Best off campus housing for Waterloo University students

The University of Waterloo (UW) is located in the centre of the city of Waterloo, near the border with Kitchener. The Waterloo Region is a well-established student area with a strong rental market catering to the many post-secondary students who live here. This guide covers the best neighbourhoods for UW students across Waterloo and Kitchener, how to search and apply for a rental, and how to stay safe during your search.

For current average rent figures by unit type and area, see the Ontario Rent Report.

Types of Accommodation in Waterloo and Kitchener

Common rental types near UW include individual rooms in shared houses, studio apartments, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, semi-detached homes, townhouses, and full houses. Waterloo and Kitchener are considerably more affordable than Toronto, and students at most budget levels can find something workable within a reasonable commute. 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

UW sits at the centre of the Grand River Transit (GRT) network, which connects Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge by bus and the ION light rail line. The ION runs between Kitchener and Waterloo with 19 stops, each connecting to a GRT bus route. Bus routes that UW students use most frequently include the 13, 19, 29, and 202. UW's own transit resource page has route information specific to campus.

Best Neighbourhoods for UW Students

Sunnydale

One of the closest neighbourhoods to campus, Sunnydale is popular with students for its proximity and its mix of newer townhomes and older single-family homes. Driving to campus takes two to three minutes, and the 9 bus connects the neighbourhood to UW in about 20 minutes. Sugarbush Park and a local community centre are nearby. Estimated commute: five to 20 minutes.

Parkside

Just west of campus, Parkside is a newer residential area centred along Parkside Drive, with mid- and high-rise condo buildings and a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. It is a popular choice for students and working professionals alike thanks to its location. Campus is three to five minutes by car or 15 to 20 minutes by bus via the 9 route. The Waterloop Trail, Sugarbush Park, and the Albert McCormick Community Centre are all within walking distance. Estimated commute: ten to 20 minutes.

Eastbridge

On Waterloo's northeast edge, Eastbridge is a quieter, family-friendly neighbourhood with newer homes and small condo buildings built since 2000. Despite its location on the outer edge of the city, transit connections are strong: the 31 bus reaches campus in about 15 minutes, and driving takes around ten. Conestoga Mall and RIM Park, a multi-sport facility with skating rinks, soccer fields, and basketball courts, are both easily accessible. Estimated commute: ten to 15 minutes.

Westmount

A well-established neighbourhood on Waterloo's west side, Westmount sits between Waterloo and Kitchener and is popular with students, young professionals, and families. The housing stock is a mix of smaller bungalows and larger homes, with rooms for rent the most common option for students. The 5 bus connects Westmount to campus in about 15 to 20 minutes, and driving takes around five. Victoria Park and the Victoria Hills Community Centre are nearby. Estimated commute: 15 to 25 minutes.

University Downs

Despite its name, University Downs is further from campus than the other Waterloo neighbourhoods on this list, but it makes up for it with a strong community feel and a mix of housing types, including older bungalows, semi-detached homes, and apartment buildings. The 29 and 202 bus routes connect the area to campus, and driving takes about ten minutes. The neighbourhood is well suited to mature students and those with families, with good schools and community events nearby. Estimated commute: 25 to 35 minutes.

Downtown Kitchener

For students who want a more urban environment, Downtown Kitchener offers a dense mix of apartments and condos alongside a thriving food, arts, and nightlife scene. The ION light rail connects directly to UW, making the commute straightforward despite the distance. Driving takes ten to 15 minutes. Rents in Downtown Kitchener are generally competitive and often lower than in Waterloo's closest-to-campus neighbourhoods. Estimated commute: 20 to 30 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

UW students who have not yet arrived in Waterloo 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 Waterloo and Kitchener

Rental scams are common in student-heavy markets. 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 Waterloo

liv.rent lists verified rentals across Waterloo and Kitchener. Use the map view and filters to find verified listings near the UW campus.