Montreal Housing Guide for Exchange Students
You’re going to Montreal. 🥶🧣🔥 That probably feels exciting, and also… slightly terrifying when you think about housing.
Don’t worry. We’ve talked with a lot of exchange students who’ve already lived it, freezing walks to 8 a.m. classes, insane house parties on the Plateau, midnight poutine at La Banquise, questionable roommates, dreamy chalets with hot tubs… the whole thing.
This guide is everything we wish someone had handed us before we started hunting.
1. Big picture: how housing works in Montreal
Before we dive into “Plateau vs Downtown?” or “Palay vs Yuliv?”, it helps to understand how the city and the market work.
1.1 What Montreal actually feels like (for students)
- Very student-heavy city – McGill, HEC, Concordia, Polytechnique, UdeM, UQAM, ETS… you’re surrounded by students.
- Very safe overall – Montreal’s crime index is low by international standards and lower than many big North American cities.([Numbeo][1]) You’ll see homeless people and some drug use in certain areas, but most students report feeling safe even at 2–3 a.m. downtown.
- Two official languages, one very chill vibe – You can live in English in many areas (especially around McGill & Concordia), but knowing a bit of French helps with shops, landlords, and the bus driver.
“Montréal is a city where you generally feel safe. I wasn’t scared to walk home alone at 3 a.m.” (Romain, HEC)
1.2 Seasons that actually change your housing decisions
Montreal is extreme with weather:
- September–October: “Indian summer” (warm, beautiful parks, BIXI bikes everywhere, festivals, Picnik Électronik.)
- November–March: real winter. Think –10°C to –30°C, snow, ice, and short days.
- April–May: transition, can be snow or 20°C.
- Summer (if you stay): hot, humid, full of festivals.
Because winter is so intense, your two biggest housing questions are:
- How far am I from uni on a freezing February morning?
- Will I actually leave the house if I live far away?
A lot of students ended up very happy because they lived close to campus or the metro. Others saved money by living far… and then hated the commute.
“I wouldn’t recommend living far from the metro, it delayed everything.” (Paul, lived in Saint-Michel) “When winter arrives… be as close as possible to your uni.” (Faustine, McGill)
1.3 Leases & “Moving Day”
Some key facts about Montreal leases:
Most standard leases are 12 months, not 4–5 months. Quebec has a strong tradition of year-long leases starting around July 1 (“Moving Day”).([Wikipedia][2])
On July 1, the whole city moves. It’s chaotic but also the moment when tons of apartments change tenants.
As an exchange student, you’ll often:
- Sublet from someone who signed a 12-month lease but is away.
- Or rent in student residences / coliving that accept one semester.
HEC and other universities explicitly say that finding housing for just 4–5 months can be challenging, especially if you’re picky about area and budget.([hec.ca][3])
So the earlier you start looking (2–3 months before arrival, minimum), the better.
1.4 How “3½, 4½” apartments work
Montreal uses a funny system:
- 1½ = studio (one main room + bathroom)
- 3½ = 1 bedroom + living room + kitchen + bathroom
- 4½ = 2 bedrooms + living room + kitchen + bathroom
You’ll see this everywhere on listings. HEC’s own housing guide breaks down these notations and other local terms.([hec.ca][4])
1.5 What rent looks like (roughly)
Official stats and rental platforms show something like this:
- Average 1-bedroom in Montreal: around 1,200–1,800 CAD/month, depending on neighbourhood and building type.([centris.ca][5])
- 2-bedroom: ~1,500–2,200 CAD/month overall; more in central/modern buildings.([centris.ca][5])
- Central boroughs like Ville-Marie (Downtown) are among the most expensive; some areas further out are significantly cheaper.([Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses][6])
From exchange students:
- ~500–700 € / month (≈ 750–1,050 CAD) in shared flats a bit outside or with compromises (far from metro, older building, random roommates).
- 700–900 € / month for a good room in a shared apartment in the Plateau / Mile-End / Milton-Parc / Côte-des-Neiges.
- 900–1,200+ € for a room in a very central, modern private residence (Palay, Campus1 MTL, etc.) or a high-end agency place.
We’ll give you concrete examples later.
