The reliable housing shortlist for Toronto students is shorter than it appears online, and The Els leads it for University of Toronto Scarborough students, offering individual lease agreements, fully furnished suites, and a five-minute on-foot campus commute.
Toronto’s more than 350,000 post-secondary students compete fiercely for quality housing every academic year. These eight services were ranked based on lease clarity, campus proximity, furnished availability, and resident support so families can quickly compare and make a confident decision.
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What Makes a Reliable Student Housing Service in Toronto?
Strong student housing in Toronto consistently delivers five things:
- Campus proximity: Walking distance to your institution saves daily transit costs and commute time across the full academic year.
- Individual lease agreements: Each resident signs their own lease, eliminating shared-tenancy financial exposure if a roommate defaults.
- Furnished, all-inclusive units: Bundled rent covers utilities, internet, and furnishings, removing the burden of setting up a home in a new country.
- Security and on-site management: 24/7 controlled access and on-site staff protect students living independently for the first time.
- Community and amenities: Organised events and shared spaces reduce isolation and support academic well-being throughout the year.
8 Toronto Student Housing Services at a Glance
| # | Provider | Furnished | Utilities Incl. | Lease Type | Best For |
| 1 | The Els | Yes | Yes | Individual | UTSC / Centennial students |
| 2 | The Quad at York | Yes | Yes | Individual | York / Seneca students |
| 3 | HOEM on Jarvis | Yes | Yes | Individual | TMU / OCAD students |
| 4 | Pearson Housing | Yes | Yes | Co-living room | International arrivals |
| 5 | Neill-Wycik | Partial | Partial | Co-op membership | Budget TMU students |
| 6 | LiwinCo | Yes | Yes | 4-month minimum | Urban co-living students |
| 7 | Harrington Housing | Yes | Varies | Week-to-week | Short-term placements |
| 8 | Campus Co-op | Partial | Included | Co-op membership | Budget UofT students |
The 8 Best Student Housing Services in Toronto for 2026
1. The Els - Best Overall for University of Toronto Scarborough Students in 2026
The Els delivers purpose-built student housing at Ellesmere Road, directly adjacent to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. Students choose from studios, 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom suites, and townhome-style layouts, each on an individual lease covering only the resident’s private bedroom, with shared kitchen and living areas included.
On-site amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, dedicated quiet study lounges, a games room, a rooftop patio with BBQs, and outdoor basketball and pickleball courts. Curated monthly events, including paint nights, pizza parties, and social mixers, build a genuine resident community throughout the year, making The Els one of the few Toronto student housing services that actively reduces first-year isolation.
Pros:
- 5-minute walk to UTSC, eliminating daily transit costs entirely
- Individual leases mean each resident is liable only for their own rent
- Fully furnished suites with all-inclusive billing streamline move-in for international students
- Monthly community events are built into the residence experience year-round
Cons:
- Best suited for UTSC and Centennial College students; less practical for students enrolled at downtown campuses
- Parking is limited and allocated on a first-come basis
Best for: UTSC and Centennial College students who want fully managed, amenity-rich, community-focused housing within walking distance of campus.
Contact:
Address: 3070 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1E 4C2
Phone: 647-723-4546
Email: [email protected]
Website: theels.ca
Instagram: @live.theels
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iyYfyswk2DJLLcdN9
2. The Quad at York
The Quad at York delivers 812 beds of purpose-built student housing at York University’s Keele Campus in North York, managed by Forum Asset Management. Fully furnished suite-style units come with individual leases, 17 on-site commercial businesses, including food vendors, coffee shops, and a barber, and a managed amenity library with e-scooters, gaming consoles, and Dyson vacuum rentals.
The North York location places The Quad 45-plus minutes from UTSC by transit, making it impractical for Scarborough campus students. For York and Seneca students specifically, it is the strongest option on this list.
Pros:
- Individual lease structure; no shared financial liability between residents
- 17 on-site vendors provide food, services, and daily essentials without leaving the building
- Premium managed amenity programming across a large, well-funded campus property
Cons:
- Located in North York, an impractical commute for UTSC or downtown campus students
- Reported to cost approximately 23% more than comparable off-campus York-area apartments
Best for: York University and Seneca College students seeking a premium, campus-adjacent managed residence with a strong commercial amenity base.
Contact:
Address: 95 The Pond Rd, Toronto, ON M3J 0L1
Phone: +1 416-736-7823
Email: info@quadatyork.ca
Website: quadatyork.ca
Instagram: @quadatyork
Facebook: facebook.com/quadatyork
3. HOEM on Jarvis
HOEM on Jarvis operates a private student residence at Jarvis Street, steps from Toronto Metropolitan University and accessible to OCAD University and UofT’s St. George Campus. Suites are fully furnished with individually locked bedrooms, biweekly in-suite housekeeping, and utilities bundled into monthly rent.
The building offers a gym and fitness studio but lacks outdoor sporting facilities or large-scale dedicated study infrastructure.
