Calgary is generally more affordable than Vancouver or Toronto, and the northwest quadrant in particular has a range of student-friendly options at various price points. This guide covers the best neighbourhoods for U of C 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 Calgary Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Calgary

Common rental types near U of C include individual rooms in shared houses or apartments, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, townhouses, and full detached homes. Shared accommodation is 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 Calgary

Calgary Transit operates the city's bus network and the C-Train light rail system. The UPass, included in most students' fees, provides unlimited access to both the bus and C-Train networks. Calgary Transit's trip planner is a useful tool for mapping commutes from any neighbourhood you are considering. The university is not directly on the C-Train, so bus connections from nearby stations are important to factor in when choosing a neighbourhood.

Best Neighbourhoods for U of C Students

University Heights

Directly adjacent to the U of C campus, University Heights is the closest off-campus neighbourhood and is popular with both students and healthcare professionals given its proximity to the university and Foothills Medical Centre. Housing includes single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings. Most residents can walk, bike, or take a short bus ride to campus. Market Mall and North Hill Centre are nearby for shopping. Estimated commute: five to 15 minutes.

Varsity

Just north of campus, Varsity sits on a plateau above the Bow River Valley and is one of the most convenient neighbourhoods for U of C students. It is a primarily residential area with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and mid-sized apartment buildings. Campus is a five-minute drive or 15 to 20 minutes by bus. Market Mall, Foothills Park, and McMahon Stadium are all close by. Estimated commute: five to 20 minutes.

Parkdale

Also in northwest Calgary, Parkdale is closer to the downtown core than Varsity and has a lively character popular with a range of ages. The neighbourhood has detached and semi-detached homes alongside newer apartment buildings. The 9, 90, and 104 bus routes connect Parkdale to campus in about 15 to 20 minutes, and driving takes five to ten minutes. The Bow and Elbow River pathways and Foothills Park are easily accessible. Estimated commute: five to 20 minutes.

Silver Springs

A quieter, tree-lined neighbourhood bound by trails and rivers on multiple sides, Silver Springs suits students who prefer a more tranquil environment for studying. Housing includes a mix of newer condos, older apartment buildings, and single-family homes. It is a five to ten minute drive from campus, though bus and C-Train connections take longer. Grocery stores, walking and biking paths, and parks are all within the neighbourhood. Estimated commute: ten to 40 minutes depending on transit connections.

Edgemont

One of northwest Calgary's largest residential neighbourhoods, Edgemont is slightly further from campus than the other options on this list but offers a quiet community atmosphere with extensive parks, trails, skating rinks, and tennis courts. Single-family homes and townhouses are most common, with some apartment buildings available. Driving to campus takes ten to 15 minutes, while the bus journey is around 30 to 35 minutes. Estimated commute: ten to 35 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

U of C students who have not yet arrived in Calgary 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 Calgary

Rental scams exist in Calgary 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 Calgary

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Calgary. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the U of C campus in northwest Calgary.