1.6 What landlords can legally ask for (super important)
Quebec is very protective of tenants:
- Landlords cannot legally require a security deposit or “last month’s rent”, they’re only allowed to ask for (part of) the first month’s rent in advance.([Éducaloi][7])
- Asking for additional “key deposits”, “damage deposits”, etc. is considered illegal even if it’s hidden in the lease.
- If you feel something is off, the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) is the official body that handles rental disputes and explains tenant rights clearly.([quebec.ca][8])
If a landlord insists on multiple months of rent up front or a “deposit”, treat it as a big red flag.
2. Getting around: metro, BIXI & why the blue line matters
Where you live is deeply linked to how you’ll move around.
2.1 Public transport (STM + OPUS)
- Montreal’s metro + bus network is called the STM.
- A regular All Modes A monthly pass is around 100–105 CAD, and with a student OPUS card the price drops to around 60–63 CAD per month.([Société de transport de Montréal][9])
Students repeatedly say the monthly pass is worth it if you’re using the metro/bus several times a week.
The blue line is especially important:
- It serves HEC Montréal, Université de Montréal, Polytechnique (stations: Université-de-Montréal, Côte-des-Neiges, Édouard-Montpetit).
- Living near a blue-line station makes life way easier if you’re at those schools.
“If your budget is low, take a map of the metro and choose a place near the blue line where HEC is.” (Paul, HEC)
2.2 BIXI bikes
Montreal’s bikeshare, BIXI, is a game-changer in good weather:
- Monthly memberships cost about 23 CAD and give you unlimited short trips, with discounts for some universities.([BIXI Montréal][10])
Students love BIXI from April to October, then switch to metro/bus once snow hits.
“Take a monthly BIXI membership, to have a bike here!” (Eloïse, McGill) “Bixi in summer + OPUS in winter is perfect.” (many, many students)
3. Neighbourhoods: where should you actually live?
Let’s decode Montreal’s main areas from an exchange-student point of view, combining what locals say with what previous students actually lived.
3.1 Quick overview table
| Neighbourhood | Perfect if you want… | Watch out for… |
|---|---|---|
| Plateau Mont-Royal | Bars, cafés, French vibe, tons of students, lots of other exchange students. | Higher prices, loads of French people, 20–30 min to some campuses. |
| Mile-End / Mile-Ex / Petite Italie | Hipster cafés, calmer than the Plateau, cool food scene. | Slightly longer commute to some unis, can still be pricey. |
| Milton-Parc / “McGill Ghetto” | 5–15 min walk to McGill, student bubble, parties. | Noisy, old houses, mostly students, not “authentic Montreal”. |
| Downtown / Ville-Marie / Shaughnessy Village | Super central, walk to McGill & Concordia, close to everything, many residences. | More expensive, more traffic & noise. |
| Côte-des-Neiges & Outremont | Walking distance to HEC, Poly, UdeM; residential, calm. | Less nightlife right at your door; you’ll go downtown/Plateau to go out. |
| Griffintown | Modern condos, close to downtown & ETS. | Can be more “young professionals” than students; higher rents. |
| Vieux-Montréal (Old Port) | Beautiful historic area, touristy vibes, cute streets. | Tourist prices, less student housing, can be noisy in season. |
| Further out (Saint-Michel, Montréal-Nord, etc.) | Cheapest rents. | Longer commutes, less safe in some areas, weaker social life. |
Now let’s go through the ones that matter most.
3.2 Plateau Mont-Royal: the French-student magnet
If you ask French exchange students where they lived, so many will say “the Plateau”.
What it’s like:
- Charming streets with colourful row houses and exterior staircases.
- Bars and restaurants on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Avenue Mont-Royal, Rue Saint-Denis.
- Feels like a little European bubble: bakeries, wine bars, thrift stores, yoga studios, parks like Parc La Fontaine.
Students say things like:
“The Plateau-Mont-Royal is the best neighbourhood for French exchange students.” (Anne-Sophie, HEC) “I loved the Plateau and Mile-End… Downtown is less cute, more offices.” (Ombeline, McGill) “Lots of French people on the Plateau, almost only students.” (Dany, UQAM)
Pros:
- Super social. Easy to meet other students through roommates, neighbours, house parties.
- Many lived 10–25 min by metro/bike from McGill, HEC, UQAM, Concordia.
