Whether you go to Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus, the University of Ottawa or Carleton University, it’s important for those studying in Ottawa to find adequate living situations in order be able to fully focus on their studies.
In this article, I’ll be discussing the 5 gold-standard neighbourhoods for student housing in Ottawa – neighbourhoods that are safe, affordable, and in close proximity to everything a student values. From west to east and everywhere in between, here are 5 great student housing neighbourhoods in the nation’s capital!
5 Best Neighbourhoods for Student Housing in Ottawa
Sandy Hill
The obvious choice for uOttawa, Sandy Hill is the community that encompasses the entirety of the university’s campus. In Sandy Hill, there is an abundance of student housing opportunities. From independently owned rooming houses to large multi-unit apartment buildings to on-campus dorms owned by the university, Sandy Hill offers housing situations for every type of student at uOttawa.
When it comes to student housing in Ottawa, there is perhaps no neighbourhood that is more “happening” than Sandy Hill. Just a short walk from the lively Byward Market and the Rideau Shopping Centre, Sandy Hill proves itself a top community for students who enjoy Ottawa’s busy nightlife scene.
Though some apartments here are expensive compared to other neighbourhoods, there are many opportunities to rent a bedroom for cheap in Sandy Hill. I even know some students of Carleton who live in Sandy Hill, which is enabled by the ease of transportation in the neighbourhood.
Old Ottawa South
A gorgeous neighbourhood situated between the Glebe and Billings Bridge, Old Ottawa South is one of the better communities for student housing in Ottawa, especially for those studying at Carleton who don’t want to live directly on campus. Though pricing can be on the high side in Old Ottawa South, you get what you pay for – the rooming houses are often beautiful old homes.
Another advantage in Old Ottawa South is the perfect location for those of any lifestyle. For those who live low-key lifestyles, the neighbourhood itself is quiet. Still, if you prefer a more bustling way of life, you’re just a short walk from Lansdowne and the Glebe, which are great shopping districts that always have something going on.
City View/Crestview
These two neighbouring communities are as good as it gets for student housing in Ottawa at the city’s Algonquin College campus, providing the college’s students with a quiet and affordable place to live. Here, being between an abundance of shopping spots on Centrepointe drive and Merivale road, students can enjoy everything they need in their day-to-day lives within walking distance.
While these neighbourhoods aren’t recommended for uOttawa or Carleton students, as they’re well away from downtown Ottawa, they are a prime spot for any of the many students who attend Algonquin here in the nation’s capital.
Vanier South
This neighbourhood provides one of the most affordable communities for those on a budget seeking student housing in Ottawa. Situated east of the Rideau River in north Ottawa, Vanier South is a little far from both uOttawa and Carleton, but it’s a great neighbourhood for those who will own cars in the city. It’s also just a ~10 minute bike ride from uOttawa.
Situated near the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, there are so many stores near Vanier South for students who like the environment of Ottawa’s bustling shopping districts. St. Laurent also has an O-Train station, meaning that those in Vanier South without cars aren’t too far from the O-Train.
Though Vanier has some struggles with crime rates, it’s very affordably priced, and still relatively safe compared to most other major cities in Canada. For those on a budget looking for student housing in Ottawa, Vanier South is not a bad option by any means.
The Glebe
Our last entry on this list is one close enough to both uOttawa and Carleton that it’s just a medium length walk (30-40 mins) or short bike ride (10 mins) from both. The Glebe is, itself, a lively shopping district, so it provides a perfect spot for those who come to Ottawa for the “big-city” vibe as a choice for living.
For such a gorgeous and historic neighbourhood, the Glebe is incredibly affordably priced, safe, and well-off compared to most of downtown Ottawa by just about every metric. Here, you’re reasonably close to all of Ottawa’s most attractive features like Parliament Hill, but just far enough that the noise doesn’t get overwhelming. Overall, this community is one of the best there is for student housing in Ottawa.
