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About 3 years ago, I ran into a horrible housing problem. School was starting in two days, and I had no where to live. My supposed-to-be roommate had bailed on me, and for the first month of the semester I was commuting from my grandma’s house (2 hour commute!) to get to school. I needed to find an apartment, and fast.

I visited Housing Services right away. The service is your go-to place for housing questions or problems. They organize events on how to look for off-campus housing (or even buy a home!), resources such as your tenant rights, help for students in crisis and even provide conflict resolution for students who have problems with their landlord or roommate. My favourite tools are the Housing Finder and Roommate Finder. Only landlords (for Housing Finder) and U of T students (for Roommate Finder) are allowed to post on the directories.

I eventually found an apartment with a friend that year. Thankfully, the resources I got from Housing Services helped me learn about my tenant rights and things to think about when I go apartment hunting. I chose to live off campus for graduate studies, but if I did choose on-campus housing, there are a number of places I could have applied to.

The first two are part of U of T Housing Services. There are different application portals, but grad students usually apply through MyRes.

1. Graduate House

Some of you probably live in Grad House already? How do you like it? The residence is located behind Robarts and across the street from the Athletic Centre, right on the corner of Harbord and Spadina. I’ve visited it a few times – it’s pretty cool. There’s a piano room, pool table and laundry room in the building. Residents also get a full kitchen and furnished living areas. The best part (I think) is that it’s month-to-month, which means there is no long-term commitment.

2. Chestnut Residence

Chestnut is a bit far from campus, but it’s close to Eaton Centre, if shopping is your thing. I’ve never been there, but I hear it’s great. The building actually used to be a hotel, and the food is world class. This residence also houses undergraduate students.

The following residences are independent from U of T Housing Servings and have their own application process.

3. Knox College

If you look just north of convocation hall, you will find Knox College, a small theological college with dormitory-style graduate housing. Housing terms are differentiated between school-term and summer accommodations. If you are staying during the school year, you are also getting a meal plan for the New College cafeteria. Knox College is gorgeous – the courtyard is one of my favourite places on campus. Imagine having that view out the window.

4. Massey College

I’ve talked about Massey College before in my Ghosts of U of T post. Yes, it might be Robertson Davis’ permanent residence, but who says you can’t stay there too? Massey is located across the street from the Munk School of Global Affairs. Rooms are also available for summer rentals. I’ve been in there once, and found it very serene. If you like quiet space, you might like Massey. Sorry, couldn’t find pictures 🙁

5. Wycliffe College

Right behind Hart House is the older Wycliffe College. Like Knox College, it is also a theology college. It has a small, close-knit community and features newly updated washrooms and a breakfast & dinner meal plan Monday through Saturday. During the few times I’ve been in there to write exams and attend events, I noticed that it was always bright and rather spacious.

Finally, for those of us with family, there is housing for you too.

6. Student Family Housing

Family Housing is actually located steps away from Yonge and Bloor – that’s prime real estate, right there. Apartments accommodate student couples and families. They also offer childcare and robust residence programming for the whole family. I’m pretty sure they’ve updated a few things since I’ve been there, so I’m not going to comment on my impressions of the residence. Take a look at their gallery.

If you have any housing questions – any at all – visiting the Housing Services office in the Koffler Centre or contact them. They even have a skype service if you’re an international student or just not on campus. They’re here you help U of T students with any housing problem.

It’s nearing the end of the semester. If you’re looking for housing in time for January, now is the time to start looking and applying. Happy hunting!