- Good mix of nightlife and day-life (cafés, parks, etc.).
Cons:
- It’s not cheap anymore, it’s one of the city’s most popular areas.([Tourisme Montréal][11])
- If you’re at HEC/Poly/UdeM, it can be 30–40 min door-to-door (bus + metro) like Gaëlle experienced.
- It’s very French; if you want to avoid being in a 100% French bubble, you may prefer another area.
Good fit if: You want a classic “Montreal exchange” with lots of social life, don’t mind commuting a bit, and your budget is mid-range.
3.3 Mile-End / Mile-Ex / Petite Italie: artsy & local
Just north of the Plateau:
- Mile-End is all about coffee shops, bagels (St-Viateur, Fairmount), vintage stores, creative studios.
- Petite Italie / Mile-Ex has markets (Marché Jean-Talon), restaurants, a more local vibe.
Students often describe these as slightly calmer than the Plateau but still full of life.
“The neighbourhood Mile-End was great, very nice vibe, and 20 min bus to uni.” (several HEC/McGill students)
Pros:
- Less touristy than downtown, a bit less crazy than certain Plateau streets.
- Great food, especially if you love Italian, cafés, markets.
- Still reasonable commutes for many universities.
Cons:
- Availability varies; you’ll rely heavily on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, PadMapper to find places here.([padmapper.com][12])
Good fit if: You want a neighbourhood that feels “real Montreal”, you like good coffee and food, and don’t mind a 20–30 min commute.
3.4 Milton-Parc / “McGill Ghetto”: right next to McGill
Just uphill from downtown, next to the McGill campus:
- Old stone houses, often divided into multiple student apartments.
- Known as the “McGill Ghetto” because it’s packed with McGill students.
“I lived on the Plateau close to McGill, 15 min walking, best area, close to everything.” (Cécile, McGill) “Being 10 min from McGill and 10 min from Saint-Laurent was perfect.” (Nicolas, McGill (Campus1 MTL area))
Pros:
- Walk to McGill in 5–15 min. When it’s –25°C, this is priceless.
- Tons of other students, house parties, easy to meet people.
- Close to downtown, pubs, Saint-Laurent, and Mount Royal Park.
Cons:
- Can be noisy, messy, and old.
- Not the cheapest, given the location and demand.
- It’s almost too student-bubble; you may see fewer locals.
Good fit if: You’re at McGill and want minimum commute, maximum student life, and you’re okay with living in a student zoo.
3.5 Downtown / Ville-Marie / Shaughnessy Village
This is the core city centre: Rue Sainte-Catherine, malls, office towers, Concordia campus, and many private student residences (Palay, La MARQ, Campus1 MTL, EVO, Parc Cité, Chelsea House, etc.).([themarq.ca][13])
Students here say:
“Palay is really well located, 2 min from McGill and in downtown, with gym, study room, laundry.” (Faustine, McGill) “Campus1 MTL is super well placed… 10 min McGill, 10 min Boulevard Saint-Laurent, 15 min Old Port.” (Nicolas, McGill) “Parc Cité was very central; I did everything on foot. But it wasn’t very social.” (Justin, ESG UQAM)
Pros:
- Location, location, location. Walk to McGill & Concordia, and easy metro to UQAM & ETS.
- Many buildings have gym, study rooms, security, furnished rooms, reception.
- Great if you don’t want to deal with furniture or utilities.
Cons:
- Often more expensive for the size you get.
- Social vibe varies a LOT between buildings (some are super social, others feel like a hotel).
- Can feel a bit “anonymous” and office-y compared to the Plateau.
Good fit if: You value convenience, services, and safety, and you’re okay paying a bit more / getting a bit less space.
3.6 Côte-des-Neiges & Outremont: for HEC, Poly, UdeM
These neighbourhoods climb the hill above downtown. They’re residential, diverse, and perfectly placed for campuses on the northern slope.
HEC Montréal even has its Darlington residence in Côte-des-Neiges, specifically for international and out-of-town students.([hec.ca][14])
Students say:
“If you’re at HEC it’s better to live near Côte-des-Neiges, Université-de-Montréal or Outremont station.” (Gaëlle, HEC) “I lived in Côte-des-Neiges, 20 min from poly. It was nice, but I could probably have found better value.” (Jakob, Poly)
Pros:
- Walk or one short bus ride to HEC, Polytechnique, Université de Montréal.