Pros:
- Downtown location accessible to TMU, OCAD, and UofT St. George
- Biweekly in-suite cleaning and all utilities included in rent
- 24/7 security with a roommate matching service available
Cons:
- No outdoor sporting courts or dedicated quiet study spaces at scale
- Not practical for students enrolled at suburban campuses like UTSC
Best for: TMU, OCAD, and UofT St. George students who want a private, fully managed downtown room with utilities included.
Contact:
Address: 186 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON
Phone: (416) 512-2273 / Toll Free: 1 (844) 497-4636
Email: jarvis@hoem.ca
Website: hoem.ca
Instagram: @hoemonjarvis
4. Pearson Housing
Pearson Housing provides co-living rooms at multiple downtown Toronto addresses, including King Street West, Carlton Street, and Wellesley Street. All-inclusive rent covers water, Wi-Fi, electricity, and heating, and confirmed international bookings are accepted before arrival in Canada.
The shared-room model trades individual privacy for affordability and logistical simplicity at arrival.
Pros:
- All-inclusive pricing simplifies budgeting before touching down in Canada
- No credit report or guarantor required; move in with proof of funds only
- Multiple downtown locations within reach of UofT, TMU, and Toronto Metropolitan University
- Accepts confirmed international bookings ahead of Canadian arrival
Cons:
- Shared room arrangements limit personal privacy
- No dedicated student programming or community amenity spaces
Best for: International students who need a verified, fully inclusive downtown room and plan to transition to private housing after settling in.
Contact:
Address: 100 Wellesley St E, Toronto, ON M4Y 1H5, Canada (multiple locations across Toronto)
Phone: (437) 998-8484
Email: [email protected]
Website: pearsonhousing.com
Facebook: @pearsonhousing
5. Neill-Wycik
Neill-Wycik houses more than 780 post-secondary students at Gerrard Street East, steps from Toronto Metropolitan University. Co-op membership replaces the standard lease, providing community governance and some of the most affordable room rates in central Toronto for qualifying applicants.
An application and approval process means availability is not guaranteed, particularly for late searchers.
Pros:
- Walking distance to TMU, one of Toronto’s major urban institutions
- Among the most affordable room rates in central Toronto, with co-op membership pricing below market for qualifying TMU students
- Co-operative membership creates community ownership and shared accountability
Cons:
- Application and approval required; not available on short notice
- Furnishing levels vary by unit; some residents need to supplement
Best for: Budget-conscious students at TMU or nearby institutions who prefer cooperative governance over a standard commercial lease.
Contact:
Address: 96 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1G7
Phone: (416) 430-6954 / Toll Free: 1800-245-6782
Email: [email protected]
Website: neill-wycik.coop
Instagram: @neillwycik
6. LiwinCo
LiwinCo provides fully furnished co-living rooms across several Toronto neighbourhoods, including the Entertainment District, Fashion District, and Waterfront area. All-inclusive rent covers utilities and internet, and units are available through an online booking portal that accepts international inquiries.
A 4-month minimum rental term limits suitability for students on shorter academic exchanges or semester-only programs.
Pros:
- Wide selection of furnished rooms across desirable downtown Toronto neighbourhoods
- All-inclusive pricing with no separate utility billing required
- Online booking accepts and confirms international applications before arrival
Cons:
- 4-month minimum lease term is not suited to short exchange placements
- No dedicated student community programming or amenity-rich common spaces
Best for: Students and young professionals planning a full semester or longer in Toronto’s downtown core who want furnished, all-inclusive co-living.
Contact:
Address: 197 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 0C1, Canada
Phone: (647) 808-3656
Email: [email protected]
Website: liwinco.com
Instagram: @liwinco_
7. Harrington Housing
Harrington Housing provides furnished student rooms at Toronto Waterfront and Liberty Village with a week-to-week payment option, making it one of the only services on this list suited to mid-term arrivals and co-op placements shorter than four months. Building amenities include fitness centres and concierge service across both locations. Weekly rates typically cover rent and Wi-Fi; electricity and heating terms vary by unit and booking length.
Harrington Housing carries an active BBB complaint file documenting unresolved deposit refunds and maintenance delays. Review it independently before committing.
Pros:
- Week-to-week flexibility suits exchange students and short co-op placements
- Multiple transit-accessible downtown locations with fitness and concierge access
- No minimum multi-month lease commitment required
Cons:
- BBB file records unresolved complaints about deposit returns and maintenance response times
- Week-to-week pricing costs more over a full academic year than monthly lease alternatives
Best for: Exchange or co-op placement students who need furnished, flexible accommodation for between two and twelve weeks.
Contact:
Address: 1 King St W, Suite 4800-224, Toronto, ON M5H 1A1
Phone: +1 888-619-7666
Email: [email protected]
Website: harringtonhousing.com
Facebook: @harringtonhousing
8. Campus Co-op
Campus Co-op operates student-led housing on Huron Street in downtown Toronto, within walking distance of the University of Toronto St. George Campus, OCAD University, and Toronto Metropolitan University. Membership replaces the standard lease, and room rates remain among the most accessible in central Toronto for qualifying students.