- Safer, quieter, more residential than some downtown corners.
- Blue-line metro nearby, which links you to the rest of the city.
Cons:
- Nightlife around you is more low-key; you’ll go elsewhere to party.
- Some streets are steep and can be icy in winter (good boots mandatory).
Good fit if: You’re at HEC/Poly/UdeM and don’t want to waste time commuting or freezing on long walks.
3.7 Griffintown & ETS area
Griffintown is a redeveloped former industrial area just south of downtown:
- Lots of modern condos and apartments.
- Close to ÉTS and not far from downtown & Old Port.
ÉTS has large residences right in the area and describes them as a vibrant community close to campus and city amenities.([ÉTS Montréal][15])
“From Griffintown you’re close to everything, but it feels a bit more grown-up than the Plateau.” (ETS students)
Good fit if: You’re at ETS or Concordia and want modern buildings rather than old walk-ups.
3.8 Areas to think carefully about
Students mention a few areas with caution:
- Saint-Michel / far north: Cheaper, but one student there had a semi-basement apartment far from the metro and didn’t recommend it unless budget is very tight.
- Berri-UQAM surroundings: Convenient for UQAM and transport, but several students and local guides say it can feel rougher at night; some prefer to live a bit away and commute.([Résidences universitaires][16])
- Montréal-Nord: Mentioned by locals and students as more disadvantaged and not ideal for newcomers if you don’t know the city.([Tripadvisor][17])
You can live almost anywhere safely if you’re careful, but if this is your first time in Montreal and you’re only here 4–5 months, it usually makes sense to stay in the “classic” student belts rather than the outer districts.
4. Housing types: what are your real options?
You basically choose between:
- University residences
- Private student residences / coliving brands
- Classic shared apartments
- Medium-term Airbnb / sublets
Let’s break them down.
4.1 University residences
Most universities have official residences:
- McGill: traditional dorms and apartment-style options like Solin Hall (a renovated former chocolate factory) and others, with strong community life for undergrads.([McGill University][18])
- HEC Montréal: Darlington residence in Côte-des-Neiges offers rooms specifically for international and out-of-town students.([hec.ca][14])
- UQAM: residences right on or near campus, with rooms and apartments for 2–8 people, plus a housing bank.([Résidences universitaires][16])
- ÉTS: large residence complex in Griffintown for ~1,100 students.([ÉTS Montréal][15])
Pros:
- Close or on campus.
- Usually furnished, often with study rooms, laundry, sometimes gyms.
- Simple admin: clear leases, no weird landlord stories.
Cons (based on students):
- Limited spots, many residences prioritize degree-seeking students, not all exchange programs.
- Social vibe can vary a lot (some feel like a hotel, some are super active).
- Sometimes little flexibility for just one semester.
Who this suits: If you want something relatively safe & simple and don’t want to manage furniture or deal with landlords, this is a strong first option, especially if your uni explicitly offers exchange places.
4.2 Private student residences & coliving brands
These are private companies, not universities, but they target students and internationals. Some names you’ll see a lot:
- Palay – Condo-style building very close to McGill with gym, study rooms, laundry, etc. Several students loved it for the location and amenities, though some found it a bit expensive and noisy.
- Campus1 MTL – Huge residence across from McGill, with meals, gym, study areas, etc. Very central and social, but pricey.([Chelsea House][19])
- La MARQ / The MARQ – Student residences close to downtown universities (Concordia, McGill), with shared apartments and services.([themarq.ca][13])
- Parc Cité – Residence close to McGill/UQAM; students liked the location and private bathrooms but found the social life limited.
- Chelsea House – Popular modern residence ~10 min from McGill, strongly marketed to internationals; very social, but on the pricier side.([parccite.com][20])
- Evo, Yuliv, GetYourPlace, Harrington Housing, Lameer, etc. – mix of agencies and building operators offering furnished apartments or rooms with varying vibes and prices.([Yuliv.ca][21])
From students:
“Palay is really good, especially the location and the services.” (Faustine, McGill) “Campus1 MTL is great if you have no roommate options; location is perfect.” (Nicolas, McGill) “Parc Cité: good room and location, but not very social, most people stayed in their bubble.” (Justin, ESG UQAM) “Chelsea House is 10 min from McGill with gym, lounge and student events, perfect to make friends from day one.” (Romain, HEC)
One student reported a really bad experience with an apartment booked via Harrington/Coliving: very expensive, in terrible condition. That doesn’t mean every unit from those companies is bad, but it’s a reminder to check reviews, ask for recent photos/videos, and if possible talk to past tenants before signing.
Pros
- Furnished, ready-to-go, with Wi-Fi, utilities, often cleaning.
- Super central, easy for McGill/Concordia/UQAM/ETS.
- Good if you’re arriving alone and want structure.
Cons
- Usually more expensive than a classic shared apartment for the same size.
- Social life can be very hit-or-miss depending on the building.
Who this suits: If you value convenience + location and can afford a bit more, or you’re booking fairly late and need something guaranteed, this is a good category.
4.3 Classic shared apartments (“coloc”)
The classic: you and 2–5 other students in a flat, sharing kitchen and living room, each with your own bedroom.
Most students in the feedback ended up here:
500–800 €/month for a room in a shared flat, depending on area and comfort.
Found via:
- Facebook Marketplace / Facebook groups (e.g. “Logement à Montréal”, “Montreal Student Housing”, “Français à Montréal”).([Facebook][22])
- Kijiji, PadMapper, Zumper, Rentals.ca, liv.rent, and similar platforms.([padmapper.com][12])
Students say:
“Shared apartment on the Plateau from Facebook Marketplace, I totally recommend it.” (Colin, McGill) “I shared with 5 people on the Plateau found via Facebook and Lameer, super social and central.” (Dany, UQAM) “Living in a flatshare with other exchange students made integration so much easier.” (many HEC/McGill students)
Pros
- Best price / space / social life ratio.
- You choose your roommates, or join an existing group.
- You really live like locals: grocery runs, shared cooking, house parties.
Cons
- More admin: lease, utilities, sometimes buying furniture.
- Quality varies: you can find gorgeous renovated flats and absolute disasters.
- You need to be okay with living closely with others.
Who this suits: Honestly, most exchange students. If you’re even slightly open to shared living, this is where the “classic good exchange memories” tend to happen.
4.4 Medium-term Airbnb & sublets
Some students choose:
- Long-term Airbnb, especially if booking late or for just one semester.
- Subletting from a local who is gone for a term (via Facebook, friends, or uni housing banks).
Pros:
- Very easy to secure something before arrival.
- Often fully furnished, with utilities included.
Cons:
- Airbnb can be more expensive than a normal lease.
- Sublets can be informal, always get something in writing and be sure the original tenant is allowed to sublet (Quebec law allows subletting but the landlord must be notified).([Éducaloi][23])
Who this suits: If you’re only staying 1 semester, arriving late, or want zero furniture hassle.
5. Where to live by university (very practical)
Let’s do the version most people really want:
“I’m at X. Where do people like me usually live, and where should I look first?”
5.1 If you’re going to McGill
Great areas:
- Milton-Parc / McGill Ghetto / Downtown around McGill Walkable, full of students, tons of cafés/bars. Great if you’re in Palay, Campus1 MTL, La MARQ, McGill residences, or a classic flat in the area.
- Plateau (near Saint-Laurent / Prince-Arthur / Parc La Fontaine) More “neighbourhood” vibe, about 20–25 min walk or 10–15 min by metro/BIXI.
What actual students did:
- Lived at Palay: 4-person flat, 2 bathrooms, gym, laundry, 2–5 min from campus, very happy.
- Lived at Campus1 MTL: loved the amenities & proximity, found it expensive but super convenient.
- Lived on Boulevard Saint-Laurent via Yuliv: 5 French roommates, lots of parties, 20–25 min walk to campus.
- Lived on the Plateau in classic colocs via Facebook / Marketplace / GetYourPlace.
Our default suggestion for McGill exchange students:
- Short stay (1 semester), arriving alone, want maximum simplicity → Look at Palay, Campus1 MTL, La MARQ, Chelsea House, McGill residences.
- Full year / ok with a bit more effort / want social flatshare → Aim for Milton-Parc or Plateau and find a shared apartment on Facebook / PadMapper / Yuliv / GetYourPlace.