Partial furnishing across some units and an application-based entry process reward early planning rather than last-minute searches.
Pros:
- Walking distance to UofT St. George, one of Toronto’s most in-demand campus locations
- Room rates at 395 Huron Street rank among the most accessible in the UofT St. George neighbourhood for co-op members
- Student-governed model creates genuine community ownership and shared responsibility
Cons:
- Application required; no guaranteed immediate availability
- Partial furnishing in some units; students may need to bring or purchase items on arrival
Best for: UofT St. George students seeking community-driven, affordable central Toronto housing with a cooperative governance structure.
Contact:
Address: 395 Huron St, Toronto, ON M5S 2G5
Phone: 416-979-2161
Website: campus.coop
International Students: Special Considerations Guide
International students entering Toronto’s rental market face distinct challenges that domestic renters rarely encounter. This guide covers the essentials before arrival.
A. Finding housing before arriving in Canada
Purpose-built residences like The Els confirm lease terms and accept applications before departure. The UTSC Residences Office and UofT’s Off-Campus Housing portal publish verified listings accessible remotely. Avoid signing any lease for a listing found only on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace without direct landlord verification and a confirmed Ontario lease agreement. [2]
B. Avoiding rental scams targeting international students
Common Toronto schemes include ghost listings (stolen-property photos reposted at suspiciously low rents), false authority scams (individuals collecting deposits on properties they do not own), and artificial-urgency tactics designed to prevent lease review. Never transfer money via e-transfer or wire until you have received and signed a verified Ontario lease.
C. Credit history and guarantors
Ontario landlords cannot legally require a Canadian credit history. A parental guarantor letter, home-country bank statement, or scholarship confirmation letter typically satisfies proof-of-funds requests. Opening a Canadian bank account on arrival strengthens any subsequent applications.
D. Understanding the lease as a foreign national
Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act protects all tenants regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Free lease review is available through legal aid clinics at UTSC, TMU, and York University. Translation support is offered through each institution’s International Student Centre. [3]
E. Homestay as a soft landing
University-approved homestay programmes place students with vetted local families, providing cultural orientation and stable housing simultaneously. Each institution’s international student office screens and approves participating agencies before placement.
F. University international student offices and housing support
UTSC Residences, TMU Housing Services, and York University Student Housing all offer pre-arrival housing guidance, verified listings, and scam-spotting resources at no cost to enrolled students. Contact these offices before searching any third-party platform.
G. SIN numbers, banking, and admin before signing a lease
Canada’s Social Insurance Number is required for employment and is sometimes requested as identification by landlords. Apply immediately upon arrival at a Service Canada location. Opening a Canadian student bank account before lease signing establishes financial credibility with prospective landlords and simplifies rent payments throughout your tenancy. [3]
The Bottom Line
The Els delivers the strongest student housing experience in Toronto for 2026, combining a 5-minute walk to UTSC, individual lease protection, and a premium amenity suite that no other Scarborough-area provider on this list currently matches. For York and Seneca students, The Quad at York is the strongest comparable alternative.
Families and students coordinating from outside Canada will find the safest and most straightforward path through purpose-built providers that accept international applications ahead of arrival. Start at theels.ca before the fall 2026 intake availability closes.
FAQ'S
Toronto student housing ranges from approximately CAD $900/month for a shared co-op room to CAD $2,000/month for a private furnished suite in a purpose-built residence. All-inclusive providers like The Els bundle utilities and internet into one monthly payment, which significantly simplifies budgeting for students and families coordinating from abroad.
On-campus residences fill quickly and suit first-year students well, but purpose-built options like The Els offer larger private suites, individual lease agreements, and amenity sets that campus dormitories rarely match. The right choice depends on your institution, budget, and intended length of stay.
Students targeting September intake should secure housing by February or March at the latest, as Toronto’s rental vacancy rate remains critically low and purpose-built residences confirm leases early in the year. [1]
The Els is the only provider on this list combining a 5-minute walk to UTSC, individual lease protection, curated monthly community events, and a full amenity suite covering fitness, study, gaming, and outdoor spaces in the Scarborough area. No other Scarborough-area provider on this list delivers that combination.
Leasing applications for Fall 2026 are open through theels.ca, and the leasing team is reachable at 647-723-4546 or [email protected] for availability and tour bookings. Each resident signs an individual lease covering their private bedroom, with shared kitchen and living areas included in the suite layout.
References
[1] Cushman & Wakefield. (2025). Canadian student housing outlook 2025. Cushman & Wakefield Canada. https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/canada/insights/canadian-student-housing-outlook
[2] University of Toronto Student Life. (n.d.). Housing scams and how to spot them. University of Toronto. https://studentlife.utoronto.ca/task/housing-scams-and-how-to-spot-them/
[3] University of Toronto Scarborough. (n.d.). International student considerations. University of Toronto Scarborough Residences. https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/residences/international-student-considerations
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