5.2 If you’re going to HEC Montréal
HEC is not downtown. It’s further north, around Côte-des-Neiges on the blue metro line.([hec.ca][3])
Students who loved their housing:
- Lived in Côte-des-Neiges / Outremont / near Université-de-Montréal station.
- Had 15–20 min commutes, sometimes walking, sometimes metro/bus.
Students who weren’t thrilled:
- Lived near the Plateau with 30–40 min commutes and late buses.
- Lived far north (Saint-Michel) in a cheap semi-basement far from the metro.
“Better to live near HEC (Côte-des-Neiges, Université-de-Montréal, Outremont). I recommend visiting the flat and going with people you know.” (Gaëlle) “For HEC, pick a place near a blue line station; Saint-Michel was too far and not worth it.” (Paul)
Good options:
- HEC Darlington residence in Côte-des-Neiges.([hec.ca][14])
- Shared apartments in Côte-des-Neiges / Outremont / Parc-Extension via Facebook, Kijiji, GetYourPlace, Yuliv.
- If you care more about nightlife and are okay commuting: Plateau.
Our default suggestion for HEC:
- Want easy winters + chill commute → Côté-des-Neiges / Outremont area.
- Want nightlife first, commute second → Plateau, but be mentally ready for the bus+metro combos.
5.3 If you’re going to Polytechnique or Université de Montréal
Same logic as HEC:
- Your campus is literally on/around the blue line.
- Students loved living in Côte-des-Neiges, Outremont, Parc-Extension, or near Université-de-Montréal station.
“Transport by BIXI or STM is easy. A little French is needed for shops & restaurants.” (Jakob, Poly)
Our default suggestion: Look for shared apartments near Côte-des-Neiges / Outremont / UdeM first, then consider Plateau if you’re okay with a commute.
5.4 If you’re going to Concordia (downtown campus)
Concordia’s main campus (Sir George Williams) is on Guy-Concordia station, in Shaughnessy Village / Downtown.
Students there:
- Lived in La MARQ, Parc Cité, The MARQ or similar residences, very central, 10–15 min walk to class.
- Or lived on the Plateau or Old Port, commuting by metro.
Concordia itself describes downtown as lively and encourages students to consider both private residences and shared apartments.([concordia.ca][24])
Our default suggestion for Concordia:
- Want to roll out of bed to class → Shaughnessy Village / Sainte-Catherine area (residences + apartments).
- Want a more neighbourhood feel → Plateau / Mile-End, with 20–30 min commute.
5.5 If you’re going to UQAM
UQAM straddles the Quartier Latin / Quartier des Spectacles, near Berri-UQAM and Place-des-Arts stations.([Résidences universitaires][16])
Good choices:
- UQAM residences right by campus or in the Quartier des Spectacles area.
- Shared apartments in Quartier des Spectacles, Plateau, or Downtown.
Students in Parc Cité or central apartments generally appreciated being able to walk both to UQAM and to nightlife.
Berri-UQAM area can feel gritty; many students prefer to live slightly west/north (Plateau, Quartier des Spectacles) and just commute through Berri-UQAM for transit.
5.6 If you’re going to ÉTS
ÉTS is in Griffintown, just below downtown.
ÉTS residences in Griffintown are an obvious first choice; they’re designed for students and very close to campus.([ÉTS Montréal][15])
Students also choose:
- Griffintown condos (more young-professional vibe).
- Shared apartments in Downtown or Saint-Henri, commuting by bus/metro.
Our default suggestion: Choose Griffintown / ÉTS residences first, then expand to nearby downtown / Saint-Henri if you want a different vibe.
6. How to actually find a place (step-by-step)
Let’s go practical.
Step 1 – Fix your non-negotiables
Ask yourself:
Max budget per month (be honest, including utilities).
How long you’re staying (1 semester or full year?).
Commute max time (25 min? 40 min?).
How important are:
- Having roommates?
- Being very central to nightlife?
- Having your own bathroom?
- Living with locals vs other internationals?
Write it down. It will stop you from panicking and saying yes to something terrible just because it’s the first one.
Step 2 – Use previous students (including on Studcasa)
The fastest way to find good housing in Montreal is to talk to students who were there last semester:
- Many of them will be leaving exactly when you arrive.
- That means furnished rooms, trusted landlords, and pre-tested neighbourhoods.
On Studcasa, you can message students directly who:
- Went to your university.
- Lived in the neighbourhood or residence you’re considering.
- Sometimes even want to hand over their lease.
2–3 short messages can save you dozens of hours of random searching.
Step 3 – Browse housing channels (with eyes open)
Main online places that students genuinely use:
- Facebook Marketplace & groups: “Logement à Montréal”, “Montreal Student Housing”, “International Students Housing Montreal”, “Français à Montréal”, etc.([Facebook][22])
- Listings sites: Kijiji, PadMapper, Zumper, Rentals.ca, liv.rent, widely used across Canada for rentals, including Montreal.([padmapper.com][12])
- Private residences / agencies: Palay, Campus1 MTL, La MARQ, Evo, Parc Cité, Chelsea House, Yuliv, GetYourPlace, Lameer, Harrington Housing, etc.([Chelsea House][19])
- University housing banks / residence pages: Check the housing sections on McGill, HEC, UQAM, Concordia, UdeM, ETS websites for official residences and off-campus tips.([hec.ca][4])
Watch out for scams
The same patterns appear again and again:
- Listing looks too perfect: beautiful modern flat, very low price, insanely good location.
- Landlord says they’re abroad and can’t show the place, offers a “virtual tour” only, asks for a big deposit now.
- They push you to pay via bank transfer, crypto, or gift cards.
Canadian authorities warn that many scam ads are posted on Kijiji, Craigslist, and Facebook, often using stolen photos from Airbnb or real sale listings.([Canada][25])
Golden rules:
- Never send money before video-calling with the owner/tenant, seeing the actual place (or at least detailed live video), and having a written lease or sublet agreement.
- Remember: in Quebec, a landlord can’t legally require a deposit beyond first month’s rent, so anyone insisting on multiple months upfront is suspicious.([Éducaloi][7])
Step 4 – Visit smartly (or “visit” remotely)
If you’re already in Montreal:
Visit during daylight and walk the surrounding streets.
Time your door-to-door commute to campus (or use Google Maps carefully).
Check:
- Windows & insulation (drafts? single-glazed?).
- Heating (is it included in rent? central? electric?).
- Noise (thin walls? bar downstairs?).
If you’re still abroad:
- Ask for a video tour (live, not just a canned video).
- Ask a local friend / another student to visit if possible.
- Don’t be shy: ask to see inside cupboards, bathroom, windows, view from the street.
Step 5 – Signing the lease (or sublease)
When you’re ready:
✅ Make sure you have:
Written contract (lease or sublet agreement).
Name of landlord / agency and full address of the apartment.
Clear description of:
- Rent amount and what’s included (heating, electricity, Wi-Fi, furniture).
- Lease duration.
- Notice period and conditions of ending early.
Move-in and move-out dates (be extra clear if you arrive mid-semester).
Remember:
- The TAL explains your rights and obligations; leases are well codified in Quebec law.([quebec.ca][8])
- It’s normal for landlords to ask for proof of income or guarantor; as a foreign student with no credit history you may need to show admission letter, scholarship, or parental support.([tal.gouv.qc.ca][26])
7. Money: what does a month in Montreal cost?
This will vary depending on how often you go out, travel, etc., but here’s a rough monthly budget for an exchange student:
- Rent (shared flat): 750–1,000 CAD
- Transport (student OPUS + some BIXI): ~60 CAD (OPUS) + 23 CAD (BIXI in season)([Société de transport de Montréal][9])
- Groceries: 250–350 CAD (cheapest at Maxi, Super C, or PA, many students mention these as their go-to supermarkets).([Tourisme Montréal][11])
- Phone plan: 30–50 CAD
- Going out / eating out: 150–400 CAD depending on your style
- Misc (clothes, trips, etc.): very variable
So you’re looking at something like 1,200–1,800 CAD/month as a typical student range, excluding big travel.
Remember that in Quebec:
- Taxes and tips are added on top of restaurant bills: 15% tip is standard, on top of ~15% tax. Students repeatedly say they underestimated this at first.
8. Winter & your apartment (how not to freeze or go crazy)
Housing and winter are deeply linked. Some lessons from previous students:
8.1 Distance matters more when it’s –20°C
Many students said:
- “I’m so glad I was 5–10 min from campus.”
- Or: “I regret living far from the metro, it killed my motivation.”
If you’re coming for Fall / full year, strongly consider:
- Under 20 min door-to-door commute.
- Or at least very close to a metro station so you’re not walking long distances on ice.
8.2 Invest in the right gear, not in heating
In Montreal:
- Buildings and the metro are well heated, sometimes too much.
- The real battle is outside + slush on the ground.
So budget for:
- Proper winter boots (waterproof, good grip).
- A long, warm coat.
- Gloves, hat, scarf, warm socks.
- Lip balm & moisturizer, the air is very dry.
“We freeze our asses off in winter; you really need good clothes. But life absolutely doesn’t stop.” (Faustine, McGill) “It’s very cold, but the city is made for it and everything’s heated.” (many HEC students)
9. Example housing “profiles” (to help you choose)
Sometimes it’s easier to think in scenarios.
Profile A – “I want maximum social life and minimal admin”
Budget: 900–1,300 €/month
Uni: McGill or Concordia
We’d recommend:
- A private student residence in downtown: Palay, Campus1 MTL, La MARQ, Evo, Chelsea House.
- Or a McGill / Concordia residence if you get a spot.
Why:
- Walk to class, all-inclusive, easy to meet people in your building.
- You can focus your energy on trips, parties, and campus life.
Profile B – “I’m on a tighter budget but I still want a good vibe”
Budget: 600–850 €/month
Uni: Any
We’d recommend:
- A shared apartment on the Plateau / Mile-End / Côte-des-Neiges found via Facebook + PadMapper + Kijiji.
- Choose roommates carefully (other exchange students or locals).
Why:
- Great price/quality/social combo.
- You live “like a real Montréaler”, not in a bubble.
Profile C – “I’m at HEC/Poly/UdeM and I care about short commutes”
Budget: 600–1,000 €/month
We’d recommend:
- HEC Darlington Residence if available.
- Shared flat in Côte-des-Neiges / Outremont / Parc-Extension, close to blue-line stations.
Why:
- You’re close to campus in winter.
- Still easy to go to the Plateau / Downtown to go out.
Profile D – “I’m anxious about housing and want something guaranteed”
Budget: more flexible
We’d recommend:
- University residence (McGill, UQAM, HEC, ETS, UdeM) or a well-reviewed private residence.
Use Studcasa + uni Facebook groups to:
- Find photos and real opinions.
- Maybe find someone currently living there to answer your questions honestly.
10. Final checklists
Before you book anything
- Decide your max rent.
- Decide your ideal neighbourhoods (1st choice, 2nd choice).
- Message 2–3 past students (via Studcasa or uni groups).
- Check commute time from the address to your campus.
- Verify the housing type (residence, classic flat, sublet, etc.).
Before you sign a lease / contract
- Get a written contract (lease or sublease) with dates and address.
- Check which utilities are included (heating, hot water, electricity, Wi-Fi).
- Confirm what furniture is included (bed, mattress, desk, appliances).
- Make sure the landlord is not asking for illegal deposits.
- Take screenshots / save the listing and any promises made.
When you arrive
- Take photos & videos of the apartment on day 1 (for any future dispute).
- Note down any issues and email the landlord right away.
- Get your OPUS card and (if in season) BIXI membership.
- Go to 2–3 events or nights out in the first week, this is when most friendships start.
- Don’t hesitate to host a small pre-drink or dinner to bond with roommates and neighbours.
11. One last word from the Studcasa team
Housing in Montreal can feel stressful from far away:
- It’s far.
- It’s in another language.
- Everyone tells you “start early”.
- Websites show either palaces for 3,000 CAD or sketchy basements.
Here’s the reality:
Every semester, hundreds of exchange students successfully find good housing.
The ones who are happiest almost always:
- Talked to previous students.
- Were active in their exchange group.
- Chose a neighbourhood that matched their real priorities (not just the cheapest thing on the internet).
Use this guide as your map. Use Studcasa and your uni communities as your network. And remember: housing is just the base camp, the real magic of Montreal happens once you step out your door.
Made with ❤️ by the Studcasa Team